RAPID ARNIS INTERNATIONAL

6th December 2006

Dear Tuhon O'Malley

It is with great pleasure, respect and appreaciation that I inform you of the progress we are making with the Philippine Council of Kali Eskrima Arnis Masters and the acceptance of our martial art as a significant part of Philippine heritage and indiginous games. We are aware of the tremendous progress you have made as U.K. Director for the Masters' Council, as regards uniting the Filipino Martial Arts community in Europe.

I am now preparing documentation for UNESCO, to be submitted via out NGO, the World Council of Peoples for the United Nations and my office in Manila. It is my hope that in 2007, we will receive recognition so richly deserved by the Filipino Martial Arts.

Your contributions to the advancement and promotion of the sports and martial aspect of Arnis, cannot be overstated - with your many years, exceptional skill level and sincere dedication to impart your knowledge to the youth and enthusiastic in the U.K. and Europe.

If there is anything I may do to assist with your mission, whether to facilitate the estabishment of training facilities or attesting to your possition/profile with the Masters' Council and your contribution to our U.N. activities - please do not hestitate to call upon me.

On behalf of the Philippine Council of Kali Eskrima Arnis Masters and the Council of Peoples for the United Nations, both of which I proudly serve - let me say 'Thank you Tuhon' for consistently being there and spending so much of your own time and money so unselfishly, over the years. We are indeed fortunate to have you representing us.

Respectfully

Leo Van Vogel
Executive Officer/Special Emissary

Tuhon Pat O'Malley is without doubt one of the most senior and experienced Masters of the Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) in Europe. Well into his third decade of the FMA, Tuhon Pat has shared his wealth of knowledge and expertise with countless practitioners, many of whom have grown to represent their own or other forms of the FMA.

Working tirelessly to promote unity within all systems of the FMA, Tuhon Pat is the driving force behind international initiatives and has guided the establishment of many non-political and not-for-profit Councils around the globe. He is to be commended for his considerable and unselfish efforts and is one of a very small number of people who can be considered as a true ambassador for the Filipino Martial Arts.

Gumagalang

Punong Guro Peter Lewis
Head Instructor for the Bahad Zu?Bu WHQ
Senior UK Representative for Bakbakan International
England Representative for the Philippine Council of Kali, Eskrima, Arnis Masters
Founding Member of the British Council of Kali, Eskrima, Arnis Instructors

Before I joined Rapid Arnis International, I had a choice of Rapid Arnis and a another system, I picked Rapid Arnis International for a number of reasons one being there leader Pat O'Malley, I had never met with Pat, but he was on just about every FMA forum. I liked the way Pat spoke passionately about FMA and Rapid Arnis and his honesty and sense of martial arts and family values.

Another reason was what was beneficial for my students in the long run; Pat's Rapid Arnis International is like one big family that is there to support each other in and out of class. As well as having a strong structure/support format, students are also registered in England (Rapid Arnis International) and the Philippines (Doce Pares Multi-style).

Once I got to speaking with Pat on a daily basis, I found he was just like the average Joe on the street there was no arrogance of I am the great one you must bow to me. He has bills, family/work stress just like any other man/dad/male, and Pat is very humorous and open

I finally met Pat in Aug 08 in NZ.

And everything I believed he was he was,

Seeing this man live move and talk FMA was just awesome

It was a pleasure meeting this great man and being part of his family, the O'Malley family and Rapid Arnis family.

Riki Mitchell
Affiliated Instructor RAI Levin,
New Zealand council of Kali Eskrima Arnis Instructors (NZCKEAI) officer

Pat O'Malley is arguably one of the finest martial artists the UK has to offer, and has enjoyed worldwide renown as a leading ambassador of the Filipino martial arts. As a martial artist in general, he has achieved much more besides his own personal study of the FMA, including the personal study and practice of other martial arts, the establishment of diplomatic links with other stylists and figureheads - foreign and domestic, and his success in bringing many of these individuals together so that the industry as a whole may benefit (often at a personal loss).

As an individual, I've observed Pat to be genuinely passionate about what he does - regardless of whether it's in his training, his work, or his homestead. He is a genuine bloke, enjoying life's simple pleasures, and my impression of him is that he is a man of principal - valuing hard work and dedication over medals and fancy titles (ironic, seeing as he?s got one of the longest and most decorated CVs in the business!). He is a consummate professional, and his tenacity in pursuing the job at hand is inspiring to many who would make his acquaintance. Yet as mentioned, he still manages to keep his feet firmly on the ground. If I had to sum him up in one word though, it would be 'tough:' He is mentally and physically tough. And I believe it is this toughness - this enduring spirit - that has seen him through trials past and present.

Personally speaking, Pat has been an impressive source of inspiration on many levels: As a fighter, a scholar, a gentleman, an instructor, and as a mentor - offering me guidance and counsel through some rough times. It is also reassuring to see that Pat leads his group from the front, with his strong sense of values echoing through his organisation. In this sense, Rapid Arnis International represents not just a system or an affiliation, but a family, with its members supporting and encouraging each other regardless of differences in background, status, or geographical location. It is a family I am proud to be a part of.

Andrew Janson
Rapid Arnis London