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: 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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SMSE - Stockton Multi Style Escrima seminar - Greenville, SC Nov. 1st, 2025