Remy A. Presas

12/19/36 – 08/28/01

Remy Presas

Two small words that mean so much, on this sixth anniversary of his passing it is time to remember what those words meant to so many people.

When remembering Professor Presas the first thing that comes to mind is his magnetic personality. He made you feel as is if you were very important to him even if your association with him was very casual. He always had a smile for you. He had an adventurous sole and liked to see people happy and having fun. He was like the pied piper many people would follow him anywhere. If you could not get to a seminar you were busying your mind with the many things you were missing and how to raise the cash to attend the next upcoming event.

He was a son, a husband, a father, a brother. Family was very important to him. He treasured his family and his heritage. He created one of the largest extended families in the martial arts community. Everyone felt like they were a part of the family when they were with him or with their fellow Filipino martial artists. He was proud to be a Filipino this was so important to him that after his passing it was his wish to be returned to his beloved homeland.

He was a fierce competitor constantly developing to better his art. He was an athlete second to none. Many a man had the pleasure of working with him only to realize that no matter how much they practiced Professor was always five steps ahead of them. Just when you thought you had won the engagement or gotten that disarm you were treated to a swift and often painful reminder why he was the Grandmaster. He would let you know how pleased he was that you were working your moves but you realized that no matter how good you were getting it would not overtake a lifetime of practice but you still tried harder and harder to surprise him with your newly acquired skills. Modern Arnis was in his blood, it was his passion, and it was constantly running through his mind. He would practice all day, when he did not have a cane available he would make one out of tightly rolled newspaper or magazines. He would often practice empty hand because what ever he would teach you with the cane could be easily done without a weapon.

He was a visionary, his dream was to spread Modern Arnis through out the world and create an art that would be practiced long after the passing of its founder. He accomplished this dream by putting all his passion into training his students. He has left behind so many talented practitioners of Modern Arnis who are fulfilling his dream. As we struggle to unlock the secrets that he left us we have begun our own journey. Always keeping in mind that he has given it all to us and it is all the same. As we practice and teach the art we will discover the pieces of the art that made Professor stand out above all others. It will take more than one lifetime to discover all that is hidden within Modern Arnis.

As we go through our daily activities today we should try to find a quiet moment to remember and give thanks for the life of Remy Presas who meant so much to so many people. Remember him as a friend, a mentor, a teacher, a hero, an ambassador, a father, an adventurer. Most importantly think of how he was special to you and how you can carry on his dream. Pass on his art; share a smile or a story about his life. He is a part of our history and through sharing he will always be a part of the future of Modern Arnis.

Warmest regards,
International Modern Arnis Federation (IMAF, Inc.)
Remy Amador Presas' Modern Arnis