19 Facts About Remy Presas

Remy Amador Presas was the founder of Modern Arnis, a popular Filipino martial art.

Remy Presas published several books and videos on Modern Arnis and is recognised as the "Father of Modern Arnis".

Remy Presas began studying arnis with his father then with his grandfather, Leon Presas, and uncle at the age of six.

Remy Presas continued to travel across the Philippine Islands to learn from other masters and to compete in stick-fighting competitions and many street fights.

Remy Presas eventually focused on Balintawak Eskrima, but earned a 6th degree black belt in Shotokan Karate and a black belt in judo.

Remy Presas moved to the USA, Ernesto stayed in the PH, but travelled extensive teaching Arnis, he spoke highly of Remy Presas and not only told this is the modern Arnis but showed the different ways of the traditional and modern.

In 1966 Remy Presas began developing his own system which he called "Modern Arnis" by identifying the basic concepts of the numerous systems he had learned and merging them.

Remy Presas was the Arnis consultant in the 1974 Philippines produced film The Pacific Connection.

Remy Presas instituted a ranking system with Modern Arnis to identify the ability level of each student: likas, likha, and lakan.

Remy Presas issued certificates of rank, and began using the title Guro which became widespread throughout all Filipino Martial Arts Circles.

Remy Presas developed what came to be known as the "Arnis Uniform" consisting of loose fitting cotton trousers and a karategi style top low cut at the waist.

In 1982 Remy Presas was inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame as Instructor of the Year.

Remy Presas formed the International Modern Arnis Federation in 1970 as the principal organization for the promotion and administration of Modern Arnis in North America.

Remy Presas earned a bachelor's degree in physical education and taught the subject at the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos; because of this he was addressed as Professor Remy Presas, and became known in martial arts circles as "the Professor".

Remy Presas later worked for the Philippine government in the area of physical education, spreading arnis instruction through the high schools.

Remy Presas was forced to leave the country in 1974 because of pressure from certain government officials.

Remy Presas moved to the United States, first staying in the home of his student, Dean Stockwell and spent the rest of his life living in North America, but traveled worldwide to conduct seminars.

Remy Presas died on August 28,2001, in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada from brain cancer.

Remy Presas was married twice, first to Rosemary Pascual Remy Presas, with whom he had five children, and to Yvette Wong, with whom he had two children.