My level in Kombatan:
Modern Arnis - Kombatan,
Rank of Senior Master under GM Shelley Millspaugh.
Kombatan Arnis,
Rank of Master - Lakan Lima under GGM E. Presas
My City/Country:
Kansas, USA
When I started Kombatan?
I accompanied a friend to Tulsa, Oklahoma to see Dan Inosanto in1996. I had never seen any of the arts
from the Archipelago before that trip. While there, I met Steve Todd, who was kind enough to work with
me at the seminar. I told him that I wished there was an FMA practitioner in Wichita, and he told me I
was in luck and handed me Shelley Millspaugh’s card. I called Shelley the night I returned from the
seminar… and the rest is history.
My favorite system from Kombatan?
I love all systems in Kombatan, but I’d have to say Dulo-Dulo is probably my favorite. It is such a simple and unassuming weapon, but absolutely lethal when deployed properly. I have taught Dulo-Dulo specific seminars for women, so that they are able to find security in carrying an
everyday item such as a heavy pen. For me personally, the Dulo-Dulo unlocked secrets to other weapons, such as the kerambit.
Modern Arnis - Kombatan,
Rank of Senior Master under GM Shelley Millspaugh.
Kombatan Arnis,
Rank of Master - Lakan Lima under GGM E. Presas
My City/Country:
Kansas, USA
When I started Kombatan?
I accompanied a friend to Tulsa, Oklahoma to see Dan Inosanto in1996. I had never seen any of the arts
from the Archipelago before that trip. While there, I met Steve Todd, who was kind enough to work with
me at the seminar. I told him that I wished there was an FMA practitioner in Wichita, and he told me I
was in luck and handed me Shelley Millspaugh’s card. I called Shelley the night I returned from the
seminar… and the rest is history.
My favorite system from Kombatan?
I love all systems in Kombatan, but I’d have to say Dulo-Dulo is probably my favorite. It is such a simple and unassuming weapon, but absolutely lethal when deployed properly. I have taught Dulo-Dulo specific seminars for women, so that they are able to find security in carrying an
everyday item such as a heavy pen. For me personally, the Dulo-Dulo unlocked secrets to other weapons, such as the kerambit.
Best Kombatan memories:
I have more great memories than I could count, but I’d have to say having Great Grandmaster
Presas in my home spending time with my family were the best. He was such a wonderful soul;
genuinely fun to be around and so very good with children. He sat and watched Mary Poppins
with my daughter, singing the songs with her. I am absolutely blessed to have met and spent
quality time with this great man
My Motto:
Admittedly borrowed:
“Don’t be disappointed by the results you didn’t get from the work you didn’t do.”
Effort and discipline are paramount when training; the “casual” students will never aspire in Kombatan or any other formidable art. One must never forget that ultimately we are training to fight. Certificates, titles, rank… they mean nothing if you can’t protect the ones you love.
I have more great memories than I could count, but I’d have to say having Great Grandmaster
Presas in my home spending time with my family were the best. He was such a wonderful soul;
genuinely fun to be around and so very good with children. He sat and watched Mary Poppins
with my daughter, singing the songs with her. I am absolutely blessed to have met and spent
quality time with this great man
My Motto:
Admittedly borrowed:
“Don’t be disappointed by the results you didn’t get from the work you didn’t do.”
Effort and discipline are paramount when training; the “casual” students will never aspire in Kombatan or any other formidable art. One must never forget that ultimately we are training to fight. Certificates, titles, rank… they mean nothing if you can’t protect the ones you love.