Tree of Many Branches
Hsin Lu International
Grand Masters' Council
Tree of Many Branches
In 1972, Michael Barnett began his training in Shotokan karate and western boxing. This training intensified in 1976 when he began to hone his skills with Mr. Ray Tarkington who is of the same system and who is affiliated with the JKA. His training with Mr. Tarkington continued until his law enforcement career forced his re-location. Nonetheless, he remained a friend of his until Mr. Tarkington’s death in 2006. He credits Mr. Tarkington with stimulating in him a life-long interest in the martial arts.
Mr. Barnett began training in Filipino Martial Arts with Tim Mousel in 1992. During this time, he also trained with Anthony Bernabeo, one of Mr. Mousel’s students, in Houston, Texas and has, further, trained with many others of acclaim in the Filipino Martial Arts world. He continues private training with Mr. Mousel.
Mr. Barnett met Tuhon Salvador Moralez approximately 18 years ago, and tributes Tuhon Moralez for providing some of the most valuable training of his career. Moreover, he recognizes Tuhon Moralez as his mentor in Filipino Martial Arts.
Michael Barnett was awarded the title of Punong Guro by Tuhon Gaudiosa Ruby and Tuhon Sal Moralez in 2006, and his system of Filipino American Simplified Kali Escrima Concepts became recognized at this time by the United States Kali Association. He was concurrently inducted into the Filipino Martial Arts Hall Of Fame in El Paso, Texas as Weapon’s Expert of the Year. Mr. Barnett actively teaches his system throughout the Houston, Texas area, and is distinguished for training a military unit in its practice.
In 2007, Mr. Barnett received the additional accolade of being recognized as Grand Master of the Year by the United States Martial Arts Hall Of Fame in Las Vegas Nevada.
Michael Barnett has trained extensively in traditional Ju-Jitsu, Brazilian Ju-Jitsu, and western fencing, and has successfully participated in numerous Mixed Martial Arts competitions.
In 2008, in recognition of his significant accomplishments and his contribution to the martial arts, Mr. Barnett was appointed to the Grand Master’s Council of Hsin Lu International.
Presently, Mr. Barnett continues to practice the Filipino Warrior Arts and Shotokan karate, and is involved in continuing research into the traditional kata and their intended application with the aim of refocusing attention into these traditional forms. To this present day, he acknowledges himself a student of Tuhon Sal Moralez.
