Selfishly, I feel the same. I'm glad FMA is a bit more obscure. I believe it is more obscure because of the weapons. Most people rationalize not studying it because they don't carry weapons (so they think). I did when I was first exposed. IMO, I think one realizes the value of FMA as one ages. In my 20's and 30's I was full of piss and vinegar. I liked mixing it up and could recover from the injuries more easily. Now pushing 50, not so much anymore. Accumulating injuries, arthritis, and knee surgery put a damper on all that. Being less able physically and more realistic tactically, wisened me to not want to fight anymore. Just the other day a 20 yr. old challenged me to a street-fight. All because I tried to nicely explain why stopping at stop signs is important, especially when I'm in front of his car. The 20 yr. old in me wanted to get out of my car and have at it. In reflection, nothing happened and I shouldn't have even stopped to lecture. The almost 50 yr. old knew I was likely no match for a 20 yr. old. As he postured I took his plate number, he saw this and jumped in to his car, pulled along-side mine and asked what I was doing. I lifted my cell phone and showed him I was dialing 911. He saw I was calling the police and went from fight-mode to flight-mode. The true art comes in taking his mind. I found the button to persuade him to change his mind and leave. IMO, he is a coward because he told me he could kick an old man's ass. What courage is there in knowing you can beat up an old man (as he called me)? Maybe he could and maybe he couldn't beat this old one. Anyway, being ego-less is a great way to be.(the aging part isn't so bad, it's beginning to promote wisdom). Thankfully, he never tried to breach the inside of my car. It's likely I would have to have done something extreme. That means I would likely have to employ FMA skills. It's comforting to know when the odds are against me I can use an equalizer effectively. IMO, most in the martial arts don't understand fights or assaults are not meant to be fair.It's not Hollywood out on the streets. The aggressor wants every possible odd in his favor. Predators look for someone smaller, weaker, unaware, or alone and unprepared. Now I try to do everything possible to avoid confrontation. However, if it's forced upon me I'm grateful for my firearms and FMA skills. I know empty hand self-defense but would prefer not to have to defend myself that way. Too many things can go wrong in general. If I have to engage physically it means I'm afraid for my life. I'm ever so grateful for the firearms and FMA skills I have. Lakas-loob, Guro Dave

I agree. I am happy that it has not been watered down. But, it is growing and I think we need to see that fact, face it and act now to preserve its indigenous roots. What I love and I think we can all agree on is that the FMA are the same as when they were practiced to combat the Spanish invaders 100s of years ago. I would like to start a group or be part of an organization whose main goal is to spread the word and popularity of the FMA while maintaining its integrity. The problem could very well be like most martial arts is that the flashy TKD fused with gymnastics are what people believe to be "real" martial arts. And if you don't perform a flip or triple spin jump kick then your system is no good. We need to ban together and show the public what FMA really is. By posting more youtube videos and every other video site as well as blogs. We need to push its popularity before the NAPMAs of the martial arts world do. Look what is happening to Krav Maga. It went from hard-core martial art of isreali super soldiers to fitness craze. Lets try to keep a tight moraly correct hold of the last real art left on the planet.

IMO, I feel if FMA goes down the path you're describing it will become all those things you don't want it to be. I honestly believe the truth seekers will find their way, as you and I did, to combative truths. Respectfully, Guro Dave

www.aikidoarnis.com

I would like for FMA to be a little bit more popular, most instructors I see only have a handful of students a class. how could they survive without students? Usually a class would only have like 6-12 students and not all of them come every practice meeting. It would be good to have more people coming in but having the quality still topnotch.