Datu Tim Hartman - Modern Arnis / Kombatan / Balintawak / Bando

The WMAA has taken a bold step in a new direction. Under the guidance of Datu Hartman, we have now started guided martial arts tours. The first tour was the 2009 Philippines Tour to Manila and Negros Occidental. The tour group consisted of eight people from the USA, Sweden and Canada.

The individual groups arrived the morning of Friday, April 17th and everyone met up at the Pension Hotel in Manila. They wasted no time getting to several shopping centers, where they picked up supplies as well as gifts to take home to friends and family. The first weekend was spent acclimating themselves to both the climate and time zone changes. Activities included shopping, sightseeing, visiting the Taal Volcano in Tagaytay, and training in Rizal and Luneta Park with assorted masters and grandmasters.

From picking our own food at the fish market to riding to the top of a volcano riding on the back of a horse, there were so many memorable moments that it’s hard to imagine just one! With all of our adventures leading up to the training camp, we never once felt unwelcomed or endangered. The Philippine people were so very warm and accommodating. There is no question that there are dangerous parts of the islands, which make this no different than any other part of the world. But our tour guides and drivers took very good care of us.

On Monday, April 20th, our group met with the rest of the training camp participants at the Manila airport. Datu Hartman was reunited with many old friends as well as meeting many new ones. It was a short one hour flight down to Negros. Unfortunately, due to construction our ride to the training camp ended up being a marathon. Fortunately for us, GGM Ernesto had chartered two new air conditioned tour busses to take us to the training camp. On the way, he had the bus drivers treat us to lunch at McDonald’s. After a long rainy ride to the camp site, we were assigned our rooms. Afterward, we all met at the main lounge area of the camp grounds where they had an informal opening ceremony. After all of the introductions, members of the camp were treated to a performance of a talented local rock band. Tired of watching everyone do imitations of a wall flower, the Datu cleared some tables and chairs out of the way and got the dance floor hopping! The party lasted until the wee hours of the morning. Surprisingly enough, everybody showed up on time for training the very next morning!

The Kombatan camp is a two week training event. Due to prior commitments, seminars and tournaments as well as work schedules, the WMAA group was only able to participate in the first week of camp. We were treated to many different instructors teaching at this year’s camp. Obviously GGM Ernesto Presas was the featured instructor. But, we also had the opportunity to train with GM Ernesto Jr., master instructors Michael Ermac, Oliver, and Allen Fami. In addition to the instruction, there were many demonstrations, including one by surprise guest and friend of Datu Hartman, Grand Tuhon Nene Tortal. Grand Tuhon Tortal was a guest instructor at the 2008 WMAA training camp. It was here where unofficial plans were made for Grand Tuhon Tortal and Datu Hartman to meet during this trip. After an unsuccessful game of phone tag, Grand Tuhon took it upon himself to visit the camp. GGM Ernesto introduced Tortal to all the participants at the camp and had him give a demonstration before leaving.

At the end of the week, four of our members participated in a black belt grading. This was a two+ hour test. This was more challenging than everyone thought it was going to be. The first hurdle was the heat and humidity. Most of us came from a climate of 40F-50F and the test was run outside in a 95+F climate with plenty of humidity. The second part was that they were unable to partner up with each other. GM Ernesto Jr. had five of his top black belts rotating in and out of the tests with our members. The Datu was especially proud of these members for not only surviving the tests but for also being awarded the following ranks in Kombatan:

· Edward Mangle 3rd degree black belt
· Fern Monti 2nd degree black belt
· Orly Canlas 1st degree black belt
· Craig Mason 1st degree black belt

The funniest comment was made by Guro Ed. He said, “I am surprised I passed!” To which the Datu replied, “I’m surprised you didn’t pass out!”. Later that evening there was a black belt meeting to decide where the 2010 World Tour IPMAF camp was to be held. Master Andy Elliot, from Australia, proposed that the camp be held in the USA. Datu Hartman suggested three possible locations. After discussing the different travel arrangements that would have to be made by the European members and challenges therein, they decided to use an East Coast location. At this time, Datu Hartman will be hosting the camp at the WMAA headquarters, “Horizon Martial Arts”. Although the exact dates have not yet been set, it will be some time during April of 2010.

On April 25th, our tour group flew back to Manila to prepare for the long trip home. This time was spent for last minute shopping, more training in the park and packing, repacking and re-repacking everything to make sure souvenirs got back to the States in once piece. Everything went without a hitch prior to departure to the States. The only “problem” was the10 hour layover in Taipei. Fortunately, we found a spot where there was free computers usage, big screen plasma TVs with CNN and an Xbox for car racing games. The novelty of all of this didn’t last very long and Datu found himself posing for photos with a large Hello Kitty statue! All of the members of the tour group returned safely to their homes and families.

The primary goal of this trip wasn’t about learning Filipino martial arts. There are many qualified instructors all around the world, whether they live or hold seminars in your areas. The goal was to be immersed in the Filipino culture. This gave people the opportunity to see how and why things developed as they did, and gave better insight into the Filipino psyche. The Datu will be the first to tell you that one trip alone will not give you all the answers. This being his second visit, both times he has learned more about the people and has a much better appreciation for them. The Datu will be leading more tours to the Philippines as well as other countries, so more people can share in these life changing experiences.

May 2009

Premier Padded Weaponry (PPW) has debuted their new padded stick! To ensure that they delivered the "premier" padded weapon on the market, PPW enlisted Datu Hartman to perform R&D testing on the product.

2008 News and Events

January 18th - 20th, I.D.T. Weekend , Buffalo, NY
This three day Instructor training weekend featured Datu Hartman.

February 1st – 10th
Datu Hartman went on a four city seminar tour in Sweden. He taught three open seminars and one private seminar in Malmo, Norrköping, Linköping and Eskilstuna.

While in Sweden Datu Hartman also ran a Modern Arnis test with the following promotions:
· Kenneth Johansson - Lakan Tatlo (3rd Degree Black Belt)
· Mattias Jansson - Lakan Dalawa (2nd Degree Black Belt)
· Kristoffer Sundh - Lakan Isa (1st Degree Black Belt)

February 22nd
Datu Tim Hartman, Punong Guro Sal Todaro & Master Les Kiersnowski taught a joint seminar at Team Torres in New Jersey.

Datu Hartman taught a Modern Arnis and Kombatan seminar in Athol, Massachusetts at White Leopard Sikaran.

March 16th, Niagara Falls, Canada.
Datu Tim Hartman taught a seminar series on sport Arnis tactics at Tigers Lair Karate.

The WMAA Headquarters (Horizon Martial Arts) played host to the 2008 WMAA Team USA trials. 38 people made the team. This team will compete against Team Canada in St. Catherines, Ontario on August 10th. For more information go to www.canamborderbattle.com

April 5 - 2008 NAFMA Ohio State Championship, held in Newcomerstown, OH
Datu Hartman won the Ohio State Championships in Stick Sparring, Weapons and Forms.

WMAA Canada held the 2008 WMAA Team trials. 47 people made the team. This team will compete against Team USA in St. Catherines, Ontario on August 10th. For more information go to www.canamboarderbattle.com

Datu Hartman, accompanied by five member of the Tribe, participated in the 2008 NAFMA Championships. We all kicked ass and took names. Our six members brought back nine National titles. In addition to competing, Datu Hartman was asked to be the head official in several of the featured events, including the King of the Hill sparring division. The finals for the King of the Hill division were done during the debut of the NAFMA Kickboxing Event. All members had a great time and are looking forward to next year’s event.

On June 6, 2008, the World Modern Arnis Headquarters (Horizon Martial Arts) was host to the 7th Annual WMAA Training Camp. Participants were treated to the brand new 5000 sq ft state of the art facility. Some of the amenities include:

This year’s camp featured Grandmasters Tim Hartman and Rick Manglinong with special guests Grand Tuhon Nene Tortal (Dekiti Tirsia Siradas) and Sensei Gerri DiSanto (MMA/BJJ) and was a high energy training opportunity to over 30 participants from all over the continent.

Day one opened with GM Manglinong teaching a Kombatan session to get the weekend going. He reviewed material from previous camps, then integrated new material into the training. Next up was the founder of Dekiti Tirsia Siradas, GM Nene Tortal, who went through the basics of his family system. Everyone was delighted to see GM Tortal use Datu Hartman as his “crash test dummy”. As much as the Datu enjoyed helping Grand Tuhon Tortal, he made sure that others experienced the same “honor”.

By this time everyone had worked up quite an appetite, and a dinner break followed at the Chinese buffet.

After dinner, Sensei Gerry Di Santo covered MMA & BJJ Concepts which also served as an introduction to the new WMAA Grappling program. Sensei Gerry went over concepts on transitioning from stand up into takedowns, ground controls and submissions.

Datu Hartman closed out the training portion of the day with some old school drills for training the traditional striking patterns that Professor Presas taught in the 80s.

After the training sessions, there was a meeting for all of the camp goers who were planning on participating in the WMAA’s 2009 Tour of the Philippines. Many aspects of this trip were discussed and will be posted on the net as soon as all arrangements have been finalized.

Day 2 opened early for Black Belt testing, with several candidates testing for both Modern Arnis and Kombatan ranking. Training began with GM Tortal continuing his in-depth instruction of the Dekiti Tirsia system. Closing out the morning sessions was GM Manglinong who moved the group into more advanced Kombatan techniques. The group then broke up for lunch with most heading to a local restaurant. The afternoon sessions were opened by GM Tortal who completed his introduction to the Dekiti Tirsia system. GM Manglinong was up next with more Kombatan, with Saturdays training closed out by Datu Hartman with the WMAA EDT program and Mano-Mano techniques. After a short break, it was time for the banquet, which was a great success thanks to Janice’s excellent work as always. At the banquet, GM Tortal was presented with a birthday cake in honor of his 71st birthday.

The results of the mornings belt testing was announced with 7 testers earning rank promotions in Modern Arnis and/or Kombatan.

In addition to these rank promotions, the following people were also named Chief Instructors for their respective states:

It was also announced that while Datu Hartman was in the Philippines, he was designated Chief Instructor for New York by GGM Ernesto Presas.

As usual Datu Hartman used the dinner as an opportunity to discuss future plans and goals for the WMAA. This year he announced the addition of a sports division to the organization. This will feature anyos (forms), open hand as well as stick fighting events. Four tournaments were announced for the ’08 season as follows:

After more socializing, the majority of the group retired to watch the new FMA Arnis-Kali-Eskrima movie produced by and starring Great GM Ernesto Presas. Both Datu Hartman and GM Manglinong had cameo appearances in the movie.

Day 3 was a short day, as both GM Manglinong and GM Tortal had to be at the airport early for their flights. Datu Hartman opened up the day with a school owner’s seminar - “The Value of and Selling Memberships”. Training then was opened by GM Manglinong who finished off the Kombatan segment of the camp, followed by Datu Hartman with Advanced Tapi-Tapi. This year’s camp then closed out with honors given to the late GM Presas.

Providing photographic services this year again was photographer and WMAA web designer Bob Hubbard.

July 12th, Buffalo, NY - Queen City Laban Laro Tournament
Datu Tim Hartman hosted the Queen City Laban Laro Tournament. Events included Single Stick, Double Stick and Sword Sparring.

July 18-20th 2008 MartialTalk/Kenpotalk/FMATalk/WNYMartialArts 2008 Meet and Greet
Datu Tim Hartman taught at this years event.

August 1st – 3rd, Buffalo, NY. 5th Annual WMAA Black Belt Camp - Instructors Camp.
This three day training camp featured Datu Hartman.

September 16th, Rochester, NY. – Sport Arnis Seminar
Datu Tim Hartman taught a seminar on Sport Arnis Tactics.

October 4th, Buffalo, NY - Queen City Karate Classic
Datu Tim Hartman hosted the Queen City Laban Laro Tournament. Events included Weapon, Forms and Fighting.

October 11th & 12th, Chicago, IL. - Nagasulong Seminar and Tournament
Datu Tim Hartman was a guest instructor at the 2008 Nagasulong Seminar and Tournament. The seminar instructor list is as follows:
Grand Tuhon Jerson 'Nene' Tortal / Dekti-Tirsia siradas
Grandmaster Alfredo Bandalan / Doce Alfredo Pares Eskrima
Datu Tim Hartman / Modern Arnis - Kombatan - Balintawak Concepts
Guru Samuel Clark / Pencal Silat
Isidro Trajillo / Hawaiian Lua
Sensei Jose Duenas / Danzan Ryu JuJutsu
Guro Ron Kazak / Lucay Lucay Kali / Panantukan