A Historic Milestone. A Lifelong Journey! Promotion to Grand Master (Dosa or Chong Kwan Jang)

A Historic Milestone. A Lifelong Journey! Promotion to Grand Master (Dosa or Chong Kwan Jang)

On July 19th of 2026, my brothers (Master Patrick Schleeter , Master Terry King, Master Sebastian Dorobek and Inst. Dalton Baker) and I were honored with promotions in both **Modern FaRang Mu Sul** and **Hapkido**, a deeply meaningful moment in a lifelong journey of discipline, perseverance, and growth.

Alongside my brother, **Master Patrick Schleeter**, I was promoted to **8th Dan Grandmaster in Hapkido**, the first 2 to receive this title under our Teacher, **Kuk Sa Nim De Alba**. We were also promoted to **7th Dan Chief Masters in Modern FaRang Mu Sul**, joining a truly elite circle, only three in the world, including **Chief Master James De Alba**.

This is more than a rank. It’s a responsibility*, a legacy*, and a reminder that the path of martial arts is endless. In my 48 year of existence and after decades of relentless dedication since childhood, I stand proud, but never complacent. There is always more to learn, more to refine, and more to give.

This moment is ""not"" a final destination. It is a new beginning.

Thank you to my **FMS family**, and above all, to my Teacher **Kuk Sa Nim De Alba**, for your unwavering support, love, and inspiration. Your guidance lights the way for all of us.

Special thank you to SGM Carlos Navarro, GM Rubie Navarro and GM Jino Kang for your support at the Judges panel, you made this extra special.

Let’s keep walking forward, with purpose, humility, and the warrior spirit.

FaRang!

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\#TrainHardStayHumble

\#FromStudentToMaster

\#FaRangForLife


Nelson Pinto

Master Nelson Pinto is the owner of Pinto Martial Arts LLC and during these last 30 years he studied several martial arts: Modern FaRang Mu Sul, Hapkido, Karate, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Aikido, Haidong Gum Do, Taekwondo, Filipino Martial Arts (Kali/Arnis/Escrima), Filipino Boxing/Silat and JKD/Wing Chun.

Head Master Instructor 6th Dan in Modern FaRang Mu Sul, 7th Dan in Hapkido and Taekwondo, under Grand Master Michael De Alba 10th Dan - Founder of Modern FaRang Mu Sul.

Guro in Stockton Multi Style Escrima (Filipino Martial Arts: Giron Escrima & SLD: Serrada, Largo and Decuerdas) under Master June Gotico, Guro Terry Joven, Guro Eugene Inis.

Master Instructor 5th Dan in Kickboxing & Full Contact - WKA- World Kickboxing & Karate Association & 1st Dan in TKD ITF/WTF & under Kru Carlos Pedro in Portugal.

5th Dan - Hanminjok Hapkido Association - Ki-Do Federation by GM In Sun Seo.

1st Dan TKD WTF under GM Chung Sun Yong - Founder of TKD in Portugal

5th Level in Balintawak Cuentada Arnis under GM Taboada and Guro Soriano.

Master Pinto with all his experience in Martial Arts, Healing Arts, Sports Competition (sparring in empty hand & with weapons, kata and breaking), Ex Law Enforcement and 2 decades teaching defensive tactics to military, law enforcement and civilians in several parts of the World, gave him extra tools for an effective approach to teach Martial Arts & Self Defense, in a way that his students from all ages can learn and reach their goals for an effective self-defense and in the same time having fun in a safe family environment, learning life skills like leadership, becoming more focus, disciplined, healthier, flexible, more fit and improving their Body & Mind.

Some achievements:

• Online training, Production & Video Edition for long distance training support.

• Participation and appearance in several MA Magazines, Books, Instructional Videos, Radio and TV interviews.

• National and International Seminars to Civilian, Military and Law Enforcement: Europe, USA, Middle East (Kuwait) & Puerto Rico.

• Several Times World, National and Regional Champion in different categories & Governmental Awards.

• 2 times in the National Portuguese Selection Team: SUSKA in Almunecar, Spain, TKD-MUDO in Paris, France and part of the USA representation Masters Team in Busan, South Korea 2013.

https://www.pintomartialarts.com
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