MASTERS OF THE MARTIAL ARTS
United We Stand
About the Event
The Masters of the Martial Arts Weekend Seminar is dedicated to preserving martial traditions, strengthening fellowship, and promoting technical excellence across all martial arts systems.
Participants will experience instructor rotations, specialty techniques, interactive learning, networking opportunities, and a spirit of unity among martial artists from diverse backgrounds.
Reserve your place for an unforgettable weekend of martial arts training, fellowship, and tradition alongside Grandmasters, Masters, and practitioners from around the world.
Friday Evening Program
6:00 PM – 6:15 PM Opening Prayer, Introductions & Warm-Up
6:15 PM – 6:25 PM Featured Trainer Demonstrations
6:30 PM – 7:55 PM Empty‑Hand Self-Defense (Standing or Ground)
Master Trainers in the rank of 5th DAN and above will have a 15-minute block to introduce themselves, their style and deliver a defensive application to all participants.
Brief introduction: Name, Style and School location
Illustrate a self-defense application of choice in action
Provide a step-by-step instruction for participants to learn
Emphasis on adaptability, control, and practical execution
7:55 PM – 8:00 PM Seminar concludes with a collective recitation of the Principles.
Saturday Evening Program
11:00 AM – 11:15 PM Opening Prayer & Introductions
11:15 PM – 12:15 PM Empty‑Hand Self-Defense (Standing or Ground)
Master Trainers in the rank of 5th DAN and above will have a 15-minute block to introduce themselves, their style and deliver a defensive application to all participants.
Brief introduction: Name, Style and School location
Illustrate a self-defense application of choice in action
Provide a step-by-step instruction for participants to learn
Emphasis on adaptability, control, and practical execution
12:30 PM – 1:15 PM Knife Tactics & Defensive Applications Led by Shihan John Gough
1:15 PM – 2:00 PM Jo Practical Applications & Defenses Led by Kyoshi Rafael Neris
2:00 PM – 2:55 PM Fighting Stick Drill & Defense Tactics Led by Grandmaster Thomas Felder
This block emphasizes:
Safety
Precision
Practical understanding of weapon‑based movement
2:55 PM – 3:00 PM Seminar concludes with a collective recitation of the Principles.
Saturday Evening - Dinner & Awards Ceremony
The Dinner & Awards Ceremony is the culminating celebration of the Masters of the Martial Arts Weekend Seminar. This formal gathering honors the dedication and achievements of our martial arts community. The evening includes the presentation of the Masters of the Martial Arts Hall of Honors Award and the recognition of selected practitioners receiving promotions. It is a time of fellowship, reflection, and shared celebration among Masters, instructors, students, and honored guests.
6:00 PM – 6:40 PM Dining & Social Hour
6:40 PM – 7:00 PM Award Ceremony & Conclusion
Featured Trainers
Our Featured Trainers are distinguished martial artists and military retirees dedicated to leadership, discipline, and preserving the traditions of martial arts through decades of training, instruction, and service.
Shidoshi Thomas Felder
10th Degree Black Belt
Kyoshi Rafael Neris
7th Degree Black Belt
Shihan john Gough
6th Degree Black Belt
Dinner & Awards Ceremony
The Dinner & Awards Ceremony serves as the culminating celebration of the Masters of the Martial Arts Weekend Seminar. This formal gathering honors the dedication, discipline, and achievements of our martial arts community. During the evening program, we will present the Masters of the Martial Arts in Action Award, recognizing exceptional leadership, technical excellence, and contributions to the advancement of the arts. In addition, select practitioners will receive rank promotions, acknowledging their continued growth, commitment, and mastery.
