When learning about Modern Arnis, we must first discuss about Late Grandmaster Remy Amador Presas' journey who was the founder of this fascinating form of Martial Arts. Presas began his study of arnis at an early age, leaving home at age 14 to pursue his interest in the fighting arts characteristic of his homeland. Presas ultimately synthesized important aspects from kali, escrima, ujakalele and arnis de mano into the art that he taught. His travel throughout the Philipines led to the rise of arnis as a national sport. Presas left the Philippines in 1975 on a goodwill tour sponsored by the Philippine government to spread arnis to other countries. He arrived to the United States and conducted special seminars to various groups. He was welcomed wherever he went, demonstrated the daring techniques of the bolo and the bewitching twirl of double rattan sticks - the sinawali. Over time, the number of students studying under The "Professor" (as his students affectionately call him) grew rapidly and the Modern Arnis art has flourished since then. Sadly, Presas' journey ended in August 2001 and his body was rested in peace in Philippine by his family.

When Presas first traveled his country, he took what he considered to be the most effective principles of each island styles and combined them with his own knowledge of other martial arts. Modern Arnis, as Presas termed his system, incorporates empty hand moves based upon the same motions used in solo baston and sinawali. Unlike kali, his system also uses low kicks and takedowns for a more well-round approach. Furthermore, Modern Arnis is based on hitting the stick in practice, but with understanding that the opponent's hands will be the target in real combat. Parallel to that, though the stick is the primary weapon used in this art form, the students become proficient only when the art is executed empty hand. Sifu Robert Quinn has had distinct honor of begin his training with the Professor in the early 80's in the Northeast Region of the United States. Under the Professor, Sifu Quinn earned Lakan Lima (5th Degree Black Belt). In the mid 90's, as per the Professor's request, Sifu Quinn relocated to Georgia and led the American Karate Productions Inc since. Currently Sifu Quinn is the leading authority of Modern Arnis in the Southeast Region and is eager to pass on his knowledge and training of this fascinating form of art to his students.