KMAF April 2026 – Korean Martial Arts Festival & Hall of Fame | Crestview, Florida

Korean Martial ArtsMartial ArtsSelf-DefenseHall of FameHapkidoPinto Martial ArtsFlorida Martial Arts
Written By Nelson Pinto

What an unforgettable weekend at the Korean Martial Arts Festival (KMAF 2026), hosted by Gordon Martial Arts. I am filled with gratitude and inspiration after three incredible days of learning, teaching, connecting, and celebrating everything that makes our martial arts community so strong.

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

I was deeply honored to be part of the teaching lineup and to share Modern FaRang Mu Sul & Hapkido, a gift passed down to me by my mentor and second father, Kuk Sa Nim Michael De Alba, founder of FMS.

I was also incredibly honored to share the lineup with such distinguished guest instructors and living legends of the martial arts world: Doctor He-Young Kimm, GM Timmerman, GM McMurray, UFC Hall of Fame member Mr. Dan Severn “The Beast,” GM Mackenzie, GM Geoff Booth, GM Cayer, GM Munyon, GM Widmeyer, GM Kunz, GM Faralli, GM Bledsoe, Senior Master Lee, Chief Master Stinson, Chief Master Orndorff, Master Barebo, Master Longton, Master Ezagui Jr., Master Sanders, Master Dante James, and Master Daugherty.

Such an amazing event where I truly felt among family, and where I had the opportunity and honor to represent my Modern FaRang Mu Sul family in the presence of such an extraordinary group of martial artists.

A sincere thank you to everyone who participated in my session. Your energy and dedication made the experience truly special. I am especially grateful to Senior Master Nikolai Lee Lee and Master Rodriguez for serving as my ukes—your support helped bring the techniques to life and made everything flow smoothly.

This year’s banquet theme, The Phantom of the Opera, was unforgettable, and the first Hall of Fame transition from GM Widmeyer to GM Gordon marked a historic moment. Congratulations to 8th Dan Grand Master Gordon and Grand Master Bledsoe on this well-deserved recognition.

Lastly, thank you to my amazing wife. Your support through all these journeys means more than words can express.

If you missed KMAF 2026, make sure to mark your calendar for KMAF 2027. This is more than a festival—it is a movement, and I promise it is an experience that stays 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: 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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SMSE - Stockton Multi Style Escrima seminar - Greenville, SC Nov. 1st, 2025