Datu Tim Hartman

Throwback Thursday: 2003 WMAA Training Camp

Looking back at 2003 brings back a lot of great memories. That year, I hosted the second World Modern Arnis Alliance Training Camp, and after the success of our first camp, it was clear this was a tradition worth continuing.

As many of you know, I've always believed in thinking beyond the boundaries of a single system. My goal wasn't just to promote Modern Arnis—it was to help promote Filipino martial arts as a whole while building stronger connections throughout the martial arts community. I've always believed that a rising tide lifts all ships.

That year's outstanding instructor lineup included:

• Grandmaster Maung Gyi
• Grandmaster B**g Jornales
• The late G**o Dan Carr
• Dr. Jeff Leader
• G**o Chad Dulin
• G**o A. Paul Dawdy
• G**o Jack Latorre
• And myself, Datu Tim Hartman

The camp brought together multiple Filipino martial arts systems, along with Bando from Burma, giving everyone the opportunity to experience different methods, philosophies, and teaching styles.

One of the lessons I've learned over the years is that many systems often share similar concepts. The real value isn't always what is being taught—it's how it's being taught. Seeing familiar ideas through another instructor's perspective is one of the best ways to deepen your understanding. That's why I've always enjoyed inviting instructors from other systems. It broadens everyone's horizons and helps us better understand where our own art fits within the larger martial arts world.

We had a fantastic weekend, and the success of that camp gave us the momentum to keep the WMAA Training Camp tradition alive for years to come.

I'd love to see some photos from that weekend. If you attended and still have pictures tucked away in an old photo album or on a hard drive, please share them in the comments. It would be great to relive those memories together and preserve a small piece of our shared history.

Respectfully,
Datu Tim Hartman
The Tribal Chief

# TBT

⏳ Only 10 days to go!

The countdown is on for the Balintawak Immersion Camp at Horizon Martial Arts, headquarters of the World Modern Arnis Alliance.

Join Datu Tim Hartman and Master Rich Parsons for an in-depth journey into the art of Balintawak Eskrima. Whether you're looking to sharpen your fundamentals or elevate your understanding of the system, this is a rare opportunity to learn directly from two of the world's most respected Filipino martial arts instructors.

Over the course of the camp, you'll explore:
🥋 Grouped Training
🥋 Ungrouped Training
🥋 The Hybrid Semi-Grouped Method

This isn't just another seminar—it's a true immersion designed to deepen your skill, timing, sensitivity, and understanding of one of the most effective close-quarter fighting systems ever developed.

Train. Learn. Grow. Connect with fellow practitioners who share your passion for Filipino martial arts.

Don't miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable experience.

👉 Follow the link for full details and registration.
https://sparkpages.io/?i=_9mEb

Every Fourth of July, Americans have a chance to pause and reflect on the sacrifices that gave birth to this nation.

Two hundred and fifty years ago, our forefathers faced overwhelming odds. They stood against oppression, risked everything for an idea they believed in, and secured the independence that generations of Americans have benefited from ever since.

As someone who has traveled extensively around the world, I never take that for granted.

I've seen incredible beauty. I've also seen heartbreaking poverty. I've watched families living in conditions that most Americans can't even imagine. Those experiences have given me a deep appreciation for what we often overlook here at home—our freedoms, our opportunities, our standard of living, and the simple ability to pursue our dreams. No country is perfect, but I know how fortunate I am to call America home. For that, I am grateful.

Yesterday was a day to celebrate.

Today, though, I want to acknowledge why the Fourth of July will always carry a bittersweet meaning for me.

On July 4, 2013, the Filipino martial arts community lost one of its true legends—Grandmaster Ted Buot.

GM Ted Buot was a direct student of the founder of Balintawak, Grandmaster Venancio "Anciong" Bacon. He belonged to a very small group of men trusted to teach in Anciong Bacon's absence—an honor few will ever understand the significance of. He was named as the successor to the system, but like many great Filipino martial artists of his generation, he couldn't make a living teaching in the Philippines. To provide for his family, he came to the United States, where he quietly continued passing on the art exactly as Grandmaster Bacon had taught him—one student at a time.

I have been incredibly fortunate throughout my martial arts journey to learn from some of the greatest practitioners in the world. Doors have opened for me because of remarkable people, and one of the most important was opened by my teacher, Professor Remy Presas, who introduced me to Ted Buot.

That introduction changed my life.

Training with Ted wasn't simply about learning techniques. It transformed how I understood timing, strategy, efficiency, and ex*****on. More importantly, it showed me the kind of man I wanted to become. His humility, patience, quiet confidence, and generosity left a mark on me that reaches far beyond martial arts.

There are teachers who give you information.

Then there are teachers who change the direction of your life.

Ted Buot was one of those rare individuals.

I miss you, sir.

I'm in no hurry, but someday we'll meet again. Until then, I'll do my best to honor what you shared with me by passing it on to the next generation.

Happy Independence Day, everyone.

Cherish your freedoms. Remember those who came before us. And never forget the teachers who shaped the people we've become.

Respectfully,

Datu Tim Hartman
The Tribal Chief

On behalf of the World Modern Arnis Alliance, I would like to wish all of our friends across the United States a very Happy Independence Day.

As we celebrate the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy, let us also remember those who have sacrificed to make them possible.

To our WMAA family and friends around the world, thank you for being part of our global martial arts community. While you may not be celebrating the Fourth of July, I hope you and your loved ones have a safe, peaceful, and blessed weekend.

With respect,

Datu Tim Hartman
Modern Arnis' Tribal Chief