Grand Master Jerry Fast Feet Fontesmith shares the origins and purpose of the Unified Martial Arts Network (UMAN), emphasizing respect for martial arts elders and authentic competition. He critiques modern tournament practices and calls for a return to the warrior spirit and realistic martial arts competition.
Grand Master Jerry Fast Feet Fontesmith introduces himself and shares insights about a project close to his heart: the Unified Martial Arts Network (UMAN). Established in 2007, UMAN was born out of a desire to honor true martial arts warriors and preserve the integrity of martial arts competition.
UMAN was initiated by Grand Master Fontesmith following an incident involving Grand Master Lee Edward Island, also known as Stag Lee. Lee Island was a promoter and a significant figure in martial arts and music. When he was removed from Crane, Fontesmith was displeased and motivated to act.
At the time, Fontesmith was selling wreck suits—real easy kicking suits—and was connected with clients worldwide, including champions. His creation, the wreck suits, inspired many businesses globally to create their versions.
Fontesmith’s primary motivation was to support and honor Grand Master Lee Edward Island, who played a pivotal role in his return to competition. The first UMAN event paid tribute to Lee Island’s contributions.
Fontesmith reflects on his martial arts journey, beginning with his first true instructor, Grand Master Sang Su Tiger Kim, whom he started training with on April 19, 1976. Over the years, he trained with many others but considered Kim his real instructor.
He notes a troubling trend in the martial arts community: a lack of respect for elders. Despite numerous Hall of Fame recognitions, these accolades do not fully capture the true warrior spirit and competitive history of these martial arts veterans.
Fontesmith emphasizes that the spotlight has often been on younger practitioners, especially children, who make up the majority of students. While supporting children is important, he questions whether they are the ones who most need martial arts training.
He argues that elders, who often face challenges such as abuse and neglect, also need martial arts for protection and empowerment. He shares a personal anecdote about his mother, who was fiercely protective and armed, highlighting the real-life necessity of martial arts skills.
For Fontesmith, martial arts is fundamentally about making good decisions to ensure one’s safety and getting home safe. He explains that martial arts tournaments are meant to simulate real fighting and striking, though they are not perfect representations of street fights.
He recalls the golden era of martial arts competition from 1975 to 1986, describing it as a time of intense, dynamic, and dangerous techniques involving blitzing, faking, repositioning, and angles. These techniques were not only impressive but also genuinely dangerous.
Fontesmith criticizes the current state of martial arts tournaments, which he feels have been watered down. He points out the excessive protective gear worn by children—face masks, mouthpieces, chest protectors—and the overly cautious approach that limits authentic competition.
He contrasts this with the past, where competitors looked like true warriors rather than children hopping around in heavy gear. He stresses that life is tough, and martial arts should prepare practitioners for real challenges, not just safe play.
Fontesmith calls on the pioneers and legends of martial arts, those who predate major organizations like NASKA, NBL, and UMAN, to reclaim their place and respect. He acknowledges that some elders may not respect themselves, which complicates the issue.
Despite being 30 pounds overweight, Fontesmith asserts that he can still perform better than most and competes primarily against himself. He invites fellow warriors to come out and compete authentically, embracing the true spirit of martial arts.
The Unified Martial Arts Network stands as a testament to the legacy and warrior spirit of martial arts elders. Grand Master Jerry Fast Feet Fontesmith’s message is clear: respect the past, honor the true warriors, and bring back authentic, meaningful competition to martial arts. It is a call to action for all martial artists to uphold the values that ensure safety, respect, and the true essence of the martial arts journey.
