The Karate 5 Organization will periodically interview well-known
Masters to get their views on a number of topics. The words of the
Masters are their views on the selected topics.
Interview with:
Grandmaster Lisa McManus, Founder of Military Arnis,
Staff Instructor at NROTC Norwich University
She was interviewed by Master William Mason.
Karate 5 Questions:
1. How did you become acquainted with the Karate 5 Association?
I had the privilege of meeting Master Willie Wilson and Master Melbert Lee
in the performance of my duties as a Director on the WKU Martial Arts Hall
of Fame run by Kathy and Frank Tasetano in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.
Grandmaster Delaney and I spent a great deal of time getting to know
Master Wilson and Master Lee the weekend we met. We found them to be
humble, interesting and skillful. We were invited to their school to teach a
Modern Arnis seminar. It was an incredible experience. I describe Master
Wilson and his team as ‘world class martial artists’. The Master Instructors
of their school are as eager to learn and develop new skills as are the students.
They call themselves ‘working Masters’ and I would agree. Master Wilson and
I share the same motto, “out work them all”. We work hard, train hard and
continually strive to improve. We have no desire to best anyone, we want to
be the best we can be by helping our students become the best they can be.
Karate 5 students are those uniquely contradictory students who are fierce
and sensitive, strong in body and mind, competent yet unsatisfied, always
hungry for knowledge and growth. I'm possibly their biggest fan!
2. What Martial Arts do you train in?
I’ve trained as a boxer for years and continue to study with a wonderful
professional boxing coach, Coach Joe Szelangowski. He is an absolutely
amazing man. I love the conditioning and training. I’ve studied many arts
through the years including Karate but spent most of my energy on the
Filipino Arts and my boxing.
3. Did you train directly with Grandmaster Remy Presas?
Yes, both my sons and I trained directly with Grandmaster Remy Presas.
My son Kevin was the youngest black belt to ever be promoted personally
by Grandmaster Presas at age 10. Kevin began his studies at age 4 and at
age 17 continues to study with Grandmaster Delaney, the successor to
Grandmaster Presas. Grandmaster Presas and Kevin developed a wonderful
relationship of mentor and student through the years.
4. Who is your current Sensei?
So many people have contributed to my development as a martial artist.
I’ve been privileged to train and learn from so many great martial artists.
Datu Halford Jones excited me about Arnis many years ago. He sent me
to work with Grandmaster Presas. Grandmaster Remy Presas and his Art
of Modern Arnis were the most influential in the path I took. My sons and
I spent a great deal of time traveling to train with Grandmaster Presas; he
was not only an incredible martial artist but also a master innovator.
When he became ill he suggested that I continue to train and work with
Grandmaster Delaney. Grandmaster Jeffrey Delaney taught me how to
feel the techniques. He also has spent a great deal of time developing my
son Kevin and really deserves the credit for Kevin’s continued growth after
Grandmaster Presas died. Coach Bob Obdrazalek pushed me to go the
distance in boxing over a decade ago and Coach Joe Szelangowski helped
me solidify my foundation. Although some don’t consider boxing a martial
art in the traditional sense, I believe that boxing is one of the most incredible
martial arts and find great value in the training and conditioning. Coach
Szelangowski is an important part of my continued growth.
The question who is my current Sensei is a tough one; I don’t want to
leave anyone out. Most of the people with whom I collaborate currently
contribute to my continued growth. Master Wilson is very influential in my
life these days. He shares his perspective with me openly and I value his
honesty and directness. He is one of the most skillful martial artists with
whom I’ve ever worked. I share his philosophy in that we should continue
to grow and learn throughout our lifetime. Master Hill and Master Ogle have
also had a tremendous impact on me. Who they are as people, their honor
and loyalty shape all those they touch; I value their presence in my life.
Frank and Kathy Tasetano inspire me in their relentless promotion of others
achievements. Their open love for our Marine Corps and their selflessness
is remarkable. They live by the code we should all aspire to: honor, courage
and commitment to others. Colonel Mark Costa, USMC, my mentor-that says it all.
Finally, my students who inspire me to continue to grow – they provide my
incentive to learn from everyone who has something to share; they too are
my teachers in life.
Forgive me if I left anyone out; so many people have touched my life
and taught me things of value.
5. As founder of Military Arnis, what gave you the idea for its inception?
In l976 I became a United States Marine and a warrior. I left the Corps to get
married and go back to college. After college and raising my family, I longed
to be back in the Corps so I developed my Art – a mixed martial art derived from
the Arts I studied. The idea was to teach something I love to people I value. I love
teaching and the arts and I value the Marine Corps. In 2000 in collaboration with
Colonel Robert Beaudoin, USMC, I began teaching at NROTC as a staff instructor.
My art is a leadership art. My students are taught leadership and communication
skills through the vehicle of the combative practice of the art. Our motto is,
“Our success will depend largely upon our sustained willingness to work hard
& our commitment to those we serve.” We are very serious about our ‘service
to this Nation’. Military Arnis was founded and implemented by me but is now the
Art of the students and graduates of NROTC Norwich University; it is our art and
our program.
6. What gender problems did you have to overcome in order to get your
program firmly established?
None, I was the right gender- GREEN – “Once a Marine, Always A Marine.”
7. How many Marines per cycle and how many cycles per year do you
train?
The numbers vary; we train Marine and Navy Officer Candidates. We have had as
many as 100 students on the floor but probably about 85 per class. We have each
class for their sophomore year. Those who wish to advance remain with me
throughout their University career and lead the sophomore class.
8. Have you gotten feedback over the years as to the effectiveness of
your techniques from Marines who have used them on the frontlines?
The feedback I get is that the skills they walk away with are valuable to them.
9. Do you teach other branches of the military besides the Marines?
My team is made up of Navy and Marine personnel; however, we have had and still
have some impressive students from the Army and Air Force train in our advanced
sessions. We are, after all, one team.
10. How do you see Military Arnis growing in the future?
The future of Military Arnis is very bright. I have selected a successor to lead my
team should I be infirmed or incapable of leading due to poor health or death.
He is a bright young Marine who will be commissioned in May; Michael Iaquinto
from Connecticut. As my designated successor, he will continue to study with me
when he comes home on leave. He is a strong leader and instructor who will
definitely continue to teach once he gets into the Fleet. Many of my current
team will bring our Art into the Fleet as well. I have an amazing advanced team
of hardworking, self disciplined students who will propagate our Art.
11. Is there anything else that you would like to comment on that I have
not asked?
Yes, please. I developed my Art, the Art of Military Arnis, in order to contribute
to the United States Marine Corps, to be back on the team. It is an honor and
privilege to serve this great Nation and lead these fine Military students at
Norwich University. I am passionate about our Country and about my
Marine Corps!
Thank you so much for the honor of this interview.
 
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