From the Publishers Desk

Kumusta

Well better late than never. The FMAdigest almost closed down due to no material, however thanks to following writers (David Foggie, James Hogue, Joel Huncar, Phillip Weathers, Frank Aycocho, Michael Butz, and Barry McConnell) who responded immediately with some very interesting articles and to some others that have contacted me saying that they will contribute articles. The FMAdigest can stay alive and continue in its promotion and promulgation of the Filipino martial arts and the culture of the Philippines.

The first article is a very informative interview with Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts. Then Guru James Hogue explains “Defanging the Snake” as a defensive counter against punches. Joel Huncar who has had several articles about knives in the FMAdigest again gives some handy tips in purchasing a self-defense knife. Learn the main role of a senior student of Amara Arkanis as explained by Phillip Weathers.

December 11, 2009, The Arnis Bill of Law, Republic Act No. 9850, an act declaring Arnis as the National martial arts and sport of the Philippines was signed. Now let’s see how this will affect the art and the practitioners of the Philippines.

What makes up the basics of Filipino martial arts known as Eskrima, Arnis or Kali? A new column by Marc Lawrence called “Building Blocks of FMA” is making its debut and it is and through this column information will be brought forth on the basics so non-practitioners and practitioners will understand what the Filipino fighting arts are built upon which make the Filipino martial arts a dynamic and most interesting martial art.

The FMAdigest, FMA Pulse, and MyFMA.net are working together to educate and serve as a resource for the current and new generations of Filipino martial arts enthusiasts. And in so doing the FMA Pulse and MyFMA.net will have a column to tell you the reader what is going on at their websites so you can visit and gain knowledge and continuously be informed of the most up to date information.

The FMAdigest Representative is a position that has been created to help bring you the reader more information on the Filipino martial arts. Marc Lawrence is the first to attain the position, and it is hoped that others will be added. What is an FMAdigest Representative; it is someone that represents the FMAdigest at events, collecting articles etc… working with the FMAdigest. Some have said they represented the FMAdigest for whatever reason and they did not. Now if they are listed they truly have the full backing of the FMAdigest and are honest, reliable, have integrity, and are professionals.

Maraming Salamat Po

Click to dowload FMA Digest Vol 7 No 1