The complete system
Protect the principles, methods, curriculum, and training culture handed down through Professor Presas.
About IMAF
A federation built around Professor’s vision.
Leadership, stewardship, and an international community dedicated to Remy Presas Modern Arnis.
Who we are
More than an organization. A responsibility.
The International Modern Arnis Federation (IMAF) is the Modern Arnis organization founded by Grandmaster Remy Amador Presas to help perpetuate his art worldwide.
IMAF, LLC serves as the governing body entrusted with carrying forward Professor Presas’ vision for Modern Arnis. That responsibility includes preserving the complete system, supporting disciplined training, connecting practitioners and schools, and developing leaders who can pass the art responsibly to the next generation.
The work is not simply to preserve techniques. Modern Arnis is a living system built around adaptability, continuous learning, and the ability to apply the principles of the art in changing circumstances.
FounderGrandmaster Remy Amador Presas
PurposePerpetuate Modern Arnis worldwide
TrainingDisciplined, rigorous, systematic
Core principlesThe Way of the Flow · The Art of Tapi-Tapi
What IMAF exists to do
Preserve the art by keeping it alive.
Develop the practitioner
Support systematic training that develops skill, judgment, adaptability, and personal excellence.
Strengthen the community
Bring practitioners, instructors, schools, seminars, camps, and the wider IMAF family together.
Prepare the next generation
Encourage responsible leadership so Modern Arnis can continue to grow without losing its foundation.
The art we carry
Modern Arnis was built to move forward.
Professor Presas developed Modern Arnis as a practical self-defense system and a way to preserve Filipino martial traditions through safer, more accessible training.
The system includes single and double stick, empty-hand striking, locking, throwing, espada y daga, sinawali, tapi-tapi, partner drills, and anyo. Underneath the techniques are ideas that define the art: adapt to change, understand the principle behind the movement, and learn to flow rather than freeze.
Character and governance
How we carry the name matters.
IMAF members are not only students of the art; they are representatives of it. The federation’s Code of Conduct centers that responsibility around three principles.
Use judgment and accept responsibility for your conduct as an IMAF representative.
Help maintain an open, safe, and respectful atmosphere for every member.
Protect the standards, reputation, and ethical foundation of the organization.
Leadership
Professors of Tapi-Tapi
Senior practitioners entrusted with helping guide IMAF and carry Professor Presas’ legacy forward.
Professor of Tapi-Tapi
Ken Smith
Steering Committee member, professional martial artist, and student of Professor Presas since 1992.
Professor of Tapi-Tapi
Chuck Gauss
Steering Committee member, instructor, and longtime training partner of Professor Presas.
Professor of Tapi-Tapi
Gaby Roloff
Steering Committee member, international instructor, and Meritorious Service award recipient.
Explore IMAF
Train, meet the community, or become a member.
International Modern Arnis Federation
Preserve the legacy. Continue the journey.
IMAF exists so the art can be practiced, understood, taught, and passed forward with skill, character, and respect for the foundation Professor Presas created.