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

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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