In the last few weeks Master Steve and EC have been invited to join a worthwhile cause to promote FMA in the UK. This falls in line with how Escrima Concepts view the future and why they are in the Alliance. EC have joined other FMA systems in the UK with GM Danny Guba, Tuhon Pat O'Malley, Guru Lucy O'Malley, Guru Peter Lewis, Guru Alan Jones and Guru Vincent Dornila to equally promote FMA in the UK. This is only the beginning and we expect many others to join in the coming months for the benefit of existing and future FMA martial artists. Master Steve will now be an Executive Board Member to represent EC and to help promote FMA for all. Please read on.
British Council of Kali Eskrima Arnis Instructors
With the growing popularity of the Filipino martial arts on a world wide scale and especially in Great Britain, it was felt that their was a need for a body to be organised that could inform the general public of what the real Filipino martial arts are all about.
A need for an organisation to help guide the general public in the right direction as to who are the real instructors of this unique martial art. Many of the leading Instructors, Masters and Grandmasters of the FMA based in Great Britain have for the first time united together in order to bring the correct information and to help promote the art of the Philippines in a non political, non fee paying, unified organisation.
Over the years the FMA has been known for its politics and bickering, this is what makes this organisation so unique, it is a gathering of various styles who previously would not have even shared the same room, now joining together in a brotherhood to promote the Filipino martial arts on a national scale regardless of style for the betterment of the FMA as a whole.
The Council has received unprecedented acceptance in the Filipino martial arts community both in the UK and in the Philippines and we are proud to be advancing the cultural and martial heritage of the Philippines.
The Council is a gathering of qualified authentic instructors in the Filipino martial arts who can trace their linage back to the Masters and Grandmasters of the arts in the Philippines, all of our instructors are bona fide representatives of the native Filipino martial arts styles and teach those methods as they are taught by the Masters and Grandmasters from Philippines or countries where they now reside.
MISSION STATEMENT
It is the goal of the British Council of Kali Eskrima Arnis Instructors to unite the practitioners of the Filipino martial arts under an umbrella of "National Brotherhood" and cooperation - recognising the merits of all bona fide styles and schools as being equally relevant and appreciated. Any and all Instructors of the Filipino martial arts are welcome and respected, providing they adhere to the spirit herein described.
We seek to continue and expand the recognition and legitimisation of the Filipino martial arts as both a competition sport and combat art - and to promote both sectors in and for those groups who seek to advance their knowledge and level of participation.
Further, we seek to overcome the petty rivalries and jealousies that pervade so many similar societies and to relegate competition to "sporting events". No politics and no denigration of any Arnisador, Eskrimador, Kalista or style will be tolerated and the Council will aggressively defend any who are unjustly or unfairly treated, within the community.
To actively seek the most senior instructors of each bona fide style, system, group or organisation who are willing to uphold our values to have representation on the Council.
To established and continually develop a "Code of Ethics" for the practitioner's, which will be welcomed and subscribed to by Filipino martial arts clubs, styles, systems and organisations around the United Kingdom. This will include but not be limited to: Respect for ones Master, Loyalty to your fellow Arnisadors, Eskrimadors, Kalistas and devotion to the Filipino martial arts. These are sacred tenants of our martial arts. This tradition must be upheld.
To help promote and inform to the general public only those who are of good character as well as being bona fide Filipino martial arts instructors, styles, systems, groups and organisations.
With the appointment of Directors to the Board from the Head Instructors of each style, system or organisation, annual competitions and events In various sporting styles of tile Filipino martial arts, ongoing communication and "Goodwill Tours" demonstrating our art - we hope to achieve our goals and dreams for the Martial Arts of the Philippines.
To work closely with other similar organisations around the world including the Philippine Council of Kali Eskrima Arnis Masters in the promotion of the Filipino martial arts as a whole.
OBJECTIVES
To be a non fee paying and no political organisations who's sole purpose is the promotion of the Filipino martial arts and its bona fide instructors, Masters and Grand Masters regardless of style, system, group or organisation.
To establish and maintain a level and spirit of openness and cooperation to unite the British Community of enthusiasts and practitioners of "Arnis De Mano", Kali, Eskrima - promoting the art and enhancing the image of the Republic of the Philippines as it's birthplace.
To promote "Brotherhood and Inter-style" appreciation, thereby overcoming the competition and petty jealousies that are all too prevalent in the worldwide martial arts community.
To actively seek recognition for both the Filipino martial arts and sport versions of the art with the official Government Bodies such as the Sports Council as well as the British Olympic Committee.
To recognise, help and support those who are of good character, with authentic linage via the recognised Masters.
To produce a database and web site which will be available to the general public listing all bona fide Filipino martial arts instructors who are members of the Council.
OUR STRATEGIC APPROACH
