Modern Arnis: History & Practice

A well organized volume on Modern Arnis. This volume includes material on the history of the art and a summary of the types of techniques taught within the system. Most impressive was the effort to cast an all inclusive net on the practitioners of the art who presently comprise numerous sub-systems n the aftermath of Professor Presas' death. Despite those differences, it was interesting to see the common themes presented in the vignettes authored by or about these other various practitioners. It comes as know surprise that Remy Presas touched so many individuals in a similar way.Full disclosure: I have known the 2 editors for more than 20 years. One of them remains a close friend and training partner They put forth a strong effort to present the material in an apolitical and neutral format.

Good book in terms of explaining the core principles of Modern Arnis and the other arts that Professor Remy Presas drew from to create his version of arnis within the pantheon of Filipino Martial Arts. The chapters on each of these arts are however, too short and lacking clarifying details. I appreciate the goal of the editor of this book and statement that "...this book is to reach out to everyone who has made a contribution to the art. Its purpose is not to demean anybody and not to try to tell anyone who to follow."As I read the book, I felt that there was too much time spent on praising Professor Presas, almost to the point of cult worshiping. And several techniques were not fully explained and demonstrated, in particular the "Double Zero" application. My viewing of the technique on the 1985 video by Professor seems to be contradictory to what is stated in the book. The chapter on Forms (Anyo) is especially truncated by virtue of the editor stating that there are 5 empty hand and 4 single stick forms, while only showing only one form - Stick Anyo #4. Why only one form/anyo and why this one as opposed to any of the others?It was somewhat heartening to read the essays of the "Friends, Family and Followers" published in the book. In part their ideas and observations were echoed throughout the book, but reading the first hand accounts was interesting. I would recommend the book for general interest in Modern Arnis and it does meet the goal established by the editor(s). In that sense the book is a success.

Been studying MA for almost 4 decades, spent nearly 20 years directly under GM Presas himself. This book is a tribute to him, to the art he gave to so many people worldwide and it was done in a way that favored no one person, title or group. I know the author, the staff that assisted and just about everyone that contributed. Well received and well done! This book is a testament to the Professor and shows the reader there are plenty of folks still spreading this amazing art and making new "connections." The applications in this book are only a few of the potential endless applications out there. GM Presas wanted everyone to take this art and make it their own. The end result? Limitless and ongoing adaptions and variations. THE FLOW CONTINUES . . . Pugay Po!

It is a good book for what it set out to do. It is not meant to teach modern arnis but rather to connect on a personal level with the art and especially its founder, Grandmaster Professor Remy A. Presas, Sr, on a personal level. With comments from so many of those who had the honor of training with him, the second generation that comes into the art after his passing can gain some personal insight into what it was like to work the art with the Professor. I found it to be very nostalgic for me. The bits of instruction that are there provide some context for the meat of the book and can serve as nice reminders as well. I enjoy it mainly for the background and the personal interviews, and for those I think the book does a really good job.

Remy A. Presas touched literally thousands of lives in his 65 year journey through the martial arts. Although it is nearly impossible to capture the massive influence he had on people, Modern Arnis: History & Practice does a very good job of it. Along with a descriptive history of Modern Arnis and its core basics, there are numerous essays contributed by many of his senior students which tell their story of their relationship with "the Professor." This is a book to read and reread as it will truly give you the flavor of the man and his art. Salamat po.Dan Anderson9th Dan - Modern Arnis

Professor Presas was loved by all who were fortunate enough to train with him. This book serves as an excellent overview of his life and his style of martial arts. The contributions of many of his students make it well-rounded and the heartwarming stories will bring the reader closer to the art and the Professor.

Authored by “the students” (literally the translation of Mag Aaral in Tagalog), this straightforward paperback presents the history of the Filipino martial art and it’s founder and evangelist, Remy Amador Presas. The book comes to life through the true stories of this larger than life legendary master, told by many of the students who knew and loved him. As someone lucky enough to remember my own moments with Professor Presas on and off the mat, I’m glad this book is available to bring back fond memories, preserve his legacy, and spread his message to new generations of arnisadors.

Great read! One of those books you read with one breath. Must read for anyone interested in Modern Arnis