MT: Senior Master "Bambit" Dulay's Website

[balita]

Senior Master "Bambit" Dulay's Website
By Salagubang - Fri, 20 Jun 2008 03:02:39 GMT

====================

Master of Tapi-Tapi
http://www.bambittapitapi.com/


Read More... (http://www.martialtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=64684&goto=newpost)


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[arnisador]

But he isn't exactly a Master of Tapi-Tapi in the sense that the Prof. gave out that title, is he? I find this (http://www.bambittapitapi.com/Bio/Senior-Master_Samuel-Dulay.html) a bit misleading:


Master Samuel “Bambit” Dulay is what one would call a Master of Tapi Tapi,

That's a specific title the Prof. used.

[Brock]

Have to agree with you there. At least from what I've been exposed to the M.O.T.T.s are a specific and finite group like the Datu and there were only so many named and when the next group (or maybe class would be a better name? Like a graduating class.) came along Prof. Remy came up with another name for that group. Then again, my exposure to Modern Arnis was short lived (only about a year or so) and I haven't been researching it as much as I once was, so I may have things a bit skewed in my brain.

[Mono]

Great to see Master Dulay have his own site now!

About the MOTT Sentence: I am sure no one hat the Intention of bringing about any confusions abot the "Title" MOTT - since it is a "purely American" Thing it might not be as "Present" in the Minds of the Philippinos such as more common Titles like Datu.

Tapi Tapi is also something VERY Different in the Philippines then it is in the US, (depending who you train with) and not always connected to the "Drill" that in the Later Years became known as "Tapi Tapi" on wich the Title "MOTT" is based (this is based on what I have seen in the PI and from MA people from the US!).
The "Tapi Tapi Drill" was basically the "latest stage of Development" the Professor taught in the US - it was not the way he had been teaching in the Philippines before he cam to the US; so this "Drill" is quite unknown in the PI. There are only a few Students of Remy who have been taught this "latest Version" of Tapi Tapi by him personally when he made his last Trips back to the PI. (I do not exactly know who all he has been training with exactly and how much but I do know that Master Dulay was one of them, getting his share of the "new" Tapi Tapi Training)
But mainly in the Modern Arnis Comunity of the Philippines it basicallyis a "Counter for Counter" Method (that became know in the US more by the name of "the Flow").

Master Dulay Teaches it in this way even though he incorporates the "new" Progression and the "old" Method as well as Incorporating the Classical Styles of Modern Arnis into his Teachings of Tapi Tapi.

(See his Bio:
Using the classical theories of Palis system, Abaniko system, and the Krusada system Master Dulay incorporates and manipulates the movements and theories to excel in Tapi Tapi.)

This is also already outlined in the First Site of the Website:

The heart of Modern Arnis is Tapi-Tapi, which means, "counter for counter." The idea is simple: no matter what your opponent does, be educated and prepared with a counter. When two practitioners work together, the counters continue back and forth until one partner "catches" the other.

So I believe what was meant in his Bio is, that Master Dulay is a "Master" (as an expression for someone who es very proficient at something) of the "Counter For Counter" Method - not reffering to the "Title" "Master of Tapi Tapi" and I also do not believe that any missleading confusion was meant intentionally!

If he has not read about this confusion on this Forum already, I will let him Know that - in order to not cause any further Confusion - it might be helpfullto re phrase the sentence.
There is enough Politics in MA already - lets not contribute to things that do the Art of Professor Presas no good!

Greetings from Germany!

Philipp "Mono" Wolf

[arnisador]

Thanks for your positive comments! I do think that's what is meant, but I do feel it's an unfortunate way of phrasing matters.

[Brian Johns]

Having worked extensively with the Masters of Tapi Tapi, in particular with Master Chuck Gauss, I have the following to offer:


Great to see Master Dulay have his own site now!

About the MOTT Sentence: I am sure no one hat the Intention of bringing about any confusions abot the "Title" MOTT - since it is a "purely American" Thing it might not be as "Present" in the Minds of the Philippinos such as more common Titles like Datu.

Tapi Tapi is also something VERY Different in the Philippines then it is in the US, (depending who you train with) and not always connected to the "Drill" that in the Later Years became known as "Tapi Tapi" on wich the Title "MOTT" is based (this is based on what I have seen in the PI and from MA people from the US!).

How is it different in the Phillipines than in the US ? Have you worked with any of the Masters of Tapi Tapi ? They will be the first to tell you that it's not a "drill." We have heard this so many times over the years. It is the concept of "counter for counter."



The "Tapi Tapi Drill" was basically the "latest stage of Development" the Professor taught in the US - it was not the way he had been teaching in the Philippines before he cam to the US; so this "Drill" is quite unknown in the PI. There are only a few Students of Remy who have been taught this "latest Version" of Tapi Tapi by him personally when he made his last Trips back to the PI. (I do not exactly know who all he has been training with exactly and how much but I do know that Master Dulay was one of them, getting his share of the "new" Tapi Tapi Training)

Again, Tapi Tapi is not a "drill." It is a "live" and progressive concept and means "counter for counter." Where is this idea that it is a drill coming from ? It is a counter for counter method of fighting.

Master Dulay Teaches it in this way even though he incorporates the "new" Progression and the "old" Method as well as Incorporating the Classical Styles of Modern Arnis into his Teachings of Tapi Tapi.



(See his Bio:
Using the classical theories of Palis system, Abaniko system, and the Krusada system Master Dulay incorporates and manipulates the movements and theories to excel in Tapi Tapi.)

This is also already outlined in the First Site of the Website:

The heart of Modern Arnis is Tapi-Tapi, which means, "counter for counter." The idea is simple: no matter what your opponent does, be educated and prepared with a counter. When two practitioners work together, the counters continue back and forth until one partner "catches" the other.

So I believe what was meant in his Bio is, that Master Dulay is a "Master" (as an expression for someone who es very proficient at something) of the "Counter For Counter" Method - not reffering to the "Title" "Master of Tapi Tapi" and I also do not believe that any missleading confusion was meant intentionally!

If he has not read about this confusion on this Forum already, I will let him Know that - in order to not cause any further Confusion - it might be helpfullto re phrase the sentence.
There is enough Politics in MA already - lets not contribute to things that do the Art of Professor Presas no good!

Greetings from Germany!

Philipp "Mono" Wolf

[Brian Johns]

I'm reposting since my original reply may be hard to locate (which is now in bold):

Originally Posted by Mono http://www.fmatalk.com/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.fmatalk.com/showthread.php?p=28076#post28076)
Great to see Master Dulay have his own site now!

About the MOTT Sentence: I am sure no one hat the Intention of bringing about any confusions abot the "Title" MOTT - since it is a "purely American" Thing it might not be as "Present" in the Minds of the Philippinos such as more common Titles like Datu.

Tapi Tapi is also something VERY Different in the Philippines then it is in the US, (depending who you train with) and not always connected to the "Drill" that in the Later Years became known as "Tapi Tapi" on wich the Title "MOTT" is based (this is based on what I have seen in the PI and from MA people from the US!).

How is it different in the Phillipines than in the US ? Have you worked with any of the Masters of Tapi Tapi ? They will be the first to tell you that it's not a "drill." We have heard this so many times over the years. It is the concept of "counter for counter."



The "Tapi Tapi Drill" was basically the "latest stage of Development" the Professor taught in the US - it was not the way he had been teaching in the Philippines before he cam to the US; so this "Drill" is quite unknown in the PI. There are only a few Students of Remy who have been taught this "latest Version" of Tapi Tapi by him personally when he made his last Trips back to the PI. (I do not exactly know who all he has been training with exactly and how much but I do know that Master Dulay was one of them, getting his share of the "new" Tapi Tapi Training)

Again, Tapi Tapi is not a "drill." It is a "live" and progressive concept and means "counter for counter." Where is this idea that it is a drill coming from ? It is a counter for counter method of fighting.

Master Dulay Teaches it in this way even though he incorporates the "new" Progression and the "old" Method as well as Incorporating the Classical Styles of Modern Arnis into his Teachings of Tapi Tapi.



(See his Bio:
Using the classical theories of Palis system, Abaniko system, and the Krusada system Master Dulay incorporates and manipulates the movements and theories to excel in Tapi Tapi.)

This is also already outlined in the First Site of the Website:

The heart of Modern Arnis is Tapi-Tapi, which means, "counter for counter." The idea is simple: no matter what your opponent does, be educated and prepared with a counter. When two practitioners work together, the counters continue back and forth until one partner "catches" the other.



That is exactly what the US Masters of Tapi Tapi teach. I fail to see the difference between what you describe is taught in the Philippines and what is taught in the US.

So I believe what was meant in his Bio is, that Master Dulay is a "Master" (as an expression for someone who es very proficient at something) of the "Counter For Counter" Method - not reffering to the "Title" "Master of Tapi Tapi" and I also do not believe that any missleading confusion was meant intentionally!

I have seen Master Bambit once and I was very impressed with his skills. I'm just concerned that he is using this title when, to the best of my knowledge, he was not awarded this title by Professor Presas.

Based on the language of Bambit's website, I don't see what the difference between what he describes he is doing versus what was taught to the Masters of Tapi Tapi and what is being propagated by them these days.

If he has not read about this confusion on this Forum already, I will let him Know that - in order to not cause any further Confusion - it might be helpfullto re phrase the sentence.
There is enough Politics in MA already - lets not contribute to things that do the Art of Professor Presas no good!

Greetings from Germany!

Philipp "Mono" Wolf


Take care,
Brian Johns

[Alakd'an]

Hey, Brian

I hope things are going well for your club/school up in Canada, eh?

I have seen your posts and agree with most of what you have to say.

I think what Master Dulay is doing is just what most Instructors do when they try to promote themselves. They take on titles or descriptions of their skills. I do not think it is Master Dulays intent to ride the "coat tails" of the MOTT's or try to infringe on the Title they earned from Grandmaster Presas.

I do see your point and do agree that he was not given the Title by Grandmaster Presas.

But, is that particular "Title" exclusive to just the MOTT's?

(This is to EVERYONE reading this forum topic, This next line of questions is NOT intended to diminish the MOTT's whatsoever.)

Let me explain my question better.

Why can't you or anyone who has gained proficiency in the Counter for Counter (Tapi-Tapi) fighting concept claim this as long as they do not claim they got it from Grandmaster Presas. Has there been some copyright or trademark on this Title so as to no other person can attain "Master of Tapi Tapi" status.

Could the MOTT's pass on this Title to their students who attain the same or better "Mastery" of this skill? And if they cannot, why not?

Is it not the responsibility of the Teacher to pass on the titles and ranks they achieve to the next generation as their students gain the same or better skills to keep the "Art" alive?

Do other Martial Systems or styles have titles and ranks that they pass on to their students? Or even new titles and ranks that evolve over time, that are passed on to others, that did not get them from the head of the system or Grandmaster of that style?

Are there literally only "one of seven" Masters of Tapi-Tapi today around the world? Considering all the FMA's out there, and the skill levels of thosse practicing "Tapi-Tapi", could we in all seriousness make the claim, "one of seven"?


Besides, are we really worried about what is happening thousands of miles away? And how would that affect those of us who have chosen to carry on Modern Arnis over here?

These again are just my thoughts and this is a good discussion to have.

I am very happy to hear that you have continued the "Art" with you to Canada.

Continue the good work and I wish you great success.

Yours in Modern Arnis,

Ben
Senior Supreme Nacho Grand Pooba of S.M.A.C.
I trained 3 minutes longer than any one with the Grandmaster, in between breaks at a seminar, and was taught a "Secret" Presas Family Arnis Death move in the parking lot, after dropping off the Grandmaster at the airport, so there....neener neener neener!

[Datu Tim Hartman]

Just my opinion.

Prof. Presas used different titles for different things. Unfortunately none of us knew what Remy’s entire definitions were. I was awarded several titles. Here is the list:
Guro - one of many
Punong Guro – one of only two award by Prof. Presas in the states
Protégé – don’t know how many
Datu – one of sixThat being said I have my own opinion on the use of titles that Prof used inside the Modern Arnis community. I question the wisdom of Dulay’s use of the title of MoTT. This was a term used by GM Remy. There is no way for anyone to stop him from using the term. If the current MoTTs would like to issue that title to someone, that would be alright. If Dulay chose to use that title on his own, I would say that it may be in bad taste.

Ben wroteAre there literally only "one of seven" Masters of Tapi-Tapi today around the world? Considering that we are talking about a Modern Arnis practitioner using a Modern Arnis title. Then yes, just like I’m one of only six Modern Arnis Datus in the world. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and this one is mine.

P.S. For the record I don’t agree with the MoTTs definition of their title.

[arnisador]

I understand Alakd'an's point, esp. since this title could be constructed incidentally as he indicates, but I do have to agree it's in bad taste to use a title the Prof. did when he didn't give it out and didn't specify criteria for awarding it. I do agree that if the MOTTs awarded it I'd view it somewhat differently.

But--we can certainly agree to disagree on this! He's a great practitioner and no one is disputing that.

[Datu Tim Hartman]

The heart of Modern Arnis is Tapi-Tapi, which means, "counter for counter." The idea is simple: no matter what your opponent does, be educated and prepared with a counter. When two practitioners work together, the counters continue back and forth until one partner "catches" the other.

The problem here is communication. I have talk to many different Filipinos on what Tapi-Tapi means. I've never gotten the same answer. The problem is that there are many different dialects of the Filipino language. That being said there are many different interpretations on what the word can mean. Add to the equation that Remy spoke several different dialects. Quite formula for miscommunication!

[Datu Tim Hartman]

But--we can certainly agree to disagree on this! He's a great practitioner and no one is disputing that.
Agreed.

[Datu Dieter]

Hi Tim and the others,

first of all, this is NOT an attack on you or Dan. Not at all.

Well, I think Bambit is doing what you and Dan have done as well: Do what you think is right, not worrying about what others think.
Dan got a lot of beating for the use of the "Professor" title, for how he got the 8th Dan and now how he got the Grandmaster title.
You got a lot of beating for how you got 7th and 9th Dan as well as later 9th Dan and Grandmaster in Komabtan.
Did you and Dan care about what others said or thought about it?
No you did not. You did what you thought is right and necessary.

So now Bambit is doing the same thing I guess.
In have trained with GM Remy and almost every higher ranked person in Modern Arnis, be it in the Philippines or in the US. With some US MoTTs not very intensively, but exept of Ken Smith I know them all personally.
And I can tell you, that Bambit has all the new Tapi-Tapi of GM Remy.

He is extremely gifted in what an how he does things.
No matter if he got the tile of GM Remy ot not, he IS a Master of Tapi-Tapi skillwise.

I will see him on Friday in Manila during my 4 weeks stay in the Philippines and I will talk with him about it.

Greetings

Dieter Knüttel
Datu of Modern Anris

[arnisador]

Well, I do see your point, and I don't doubt your assessment of his skills...but I still wonder if saying the same thing another way would be better? Even saying he is a "Tapi-Tapi Master" is enough different that it isn't the specific title of someone else.

[Datu Dieter]

Maybe, sure one could do this.

But, and now I am purely guessing, maybe he wants po make a statement there.
To point out, that there are also Filipinos, that are masters of Tapi-Tapi.
As wa way of starting a discussion. I don't know, I will ask him.

As I said, only a guess.

But if a Filipino deserve the title "Master of Tapi Tapi", then it would be Bambit.



Regards

Dieter Knüttel
Datu of Modern Arnis

[Datu Tim Hartman]

What would you have thought if he used the title Datu?

[Datu Dieter]

I don't say that I agree with what he did or how he did it.
I just offer a few possible explanations.

I think it leads to misunderstanding, if he uses the title like that.
But so did Dans "Professor" title and so does your promotions.

And if he would have used the Datu title, sure, I would have probably thought "how can he do this".

But again, you do what you think is right, not caring what others do or say.
Dan the same and in the end, Remy did the same too.
He carried on with his way of doing things, no matter what others do.

And in the Philippines, people are not so aware of the MoTTs as in the US.
As an example: Your atavar here reminds me strongly to the "iron Cross" awarde by the Nazis in WWII to war heroes.

See here to compare to your atavar:

http://www.abanico.de/Eisernes_Kreuz.dehttp://www.abanico.de/Eisernes_Kreuz.jpg

Did you intend to remind at the iron cross? I don't think so. Does it disturb me? Yes, a lot.
Do hold it against you? Not at all, because I think (hope) it is done unintentionally.

So, I don't really think Bambit did it to harm American feelings.

Regards


Dieter Knüttel
Datu of Modern Arnis

[Mono]

It seems I was right by saying it was a "mistaken Use of Language" and NOT intended to be connected with the "Titel" of MOTT...

As you can check yourself, the Website has been changed:

Master Samuel “Bambit” Dulay is what one would call a Master in the ways of Tapi Tapi, except in his humble way he continuously seeks more and more knowledge and skill in the movements and techniques, focusing on the use of the cane(s) and related weapons of the body.

...

Yours,
Mono

[Brian R. VanCise]

Well folks I would not get to worked up about this. Titles are just titles anyways. (and anyone can have one) Plus do we know for sure that Remy did not award him the title of Master of Tapi-Tapi when he was last in the Philippines? Heck what happens when MARPPIO people achieve 6th Degree and declare themselves Datu? What happens when the next person starts calling themselves Professor? What happens when someone declares that they are the Grandmaster of Modern Arnis. (wait someone already did that aka Deleany) Well what happens when it happens again?

Dan is head/founder of MA-80
Tim is head/founder of WMAA
Dieter is head/founder of DAV
Motts are head of their branch
Deleany is head of his branch
All of the Filipino Masters are head of their own branches
MARPPIO is head of their own branch
etc.....

As to titles well they sound nice but in reality it is your skills that matter. http://www.fmatalk.com/images/icons/icon6.gif

I can truthfully and honestly see the issues here but in the end it is pretty meaningless to worry about it!

Keep training and not worry to much what everyone else is doing. http://www.fmatalk.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

Train with as many different people and experience their flavor of Modern Arnis. http://www.fmatalk.com/images/icons/icon14.gif Who knows you might find something new and cool! http://www.fmatalk.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[arnisador]

And in the Philippines, people are not so aware of the MoTTs as in the US.
As an example: Your atavar here reminds me strongly to the "iron Cross" awarde by the Nazis in WWII to war heroes.
[..]
Did you intend to remind at the iron cross? I don't think so. Does it disturb me? Yes, a lot.
Do hold it against you? Not at all, because I think (hope) it is done unintentionally.

I'm sure you're right that the MOTT title isn't known as well over there. Still, I must admit that the new phrasing is more appealing to me!

When our German foreign exchange student who stayed with us last year saw a button like the one below, she turned it in to a teacher, thinking it was a Nazi SS symbol. I have known that logo since the 70s and it doesn't remind me of that at all, but when she showed it to me I got it!

[Datu Dieter]

Heck what happens when MARPPIO people achieve 6th Degree and declare themselves Datu? What happens when the next person starts calling themselves Professor? What happens when someone declares that they are the Grandmaster of Modern Arnis.

Well, the same thing will start over again.
I have started a thread about this in 2002 I think.
It was about the difference of "a" Grandmaster and "the" Grandmaster.
There will never be again "the" Grandmaster of Modern Arnis. That was Remy. For all of us and period. No discussion about this.

But there will be others like Dan, Tim, Kelly etc, who are Grandmasters in their respective branch:


Dan is head/founder of MA-80
Tim is head/founder of WMAA
Dieter is head/founder of DAV
Motts are head of their branch
Deleany is head of his branch
All of the Filipino Masters are head of their own branches
MARPPIO is head of their own branch
etc.....
This is what I mean.
This is why we founded the Worldwide Family of Modern Arnis.
To be hreindly with each other and working together . And not to fight aout who did this and who is that.


As to titles well they sound nice but in reality it is your skills that matter. http://www.fmatalk.com/images/icons/icon6.gif Correct.


I can truthfully and honestly see the issues here but in the end it is pretty meaningless to worry about it!

Keep training and not worry to much what everyone else is doing. http://www.fmatalk.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

Train with as many different people and experience their flavor of Modern Arnis. http://www.fmatalk.com/images/icons/icon14.gif Who knows you might find something new and cool! http://www.fmatalk.com/images/icons/icon10.gifI think we are in a nice discussion exchanging thoughts and ideas.


Nothing to get heated about, at least from my side. :)


OK, but while we are at this topic:
How does Modern Arnis USA feel, that Ernesto calls himself "Great Grandmaster" now? So title wise higher than GM Remy. Is that ok?
Would that also be OK when an American would do that?
Or is it only, because a Filipino does it?

Just curious.

Greetings


Dieter Knüttel
Datu of Modern Arnis

[Brian R. VanCise]

Dieter it is always nice to read and think about your posts! http://www.fmatalk.com/images/icons/icon14.gif

As to Ernesto claiming the title of Great Grand Master well for me since he is the founder of Kombatan he is personally able to distinguish his title any way he sees fit within his organization. http://www.fmatalk.com/images/icons/icon6.gif It does also make some sence as he is handing out Grand Master titles within the Kombatan system. It has no effect on the Professors legacy or on Modern Arnis in general. http://www.fmatalk.com/images/icons/icon6.gif

I do not get caught up with titles as they seem to get in the way.

[Brian Johns]

I understand Alakd'an's point, esp. since this title could be constructed incidentally as he indicates, but I do have to agree it's in bad taste to use a title the Prof. did when he didn't give it out and didn't specify criteria for awarding it. I do agree that if the MOTTs awarded it I'd view it somewhat differently.

But--we can certainly agree to disagree on this! He's a great practitioner and no one is disputing that.

I could not have said it better than Arnisador here. My only issue with Bambit was the potential for the misleading others with the "Master of tapi tapi" title from an historical perspective. I have no issue at all with Bambit's skill as I have stated in an earlier post.

Take care,
Brian

[qwertz]

As you can check yourself, the Website has been changed:


It still says "Master of Tapi Tapi" in his banner, doesn't it?


http://www.bambittapitapi.com/Assets/images/banner.gif

[Datu Tim Hartman]

But there will be others like Dan, Tim, Kelly etc, who are Grandmasters in their respective branch:
For the record, I don't claim to be a Grandmaster in Modern Arnis. I was promoted to 9th degree in Kombatan by GGM Ernesto Presas. In Kombatan 9th degree has Grand Master status.

[Datu Tim Hartman]

For the record my avatar is a t-shirt I had made. It based on the Maltese Cross which predates the Iron Cross. It is also a US military marksman award. Currently this symbol is very popular in the American culture.

[Datu Tim Hartman]

Let's take this one set further. We all know the Nazi Swastika. What if you saw it being displayed in public? Would you be offended? Well don't go to Korea. I've attached an image of a building there and if you look you'll see one there. The Swastika is in several cultures. What a coincidence! So what's my point? The us of MoTT is not a coincidence, it's intentional! As qwertz posted the banner hasn't changed. I think that this is an example of poor taste, judgment or both.

[arnisador]

It sounds like he's responded by changing the web entry. Perhaps he'll change the banner too, but it certainly seems that he's acting in good faith here!

[Bob Hubbard]

I dunno....use of the swastika in art/religion/culture predated the nazi corruption of it by centuries.....the "iron cross" was in use at least 150 yrs prior to WW2...with similar crosses used by the Teutonic Knights in the 12th-15th century AD. I realize that "Master of Tapi Tapi" is a title within the IMAF but, was it used in any way prior to 2001? I mean, there is history, and then there is -history- here.

[Datu Dieter]

Let's take this one set further. We all know the Nazi Swastika. What if you saw it being displayed in public? Would you be offended? Well don't go to Korea. I've attached an image of a building there and if you look you'll see one there. The Swastika is in several cultures. What a coincidence! So what's my point? The us of MoTT is not a coincidence, it's intentional! As qwertz posted the banner hasn't changed. I think that this is an example of poor taste, judgment or both.

This korean Swastika is vice versa to the Nazi Swastika.

But this is not the point.
I am not picking on you.

The point I wanted to make was, that when you come from another culture, you see things sometimes differenetly because of your different socialisation. We in Germany are very much aware of the Nazi symbols and try to avoid them as much as we can (at least most of us) while other cultures, like you for that example, are not even aware, that the Logo you used as your atavar could be seen as a Nazi symbol.
Nothing wrong with that it is just different viewpoints.

And I can imagine, that this might be similar with Bambit.
No intentional "abuse" of the title, eventhough it could be seen like that.
Bambit had been invited by the MoTTs, taught on their camp, Brian Zawilinski participated at the 3rd FMA Festival in the Philippines and taught there.
So as far as I know, there is no tension between the IMAF of the MoTTs and the IMAFP and/or Senior Master Bambit Dulay. So why should he offend them intentionally by doing this conciously. I don't see the point why.

So I still think he did it unintentional and did not want to provoke the IMAF of the MoTTs.


@ Brian VanCise

Thanks for the flowers :)


Regards

Dieter Knüttel
Datu of Modern Arnis

[kruzada]

The use of MoTT is not a coincidence, it's intentional! As [/SIZE]qwertz posted the banner hasn't changed. I think that this is an example of poor taste, judgment or both.

Tim,

Senior Master Bambit Dulay is my teacher and official advisor to my family system and I am offended by the tone of your post. You really should approach this with a little more tact.

As far as him placing "Master of Tapi Tapi" on his website, that in my opinion is him just stating a Fact, not claiming a title. As you can see on his website he doesn't claim to have been given this title by GM Remy.

IMO there are some individuals that need to be conferred a title to command respect, and others whose skill alone speaks of their Mastery.

Senior Master Bambit Dulay is not only a "Master of Tapi Tapi" he is also a Master of Classical Arnis, a Master of Largo Mano, Master of Abanico, Master of Palis Palis, and every other style in the Modern Arnis system. Hence his title Senior Master.

These are not titles they are also Fact. He lives and breathes Modern Arnis and has spread Grandmaster Remy's Tapi Tapi throughout the Philippines, because he is one of the foremost authorities in the P.I. in this aspect of Modern Arnis.

The Philippines is the birthplace of Modern Arnis. So what could be more important than to bring Grandmaster Remy's most recent innovation, that he created in the U.S., back to the motherland itself for his kababayans (countrymen). SM Bambit is spreading the knowledge of Tapi Tapi where no other MOTT could.

Just for perspective let me reiterate what everyone on this forum already knows. No one promoted Grandmaster Remy to his Grandmaster status when he founded Modern Arnis. In fact none of the Grandmasters in the Philippines were promoted to this level, they just claimed the title for themselves. In the Philippines the simple fact is you don't claim something you can't back up. No one questioned Grandmaster Remy's title because he had the skill to match, and no one here should question Senior Master Bambit if he wants to state that he is a Master of Tapi Tapi because he also has the skill and expertise to back it up.

If anyone really has a problem with this, I suggest you log off and give him a call, or email him. He doesn't have an account here, so if you feel so strongly about this issue then take it to him directly. Here is his contact info PH: 63 9 06 411 3774 Email: raparnis@hotmail.com

He'll probably invite you to go to the FMA Festival and participate in the festivities, that's the kind of gentleman he is.

-Rich Acosta

[Datu Tim Hartman]

Rich-

I really wasn’t directing my conversation toward you. Dieter and I were going back and forth and was getting the feeling that he was not getting my point. I will now respond to your post. If you had trained with GM Remy here in the states you might understand better. Remy had invented the term MoTT for a certain group of practitioners. I don’t agree with what some people says it means, but Remy invented the title for those 7 people.

Let me try explaining it this way. Remy issued the title of Datu to 6 Modern Arnis practitioners, myself included. IMO if someone in the Modern Arnis community wanted to use the title of Datu (as it pertains to Modern Arnis) he or she should petition the current Datus to be inducted into the fold.

Rich- you’ve got to understand something. I am dyslexic and I have a very blunt writing style on the internet. Sometimes that combination leads to statements that have a harsher feeling than intended. I am looking a bigger picture here. The modern arnis community is very fragmented and using specialty titles created by Remy that were not given to people will most likely have negative consequences. As far as asking Dulay questions, if the opportunity arises for a face to face meeting, there is a list of things I would ask. If I am still welcome this weekend to the Rene Tongson seminar, I have a list a questions to ask him as well. I don’t doubt his skill and if you look earlier in the thread, I acknowledge that.

[kruzada]

Tim,

I understand that the conversation wasn't directed towards me. But anything that addresses IMAFP and especially my teachers most certainly concerns me. I am trying to protect the reputation of both in this case.

Thanks for the background on the subject of titles issued by GM Remy. I just feel that everyone here is making broad assumptions concerning SM Bambit's use of the MOTT designation on his website. This can only be cleared up by communicating your concerns directly with SM Bambit. You can email him if you like, I'm sure that he would rather open the lines of communication than have people exclude him from this public debate.

Online communication is very limited, and people can misread or misinterpret intentions. This may be the case on my side regarding your posts and on your side as well with how you have interpreted SM Bambit's intentions with regards to the use of the term MOTT on his website.

Ofcourse you are still welcome at GM Tongson's seminar. This misunderstanding should not overshadow the larger goal of fostering brotherhood in Modern Arnis. I'm sure that it will be a very productive meeting, and we can discuss this issue more in person if you like.

-Rich

[Dan Anderson]

Hi Brian,

Way late reader/poster to this thread.


Again, Tapi Tapi is not a "drill." It is a "live" and progressive concept and means "counter for counter." Where is this idea that it is a drill coming from ? It is a counter for counter method of fighting.
In the latter 1980's, Prof. taught a strike 1-12 based block-check-counter-counter block drill and he called it Tapi-Tapi. In the 1990's Prof. taught the "capture-bait-capture into a lock" series as Tapi-Tapi.

Per the video Modern Arnis - Filipino Martial Art - Mano de Tranka - Introduction to Tapi-Tapi Prof Presas says, (verbatim quote here): "Ladies and gentlemen, I will present to you the Filipino martial art; we call it Modern Arnis and I will present to you the art of Tapi-Tapi, how to lock and control your opponent with the cane and without the cane."

These are the origins of 'Tapi-Tapi is a drill.' I do not know if RP stateed at many of the seminars he taught that it was an enveloping concept such as counter the counter or not. I do know he told me that the two main concepts of Modern Arnis were The Flow and Counter the Counter.

Yours,
Dan Anderson

[Datu Tim Hartman]

I was talking to the webmaster and after our conversation it has been changed to Tapi-Tapi Master.

[arnisador]

I do know he told me that the two main concepts of Modern Arnis were The Flow and Counter the Counter.


That's how it's always seemed to me (plus The Art within Your Art, but that's a little different).

[Dan Anderson]

Wow! I sure missed out on a lot here.

Rich,

There was somewhat of a mis-communication re Master of Tapi-Tapi and Bambit. In the US, MoTT is a very specifically designated title given to the 7 in IMAF. Just as Datu was given to only 6 individuals. MoTT is used as a proper noun rather than as an adjective. This is how it is used in the US.

That being said, Bambit's accomplishments are undisputed and are his own. In the long run (boy, am I going to catch hell for this next statement), each additional year after Prof. Remy's passing, the formal designations are going to mean less and less as far as if they are correct or not. By this I mean each person is giong to be measured against his or her own skills and actions.

Each of us carries the art in his and her own way. Bingo.

Yours,
Dan Anderson