Better late than never...Professor Presas

[SifuDangeRuss]

I'm posting this here, despite the fact this martial artist was not a Kenpo stylist. Nore was it a recent passing. Nonetheless, he has been a significant influence on my training and my life. Further, I first saw him, courtesy of SGM Parker at the Internationals in the late 70s. In spirit, they were both great and in many respects similar types of Innovators and Leaders of the MA Community. I think he deserves a moment of recognition, if only from this, not always so humble dragon.


Modern Arnis Founder Remy Presas Passes
December 19, 1936 - August 28, 2001

On August 28, 2001, the world martial arts community lost one of it's most innovative and vocal of the modern Masters, Founder of Modern Arnis, Professor Remy A. Presas. Professor Presas first captured both my respect and attention in the mid 70's, during a demonstration at Ed Parker's International Karate Championships. The easy, playful manner that he demonstrated while utterly controlling his opponents would leave a very lasting impression on this young martial artist for years to come. Later, when I had the opportunity first train with 'the Professor', it was his easy and nearly ever-present smile that I noticed before anything else. A deceptively disarming smile, which he always delivered enthusiastically, while twisting your limbs in ways which nature never intended. Grand Master Remy Presas genuinely enjoyed what he did. He believed in himself and his art. He believed that it was important to share his knowledge and experience with others. These are the things that separate a very good instructor from a truly Great Teacher. Professor Presas, not only was a superior martial artist, but he was an aggressive and innovative educator. 'The Professor', managed to impart more knowledge in a short intensive seminar, than lesser teachers might pass on in weeks of training. However as much as he passed on, I believe it was but a fraction of his vast wealth of experience. Although I truly mourn his passing, I can honestly say that my own life was much the richer for having known this great man. He will continue to inspire and influence myself and countless others for years to come. I believe that the best way we can honor the likes of the 'Professor', is to continue to grow and feed the Bank of Martial Knowledge, where he and other Masters have invested their experience. They have blazed a brave pathway for us, it is now up to us to move ahead into the unknown. Be creative, investigate and explore. Flex your imagination. The martial arts are a living art. They depend upon open minds and dedicated spirits to flourish and continue to grow and change. That is what people like Grand Master Remy Presas understood. All things change. Life is change. Thank you 'Professor', we will not only miss you, we will remember you always.

[Rob Broad]

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[Martin Seck]

I remember that.

I am sorry for your loss.

[Carol]

The 5th anniversary of Professor Presas death occured not long ago.

Many folks shared some very inspiring stories of their interaction with him on MartialTalk and FMATalk. The stories are very touching. Personally, I love hearing them.

May the Professor continue to insprire martial artists everywhere.

:bow:

[kenpo0324]

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[gakusei]

A great martial artist and instructor. I had the privilege of being his uke about 10 years ago.

[Seabrook]

I recieved my black belt in Modern Arnis under Grandmaster Remy Presas and the International Modern Arnis Federation back in 1991, and spent a great deal of time with him between 1988-1995. We get along very well, and there is no doubt that he will long be remembered as a true martial arts legend.

[Celtic_Crippler]

[execkenpo]

I never had the pleasure to meet Professor Presas but my Arnis instructor Ken Smith speaks very highly of him.

[SPK,Grasshopper]

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[hemi]

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[sifuroy]

Even though almost 5 years has gone since he has passed. I can still see his smiling face when he was teaching you. We all miss Him.

I am Most Respectfully,
Sifuroy