Remy Presas stroke?

S

Swampgator

Joined
Dec 28, 1999
Messages
38
I read on James Keating's website that Grandmaster Remy Presas is recovering from a stroke. Does anyone know anything about it?
 
From what I've heard it was actually a brain tumor. Some of the guys on Escrima Digest posted about it. Tim Hartman called my instructor the day it happened and that was a while ago. The Prof. is fine and there are apparently no ill effects, but he needs his bed rest. I believe Jeff Delaney has been promoted to Grandmaster by the Prof. and will be filling in for him for some of the upcoming seminars. I wish I had better than 2nd hand answers, but I stay out of Modern Arnis politics. I just wish the Prof. well and hope to see him some time soon.

just my 2 cents

J-MAN

[This message has been edited by J-MAN (edited 11-21-2000).]
 
here, this is from modernarnis.com


Professor Presas Recovering From Surgery
Jeff Delaney and Dr. Randi Schea Promoted to Co-GrandMasters While The Professor Recovers.

On the German leg of his recent European tour Professor Remy Presas was admitted to the hospital after complaining of severe headaches, dizziness and fatigue. Ensuing tests revealed the presence of a tumor on the lower right side of his brain. The Professor was flown to Canada where he underwent successful surgery to remove the tumor. He left intensive care less than twenty four hours after the surgery and is beginning his recovery. While still in Germany and after being made aware of the seriousness of his condition he promoted Jeff Delaney of Dripping Springs, Texas and Dr. Randi Schea of Houston, Texas as Co-GrandMasters and charged them with the task of guiding the International Modern Arnis Federation during his absence. Dr. Schea is one of the Professor's most Senior students and has been a close friend and advisor to the Professor since attending the first two week training camps in the early nineteen eighties. Dr. Schea is a leading cancer specialist and has been overseeing the Professor's medical treatment as well as dealing with day to day business of the IMAF. Jeff Delaney has attended over 40 instructor training camps and is responsible for Rank Requirements and Rank testing at the camps. Jeff is the Membership and Executive Director of the IMAF. Mr. Delaney has been teaching the Professor's seminars in London, England, Venice, Italy and Philadelphia, PA. All upcoming winter Instructor Training Camps, beginning with the San Antonio, Texas Camp in February will be held as usual with Dr. Schea and Jeff Delaney providing instruction with the assistance of the Professor's other top Instructors. More information will be added to this page in the next few days
 
Here is the most current on Remy. I hear different, but you know how rumors go. For the sake of Modern Arnis, I hope it goes well.

George

PRESS RELEASE: November 24, 2000

Grandmaster Remy Presas, Founder of Modern Arnis, retires from active teaching and prepares the International Modern Arnis Federation (IMAF) for the future.

The objective of this PRESS RELEASE is to disclose accurate, factual information regarding the status of Grandmaster Remy Presas, Founder of Modern Arnis, "Professor", and the status of the International Modern Arnis Federation (IMAF), to all interested parties. The IMAF is the sole Modern Arnis organization that was created by Professor Presas with the responsibility and obligation of maintaining his Vision of Modern Arnis. The information contained herein have been specifically discussed and transcribed directly under the direction of Professor Presas.

Because of the numerous questions and misinformation that is being perpetuated during this difficult period, the PRESS RELEASE has been divided into two major parts to better address relevant issues and present factual information: (1) Medical status of Professor Presas; (2) Status of the International Modern Arnis Federation (IMAF).

1. Medical status: Professor Presas recently announced his intentions to retire from his busy teaching schedule and travels due to health concerns. It is his wish that friends, students, and colleagues, refrain from making direct contact with him for the time being so that he can rest and recover quickly. He is currently receiving medical attention in Canada. Dr. Randi Schea, Chairman, IMAF, is continuously monitoring his medical interventions and status. In addition, David Hoffman, Director, IMAF-England, is providing very close, daily supportive care to expedite Professor Presas' rehabilitation.

While on tour in Europe, Professor Presas developed neurologic signs and was diagnosed with a right-sided brain tumor. In Germany, Professor Presas received therapy to control his symptoms and he was discharged in stable condition. All Modern Arnis participants should be thankful for the generous, supportive care of Professor Presas from Gaby Roloff, Director, IMAF-Europe. Additionally, gratitude and appreciation should also be credited to Astrid Zimdahl, Director, IMAF-Germany, and Jamil Tarkhani, Director, IMAF-Africa. Without the care and generosity of our European friends, Professor Presas would not have had the best support available to him.

There was also close support provided by IMAF participants from the United States. In alphabetical order, Jeff Delaney, Tim Hartman, Randi Schea, M.D., and Ken Smith were present during this difficult period. D. J. Wallace, III, was also present.

Once the primary diagnostic studies were completed, and Professor Presas' medical status stabilized, he was discharged from Germany and transferred to Canada for medical treatment. He recently underwent gross total resection of the tumor. It was identified as a glioma, a primary brain tumor. His postoperative course is currently going well. His neurosurgeon specifically stated that Professor Presas' recuperative powers are indeed amazing and his constitutional physical strength is a significant advantage towards his recovery. Professor Presas was discharged from the Intensive Care Unit within only two days! He has been discharged from the hospital and postoperative radiation therapy is pending. Dr. Schea is in daily contact with Professor, Yvette Wong, David Hoffman, and Professors' various physicians in Canada.

2. Modern Arnis Information: After stabilization of his neurologic symptoms, Professor Presas proceeded to disclose specific plans and instructions for the IMAF and its future. The following information has been transcribed from Professor Presas. In addition, the IMAF members presented in (1) above were present for Professor Presas' disclosures and future plans for IMAF. Due to previously scheduled international commitments elsewhere, Tim Hartman could not be present.

The first order of business conducted by Professor Presas was the establishment of succession planning for IMAF. Professor declared that Randi Schea, M.D., Chairman - IMAF, and Jeff Delaney, Executive Director - IMAF, were to be named as Co-Successors for IMAF. Dr. Schea is responsible for the strategic agendas of the IMAF and to ensure its corporate organizational success, internal operations, and its financial and fiscal posterity. Dr. Schea is to remain as Chairman for the IMAF. Jeff Delaney as Co-Successor is responsible for the execution and application of the strategic agendas, and to establish and maintain ambassador status to all U.S. and international IMAF instructors, camp directors, and affiliated schools. Jeff Delaney is to remain as Executive Director of the IMAF. Professor Presas also named Dr. Randi Schea and Jeff Delaney as Co-Grandmasters, for the IMAF. This declaration was made to the IMAF members listed in section (1) above and declared effective immediately.

The second order of business was the declaration by Professor Presas for the award of Master of Tapi-Tapi, within the art of Modern Arnis. The following IMAF members (in alphabetical order) were recognized with this award: (1) Jeff Delaney, (2) Chuck Gauss, (3) Jim Ladis, (4) Gaby Roloff (Germany), (5) Randi Schea, M.D., (6) Ken Smith, (7) Brian Zawilinski.

In conjunction with this ceremony, several of the above named recipients were also promoted the award of Master rank having been promoted to 5th degree black belt status: (1) Jeff Delaney, (2) Chuck Gauss, (3) Gaby Roloff (Germany), (4) Ken Smith.

Professor Presas then proceeded to highlight and differentiate the status of Master of Tapi-Tapi versus rank. The Master of Tapi-Tapi as declared by Professor Presas, is for "recognition for having achieved the highest level of proficiency in the art of Modern Arnis" since its creation in 1957, and its introduction in 1975. These individuals have been recognized for their continued support, training, and their ability to pass on Modern Arnis in its current form, focus, and philosophy, as advocated by Professor Presas.

The Master of Tapi-Tapi recognition is separate from and above rank and represents proficiency status within the art of Modern Arnis. It is an achievement award to its recipients to ensure the longevity and legacy of Modern Arnis. It is a declaration of commitment by the recipients to continue to keep Modern Arnis open and active for its practitioners. It is an honor and responsibility of the highest level awarded by Professor Presas.

The seven recipients of the Master of Tapi-Tapi honor were also asked to serve on the Steering Committee for the IMAF organizational responsibilities. The Steering Committee will be responsible for the execution and performance-benchmarking of the major corporate organizational areas of IMAF including Finance, Membership, Body of Knowledge, Curriculum, Information Technology, Marketing, and Strategic Planning. The Steering Committee will be actively involved with the Board of Directors. Select individuals from the IMAF Board of Directors will be asked to participate actively and serve on the various Committees as discussed above.

In addition, David Hoffman, Director, IMAF - England, was acknowledged for his life-long service to Professor Presas and Modern Arnis. David Hoffman was the first to receive a black belt in Modern Arnis in the United States.

Continuing with the international status of IMAF, Gaby Roloff, Director, IMAF - Europe, was recognized for her life-long commitment to Modern Arnis and for her support and care of the Professor during this period of illness. Gaby Roloff will be responsible for the ongoing growth and instruction of Modern Arnis in Europe.

Jamil Tarkhani, Director, IMAF - Africa, was also recognized for his recent support and active involvement with Modern Arnis. Jamil Tarkhani recently conducted a successful Modern Arnis seminar series in Tunisia. He will be responsible for the ongoing growth and instruction of Modern Arnis in Africa.

Conclusion

Professor Remy Presas, Grandmaster & Founder of Modern Arnis, has completed surgery for a right brain tumor and will soon be undergoing radiation therapy to complete his treatment plan in Canada. He has been recovering well and is receiving daily care and support from Yvette Wong, David Hoffman. Dr. Schea continues to oversee his medical treatment plans.

The International Modern Arnis Federation (IMAF) is the sole Modern Arnis organization directly created and fully supported by its founder, Professor Remy Presas. Professor Presas has declared, instructed, and approved its Directors and recently stated the succession plans for the IMAF as Professor Presas begins his retirement. It is the clear and strong message by the Professor that IMAF be run as an on-going corporate organization, with all of its legal powers including its obligations and responsibilities. Dr. Schea, Jeff Delaney, the IMAF Steering Committee, and the IMAF Board of Directors, have been named to carry out the Vision of Professor Presas.

Professor will continue to monitor, teach, supervise, and otherwise be present in the IMAF activities, including seminars, camps, and organizational meetings. Most importantly, he will observe carefully to evaluate the IMAF Board Members, the IMAF instructors, and IMAF-Affiliated schools. He will continue to indicate whatever necessary changes and adjustments will be necessary to insure quality Modern Arnis instruction and growing membership for IMAF.

There are many messages communicated via the telephone, via the internet, etc., and many include gossips and misinformation. In the event that any Modern Arnis practitioner is truly supportive about Professor Presas, and Modern Arnis, it is best to refrain from adding to such noise and potential inaccuracies. If any Modern Arnis practitioner has questions and/or concerns, it is best to seek out the factual and appropriate information directly through the IMAF. The IMAF is an open organization and welcomes active cooperative involvement by all Modern Arnis practitioners.

In closing, it should be clearly stated that Professor Presas has carefully and strategically laid out his plans. Modern Arnis practitioners and IMAF members alike would do well to follow his lead and honor his Vision. We will execute out his plans, wishes, and Vision of Modern Arnis - that is our commitment and promise. No excuses! We pray and wish that Professor Presas will have a full and speedy recovery and grace us with his presence again very soon.

Best regards,

Randi Schea, M.D.,Chairman, IMAF.

Note: Professor Presas has reviewed the above details and has approved its contents. All official IMAF releases will have such review and approval process by Professor Presas before public release. In the event Professor Presas is not available, IMAF has protocol guidelines for information releases and will provide guidance when necessary.
 
I wish Master Presas the best and a speedy recovery. He is a fine gentleman, a good instructor, and tells a heck of a funny story over dinner! Looks like I need to call my Kung Fu brother Jeff, and convey this as well.
 
Grand Master Remy Presas Health Update #5
>
>December 1, 2000
>
>Professor continues to recover at a remarkable rate. He walked a few
>hundred meters today,No longer needs a cane and had a busy day, He did
some
>banking and visited the nurses at his old ward. They were shocked to
see
>how good his shape is. We even practiced Tapi Tapi last night and
today.
>Professor is feeling better in every way and is preparing himself for
the
>radiation therapy ahead. He is already talking about teaching more
seminars
>and declared himself fit to do so "tommorow." He feels, and is, "fully
in
>control." Remarkable when you consider the short time from major
surgery.
>
>
>David Hoffman
>Vice President IMAF
 
Though I would not clame to know him on a personal level, I have had occasion to meet the Professor and found him to be a fine teacher and pleasant man. I wish him a quick recovery and many healthy years ahead.
I truely regret that he is retiring. He is a fine teacher, with a huge wealth of knowledge to share. It is very unfortunate that he won't be available to us anymore.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top