KMAF 2025 – A Celebration of Martial Arts Unity in Crestview, FL April 2025 – Crestview, Florida

Written By Nelson Pinto

KMAF 2025 – A Celebration of Martial Arts Unity in Crestview, FL

April 2025 – Crestview, Florida

What an unforgettable weekend at the Korean Martial Arts Festival (KMAF 2025), hosted by Gordon Martial Arts! I’m filled with gratitude and inspiration after three incredible days of learning, teaching, connecting, and celebrating everything that makes our martial arts community so powerful.

First and foremost, my heartfelt thanks to Grand Master Thomas Gordon and Master Amanda Sanders for their tireless work organizing this amazing annual event. KMAF continues to stand out as a gathering unlike any other — a place where martial artists from around the world come together with no egos, no politics, just mutual respect, growth, and pure martial arts spirit.

I was incredibly honored to be part of the teaching lineup and to share the art of Modern FaRang Mu Sul, a gift passed down to me by my mentor and second father, Kuk Sa Nim Michael De Alba, the founder of FMS. To teach right after the legendary Dan “The Beast” Severn was humbling, and the energy in the room was electric.

A sincere thank you to everyone who participated in my session. Your enthusiasm and dedication elevated the experience, and I am especially grateful to Master Nikolai Lee Lee and Master Rodriguez for serving as my Ukes — your support helped bring the techniques to life and made the session flow with ease.

Much appreciation also goes to Grand Master Jim Faralli and his wonderful family for their continued encouragement and presence, as well as to fellow Qwans and supporters like GM Gordon's family, GM Jimm McMurray's family, Master Joe Nilon, Master Dante J. James, Master Elizabeth Moringlane Yankee, and so many more who help make this community feel like family.

And who could forget the stunning 1920s-themed banquet night? Huge props to Master Amanda Sanders for curating an evening straight out of The Great Gatsby — full of laughter, style, and unforgettable moments. It was the perfect way to close out a weekend of unity and celebration.

Lastly, to my amazing wife — thank you for standing by me through all these wild, inspiring journeys. Your support means everything.

If you missed KMAF 2025, be sure to mark your calendars for KMAF 2026. This is more than a festival — it’s a movement, and I promise you, it’s an experience you’ll carry with you for life.

With martial spirit and gratitude,
Nelson Pinto
FaRang Mu Sul / Pinto Martial Arts

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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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Hapkido Summit 2024 (October 2024 - Voorhees, NJ)