Korean Martial Arts Festival in Crestview, Florida - #KMAF 2022

Written By Nelson Pinto

Hello World from Florida, USA :)

Last April 22nd-24th, 2022 in Crestview, Florida I was honored to participated in the annual Korean Martial Arts Festival organized by Grand Master Thomas Gordon (Gordon Martial Arts), this event is been held for 15 years with some of the exponential Top Korean Martial Arts Teachers and also from other Martial Arts.

This year we had the special appearance of Dr He-Young Kimm, UFC Legend Dan Severn, GM Michael De Alba (my Modern FaRang Mu Sul Teacher), GM Jimm McMurray, GM Kevin Janisse, GM Joe Cayer, GM William Widmeyer, GM Jimmie Faralli, Master Stinson, CM John Orndoff, Master John Ellis Master, Master Chris DuFour, Master Calvin Longton, Master Alain Burrese, Master Amanda Howard, SBN Luke West and SBN Kyra Flamel.

I have to say that after participating in many seminars all over the World, during these last 29 years, this was one of the best, in special the brotherhood and sisterhood among the participants and teachers, with no egomaniacs, a clear example of the great work presented by Grand Master Thomas Gordon and his Martial Arts family.

I’m very excited that I was invited by Grand Master Gordon to be one of the Teachers for the next year #KMAF2023 to teach and learn by the side of all these Living Legends, part of our Korean Martial Arts community, independently I was so honored to be one of the participants and also my Teacher’s Uke. Let me share one of the Video Links that I have on YouTube from this event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ofZouulh0M&t=17s

I want to add that this year the event gave a special homage to the late Grand Master Inwan Kim, that fought cancer and became an inspiration for many through sharing his struggles and victories on social media. He demonstrated true courage and indomitable fighting spirit against this enemy and died with honor. We all express our deepest condolences to the family of Grand Master Inwan Kim and to his students.

To all of you, keep training hard, follow your heart and be kind,

FaRang

Kwan Jang Nelson Pinto #Pinto Martial Arts

Nelson Pinto

GRAND MASTER NELSON PINTO

BIOGRAPHY: Nelson Pinto has dedicated over three decades to mastering a diverse array of martial arts disciplines. His extensive experience includes Modern FaRang Mu Sul (also known as Fighting Martial Systems / Hybrid System), Hapkido, Taekwondo, Boxing, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Aikido, Haidong Gumdo, Karate, Filipino Martial Arts/Escrima, Filipino Boxing, and Jeet Kune Do / Wing Chun concepts.

Martial Arts Accomplishments:

Nelson Pinto, together with Patrick Schleeter, were among the first practitioners worldwide to be officially certified as Grand Masters under Grand Master (Kuk Sa Nim) Michael De Alba, and to successfully complete the full Modern FaRang Mu Sul 7th Dan Chief Master curriculum. This milestone represents one of the earliest formal global recognitions of Grand Master-level achievement within the Modern FaRang Mu Sul system, under the leadership of Grand Master Michael De Alba, Founder of FMS.

Guro in Stockton Multi Style Escrima, having trained deeply in Filipino Martial Arts including Giron Escrima, Serrada, Largo Mano, Decuerdas, and Mano a Mano (Filipino Boxing), under the mentorship of Master June Gotico, Guro Terry Joven, and Guro Eugene Inis.

A Master Instructor, with a 5th Dan in Kickboxing 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 a background in Martial arts, Law Enforcement and Security he has shared his self-defense knowledge globally through seminars in Europe, the Middle East, the Caribbean, USA, Mexico, and Canada.

Teaching Philosophy: GM Nelson 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 past achievements:

• Developed online training programs and instructional video systems.

• Featured in martial arts magazines, books, and various media platforms.

• Contributed a chapter to Secrets of the Martial Arts Masters, alongside renowned martial artists and action film figures

• Featured in The World’s Greatest Martial Artists collection

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

• Held World, National, International, and Regional titles and top placements across multiple categories and martial arts organizations.

• Member of the National Portuguese Selection Team (SUSKA – GM Chuck Norris & GM Raul Gutierrez) in Almuñécar, Spain; TKD-MUDO in Paris, France; and part of the USA Masters Representation Team in Busan, South Korea (2013)

• Recipient of governmental awards for contributions to martial arts and community development.

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

https://www.pintomartialarts.com
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