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Arnisfest 2009

Orland Park, IL

October 1st to October 4th, 2009

Camp Host: Master of Tapi Tapi Ken Smith

The IMAF holds many camps and seminars during the course of the year. Each camp has it’s own style, energy and feeling. Since the passing of Professor Presas, every October Ken Smith has opened up his school to host ArnisFest.

The spirit of Professor Presas filled the training area as Master Smith and Master Gauss each took his turn demonstrating and teaching the skills that he had taught them. The students were very fortunate to be working with a group of such diverse size and skill level. As always there were veterans and new comers, everyone learned a lot about each technique whether it was your first time or one hundredth time Each technique that was taught was shown to be effective on all body types and sizes. If you were smaller the instructors made sure that they adjusted the technique to allow the smaller person to use the proper leverage to get the maximum effect out of the technique or lock.

Footwork was again stressed as an important concept that is often overlooked in our study of the martial arts. Without the proper footwork the martial artist may find a technique to be impractical or ineffective. When the martial artist uses correct footwork he or she will find the technique to be easier due to correct balance and distance. Master Smith made sure to explain why each stance was practical or impractical. He carefully demonstrated the adverse effects that could happen when a person’s stance was incorrect.

Master Gauss taught a very painful session on finger locks. He used his real world experience to enhance many of the locks. The smallest adjustment could turn the pain of a technique from tolerable to unbearable in less than a second. These locks and the ease of application could certainly get a person out of a bad situation without forcing them to use more harmful technique.

Master Gauss also taught a session on ground fighting. He was able to show many very effective things that could be done if you found your self on the ground scuffling with an opponent. He was very detail oriented in his explanations, which helped even the novice to understand and apply these techniques.

Master Smith taught a session on left on right tapi – tapi that both the masters kept coming back to. He led the group through a series of traps and tapi - tapi movements. Both Masters wanted the group to take a series of techniques home with a greater understanding of the moves. It was Professor Presas’s wish that his art be taught to others as he had taught it, with passion. If an instructor has a passion for the art then it will be passed on correctly.

As ArnisFest ended all to quickly it left everyone anxiously awaiting the next seminar or camp that they could attend. ArnisFest 2009 gave each student something to pass on. It truly honored the memory of Professor Presas.

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