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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\#Hapkido

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\#FromStudentToMaster

\#FaRangForLife


Nelson Pinto

GRAND MASTER NELSON PINTO

BIOGRAPHY: Grand Master Nelson Pinto, has dedicated over three decades to mastering a diverse array of martial arts disciplines. In his experience includes Modern FaRang Mu Sul, Hapkido, Taekwondo, Boxing, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Aikido, Haidong Gum Do, Karate, Filipino Martial Arts, Filipino Boxing, and JKD/Wing Chun.

Martial Arts Accomplishments:

Grand Master Instructor holding the esteemed 8th Dan in Hapkido, Chief Master Instructor 7th Dan in Modern FaRang Mu Sul and a 7th Dan in Taekwondo, awarded by Grand Master Michael De Alba, the Founder of Modern FaRang Mu Sul.

Guro in Stockton Multi Style Escrima, delving into Filipino Martial Arts, including Giron Escrima, SLD: Serrada, Largo Mano, and Decuerdas under the mentorship of Master June Gotico, Guro Terry Joven, and Guro Eugene Inis.

A Master Instructor, with a 5th Dan in Kickboxing & Full Contact through the WKA - World Kickboxing & Karate Association. He also holds a 1st Dan in TKD ITF/WTF under Kru Carlos Pedro and GM Chung Sun Yong, the esteemed Founder of TKD in Portugal.

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

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

A Multifaceted Journey:

Grand Master Pinto's achievements extend beyond martial arts. He possesses expertise in Healing Arts, including massage therapy and stretching. A decorated competitor, he has excelled in sparring, forms, self-defense, and breaking. He was part of the National Portuguese selection team in France (Paris) and Spain (Almunecar), in August of 2023 he was the Grand Champion of the Masters Division (50th Anniversary NKMAA - National Korean Martial Arts Association in Canada).

With some background in Law Enforcement and Security in the USA, he has shared his self-defense knowledge globally through seminars for military, law enforcement, and civilians across Europe, the Middle East, the Caribbean, USA, Mexico, and Canada, earning accolades from governmental entities.

Teaching Philosophy: Grand Master Pinto prioritizes creating a safe, family-oriented environment where students of all ages can achieve their self-defense goals while enjoying their journey. His teaching emphasizes life skills, leadership, focus, discipline, self-confidence, and overall well-being for the body and mind.

Some achievements:

• Developed online training programs and instructional videos.

• Featured in martial arts magazines, books, and various media platforms. Wrote a chapter for a book with multiple famous martial artists and MA action actors (Secrets of the Martial Arts Masters) and he is on the book ‘’The World’s Greatest Martial Artists’’ collection.

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

• Several Times World, National, International and Regional Champion in different categories and organizations.

• 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.

• Received governmental awards for his contributions.

For more information, visit Pinto Martial Arts LLC at www.pintomartialarts.com

https://www.pintomartialarts.com
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