KPannell

Fellow Filipino Martial Artists,

This is a call to arms for all Filipino martial artists; instructors, practitioners and enthusiasts. The Filipino martial arts community has been requested to give representation at the upcoming Arnold Classic 2002 in Columbus, Ohio, February 22-24.
I have been appointed as the division director and to date am not receiving the kind of response that I had hoped for. I would like to list just a few of the many reasons and incentives that everyone should be should be knocking down our door to participate, compete and get involved.

1. This event is co-hosted and sponsored by Arnold Shwarzenegger, our other gracious host is Jim Lorimer of Lorimer Productions. If there is any single person who stands as an icon of health, fitness and the multitude of sports that develop these qualities it is Arnold. Arnold’s history in sports, from his early days in weightlifting and bodybuilding to his appointment to the Presidents Fitness Council makes him our planets number one ambassador of athletes everywhere.
2. This is currently the worlds second largest sporting event. We have recently been contacted by the Guinness Book of World Records and we anticipate receiving the status of the worlds largest sporting event next year. The Olympics are currently the worlds largest sporting event with around 10,000 athlete competitors, we have around 9,500 athlete competitors this year 4,000 of which are martial arts competitors. We are confident that we can surpass this number next year.
3. We have been given an opportunity to educate the public and the world about our relatively exotic arts. This event will be covered by Fox Sports who have committed to a prime-time showing of their edited feature on this years expo. The event will also be covered by ESPN, but shown late night. This year, we will also have live streaming video on the internet. Many different martial arts, fitness and other magazines will covering the expo. Scouting agents will be in attendance and some will be chosen for on the spot auditions which could lead to TV, film or commercial possibilities.
4. We can clear up the misconception that Filipino martial arts are only stick-fighting arts by demonstrating various weapons form in single and two-man sets and displaying some of the wide range of self-defense, which, in my opinion stacks up against any of the other world-renowned methods of personal defense.
5. If we can make a good showing this year, I’m sure that we can become a permanent part of this grand and prestigious event. If we can do that together, I envision that this could turn into the worlds largest Filipino martial arts event.
6. There will be over 60,000 spectators coming in from all over the US and some from abroad.
7. This is a very non-political affair where we can all meet many of the other practitioners, masters and grandmasters to share some camaraderie, create new friendships and network.
8. If you like all things asian, there is a fantastic Asian Cultural Fair that is presented as part of the itinerary.
We need about 100 competitors in any of the following 4 categories – single-stick, double-stick, forms and self-defense. We also need judges (preferably instuctor rank, referees and volunteers to help with this event.
Please help support this event, not for the event itself, not for me, but for the Filipino Martial Arts in general, the FMA deserves it’s place too.
Please pass the word to everyone you know. Let us know about any obstacles that stand in your way and we will try to help with some resolution. There are five websites devoted to the Arnold Expo 2002 and they can all be accessed through www.arnoldclassic.com.
Contact us ASAP at staff@asianfightingarts.com , or write or call the following:

Asian Fighting Arts
5099 Springboro Pike
Dayton, OH 45449
(937)293-5520
www.asianfightingarts.com


I remain confident that we will receive the support we need.

Sincere thanks,

Guru Ken Pannell

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Guru Ken