Howdy everyone!

[spikeparsons]

Don't train as often as I used to in the FMA, but love the arts --- silat too!
My training buddies keep moving out of state!
I am 40+ yrs. young, rusty, but teachable!
Love to learn --- love to train --- love to teach!
spikeparsons

[arnisador]

Welcome! What FMAs have you studied?

[Datu Tim Hartman]

Hello.

[spikeparsons]

Hey arnisador,
I started out w/ various mag. articles and books in 81' / 82'. First hands-on exposure was with a training partner that hooked up w/ Manuel Taningco in Dayton, OH. Taningco sponsored an Inosanto seminar. I was in martial art heaven. I had to pinch myself, I had the mindset that the closest I would get to anybody of any this caliber --- would be through the mag.s, books, and videos.

I attended three other Inosanto seminars (Pittsburgh - Don Garon; NC - Dickie Harrell) with this former training partner, Lester Cohen, before I helped him move his family to San Diego. Before he left, we saw Inosanto in NC. He told Lester to look up Narrie Babao. We did, but he was up the coast having his ship worked on (Navy man), but we met a couple of his students and his son. Before I returned to WV, Lester took me to visit the IMB academy. Neat experience! Saw some of Lee's training equipment and met Richard Bustillo. All these fellas seem w/o ego, humble, and down to earth. We then went to Dan's school, which was in Carson at that time. Not only did Dan greet us like we were old friends, but he was having Chai Sirisute teach some that night. I was still pinching myself. The only thing that robbed me of some of the joy of all this was an case of conjunctivitis! I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. If I never experience anything like that again, it'll suffice plenty!

Attended two Larry Hartsell seminars (OH - Ken Gleeson). Larry, of course, covered grappling, which my buddies were more interested in --- I, however, went for the Lameco Eskrima that he was going to share. Larry ain't pretty to watch, with a stick or knife, but he sure could put a hurtin' on ya!

I briefly met Remy Presas in Bluefield, WV. I was very impressed w/ his skill and humility, as well! I have a friend, Mike Sinnett, that is an instructor in Modern Arnis in GA. He received rank from the late Dr. Wilfredo C. Matias. Mike lived in Huntington, while going to school for his teaching degree. We traded our FMA knowledge / experience. We trained and taught some. He exposed me to more of Presas through his videos.

I am presently working some of the Modern Arnis basics & forms. Considering attaining rank in MA!?! No instructors close by though - Columbus, OH probably the closest. Still, I reeeeeeeeally like the Inosanto / Lacoste stuff.

I like aspects of silat, as well.

I'm interested most in empty hand and knife applications of the FMAs. Also, head, neck, and shoulder manipulations. I don't have the greatest knees nowadays --- don't want to go to the ground any more than an ol' man has'ta! Dig me!?!

That's pretty much my FMA history. I started out in Tae Kwon Do --- attained a 1st Dan and a 2nd Dan in UFAF (Chuck Norris system). I'm sure that's tremendously more than what you asked for, but once I started it began to pour. Please excuse my excess!
sincerely,
spikeparsons

[spikeparsons]

Hello Tim,
I hear you're one of the top instructors in MA.
Glad to make your acquaintance!
blessings,
spikeparsons

[Datu Tim Hartman]

Hello Tim,
I hear you're one of the top instructors in MA.
Glad to make your acquaintance!
blessings,
spikeparsons
Thanks for the compliment, the check is in the mail!:)

[Rich Parsons]

Look Out there is more than one Parsons' here now. ;) :D

Welcome Spike!

[arnisador]

Going to seminars is a start! Keep at it!

[dmcdonnell]

I attended three other Inosanto seminars (Pittsburgh - Don Garon



Spike,
Dave McDonnell... I am a student of Don Garon.. what years did you attend the seminars..?

Don is an awesome instructor... He is bringing Cass Magda in this coming weekend.. I am excited to get back to Don's place for a seminar.. its been a while..

Dave

[arnisador]

Dave McDonnell

Welcome!