Roberto Presas

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Roberto Presas (b August 24, 1947) is a teacher of Filipino martial arts and founder of Hinigaran Arnis de Mano.

Born in Hinigaran, Negros Occidental, Philippines, he was the son of Jose B. Presas and Lucia Amador, and brother to Remy Presas and Ernesto Presas. Roberto became interested in the martial arts at an early age.

He began training in karate in 1960 at the age of 13, followed by the Presas Family Style of Arnis, in 1967. In 1973 he became an instructor in Ernesto Presas. After attaining the rank of Grandmaster (making him the 3rd Presas Grandmaster), Roberto decided to introduce his personal system of Hinigaran Arnis de Mano to the public.

Around that time (2001) Roberto learned that a travel advisory had been placed on him labeling him a flight risk and effectively making it impossible for him to leave the Philippines. At this time the reasons for this action are still undetermined.

Currently he is training Police forces in the Philippines as well as offering classes to the public three times a week and working to spread his system internationally.

[edit] Career highlights

1960 - Began studying Karate.
1967 - Began studying Arnis.
1972 - Became an instructor in the Arjuken Karate Association and obtained 5th Dan in Arnis.
1972 - Taught Karate/Arnis to the Philippine Air Force.
1973 - Promoted to 8th Dan Arnis.
1973 - Began teaching Karate/Arnis to the Philippine Police force.
1975 - Conducted a seminar Lucena City Bataan.
1976 - Became Karate Instructor to the Marikina Police.
1993 - Received title of Grandmaster.
1995 - Created the Hinigaran Arnis de Mano system.
1996 - Began teaching Hinigaran Arnis de Mano to select students.
2001 - Introduced Hinigaran Arnis de Mano to the public.
2006 - Invited his American students to a two-week seminar in Hinigaran.