KSMA Announcement

In the Beginning

In the late 90s, Kapatiran Suntukan Martial Arts (KSMA) began in an environment of rancor and mudslinging on early internet forums and gossip at gatherings. The idea that the message (the arts) was getting lost behind egos and politics led Brandt Smith to form KSMA. It would be an open community free of the bickering which was becoming more the norm than training. It would be tribal in the sense that everyone had a role regardless of skill level. Those roles would be apparent at the times we would get together or be borne out of the meetings. Ultimately, the knowledge would be shared amongst the group. We could be sounding boards for ideas and bodies to toss around and experiment with. So the group began and continued on.

Over the years, KSMA has strived to maintain that open atmosphere and welcomed those interested in coming under the canopy as long as they met the few criteria established when the group was founded. In return, KSMA would provide the “necessary administrative and mental support toward the associated instructors.” The original intent was to avoid a headmaster-type person and not have a “tiered structure, but a brotherhood.” Since Jay was handed the reins in 2006, he has tried to maintain this style of organization and keep the conversations between us going. This can be difficult because of the various factors which hinder us in the modern age: Distance, timing and availability.

Look Where We Are

KSMA of the present is a loose group insomuch that we are there for each other if needed. Many of us have personally experienced the willingness to help each other reach an understanding with the skills and knowledge of fellow members. Most of us have a primary focus combined with a love of learning. How far we reach beyond our core art is based on personal preference. We respect this and appreciate it. We are thankful of all the relationships which have developed over the years and look back with fondness, and some regret, toward those who have left who helped us grow. We honor those who shared the information by letting others know from where that knowledge came.

One attempt to move the group forward was to establish the Brothers in the Arts inner core for the group. This could be best described as a hub to the wheel that is the group. Perhaps, it was a step toward the tiers that may seem outside the original intent of the group slightly, but it reflected the actuality of the growth of the group and is a realization of what was a original goal: “To have a number of representatives across the nation that reflected the intent of the group.” It was also an attempt to have more input across the board in an effort to avoid the aforementioned headmaster, as one of the reasons for founding the group was to provide sources of research and development in the martial arts. Another reason includes being able to offer options to those seeking knowledge, having a sense of brotherhood in sharing openly what we know and learning from others which may lead to insights in what we do individually. Having this group is a natural expression of KSMA. This group helped to establish focal points for the group. This had a positive effect of broadening the circle of members and giving us places to get together on a regular basis.

The Road Ahead

Without form, there is no path. As KSMA has been loosely formed in the past and becoming looser each year, it was decided to take our organization one step further. It is out hope that with a little structure, we can take KSMA to the next level.

Our vision of how to help our organization survive and thrive looks like this.

Mission Statement

Kapatiran Suntukan Martial Arts is dedicated to further study and the education of interested parties in various systems of martial arts and Personal Survival Tactics and give support as needed to members. Members are obligated to share their knowledge as well as learn. All parties involved with the group shall be upstanding citizens of their communities.

The group will be led by Terry Trahan and Jay Carstensen acting as Co-directors. In the event they reach an impasse, Bobbe Edmonds will act as third party intermediary. Terry and Jay will oversee the group and make decisions regarding its activities, membership and direction.

General Membership

As a member of KSMA, you will receive -

A support network
Recognition of hard work and dedication
Opportunity to train with a wide range of people
Discounts for sanctioned events
Access to a variety of instructors
Inclusive environment for exploration and expansion of your art
Electronic newsletter featuring news and technique breakdowns
Access to the group FTP site

Membership requirements are as follows.

All potential members will be met face-to-face
Attend at least 1 KSMA sanctioned event annually
Learn, develop and share your knowledge
Train regularly and consistently - You don’t have to train what we train, but you have to train
Maintain regular contact with the co-directors
Be good - Don’t be a dick.
Use of the terms and logos for Kapatiran Suntukan Martial Arts, KSMA, Aneh Palu Kali-Silat, and Personal Survival Tactics need written permission from the co-directors

Members will be required to attend at the KSMA annual event. If you can’t make it, then host your own. If you host your own, we will discuss who will teach and what will be taught. We don’t want these things to break the bank as we are still of the mindset to keep things affordable. Eventually, there will be a “pot” for KSMA to draw from. The money will be put toward various aspects for the advancement of the group, such as assisting in offsetting costs for seminars or helping to fund various tangibles like certificates, member passbook logs and swag. The fee structure is below.

Study Group

The Study Group Program has two options. The KSMA Instructor Development Program is for anyone wishing to learn Personal Survival Tactics or Aneh Palu Kali-Silat as taught at seminars by Terry and Jay and teach it to interested parties with KSMA endorsement. This will be accomplished with a combination of distance learning and seminars for those not in the same locale as Terry or Jay.

Upon entering the Instructor Development Program, the student will be given the first level of the curriculum they choose to study and will be given permission to form the Study Group. Video progress updates will be sent to either Terry or Jay to be reviewed and comments made for the student. Subsequent levels will be offered when the Study Group Leader meets the skill sets laid out in each level. Leaders of the Study Groups will also meet the requirements of KSMA membership to maintain eligibility. Those who train with the Study Group Leader that have not had a face-to-face meeting with either Terry or Jay are not members of KSMA until after such time as an introduction can take place and they meet the criteria laid out for inclusion in the group.

The second Study Group option is for people who are in an art other than what we offer. We see this as a research and development lab to take your art to whatever level you wish. We will provide insight, critique, and encouragement in an environment where you can delve deeper without judgement. You can pick any aspect of your art to explore for in-depth study, provide an idea of what you look to discover and send a video of your study. If desired, we will share this with the whole group for discussion, otherwise we can provide feedback on your premise and findings to help you grow within your art.

The Brothers in the Arts group will cease to exist and those wishing to be active in the group can opt for the Study Group affiliation described above. This move will take us back to the non-hierarchal intent of the group. In the future, please refrain from using the name and logo unless you are a member. Details regarding usage will be offered to you upon registration.

Any organization has expenses and in order to stay on top of what will be needed for the group, KSMA will have an annually paid membership. This will cover the necessary expenses involved with running the organization. Also, we have found that in order for people to take things seriously, there has to be a buy-in of some sort. We recognize this may limit participants, but we also see that as a plus because those who are “in” are dedicated to their studies and to the ideals and mission of the group.


KSMA Fee Structure

General Membership-$50 Annually
Study Group (Price includes General Membership)-$50 Annually + $10 per student

Testing Fees
Level Testing $75 per test
Instructor FREE

Seminars
Taught by Terry and/or Jay
Lodging and travel is the responsibility of the host-varies and is dependent on mode of transportation and locale of lodging.

One Day
8 hours of instruction
$275 one instructor
$425 two instructors

Two Day
16 hours of instruction
$425 one instructor
$650 two instructors

Full Weekend
21 hours of instruction
Friday evening is at the host’s prerogative to open it to all or be a private session for invited attendees only

$600 one instructor
$850 two instructors

Any profit over covering the costs of the seminar and lodging will be split between KSMA and the host.


Tip your waitresses

In conclusion, these changes were not come to lightly. This is an evolutionary step for the group and one that must be made to facilitate growth. We look forward to walking together down this new path.