This page will discuss the art of "Mani" which is from Cuba. I will go into the history at a later point and will have some photos to show as well. I learned this art from GM Juan de Dios Ramos Morejon. I also learned from him calinda stick fighting. I am his only recognized student of this system in the U.S. and I have been granted to teach this art.

I am very selective to whom I teach, because I do not wish for others to prostitute this beautiful system of martial arts. There are a few out there claiming to teach this system, but it is not "Mani". "Mani" is not the spanish variety meaning "peanut", "Mani" means war in it's original form from Africa. Developed by the slaves and re-planted in Cuba. Only a handful that are alive today truly know the system and they are all very old at this point. Although, it is practiced as a folkloric art for many, Juan De Dios was the only true Grand Master that I could find that truly knew the combative and historical information that I was seeking, and could make it work. More to follow.

I met with Carlos Aldama yesterday (5 Sep 2009), who was the director of Conjunto Nacional de Cuba for over 25 years. He said that Juan De Dios is the only one who knows Mani in Cuba and now I am the only one in the US who knows it. He said that people are ripping others off by claiming to know Mani, but they may know certain dances or songs of palo, but it is not Mani. Carlos and Juan have known each other since they were kids and they worked together in the folkloric group.Carlos is now 83 years old. Very knowledgeable Master Instructor of music, dances, drumming in the Afro-Cuban traditions. I am honored to know him!

Coming Soon! I am working on a book about my life and training in the martial arts. It is going to include segments on the arts that I have studied, my instructors, etc. It will also include segments on growing up Irish and Puerto Rican, music, the afro-caribbean martial arts of "El Juego De Mani", "Calinda", and other arts from the regions that I have studied. I am also planning on some dvd's for "El Juego de Mani" and "Calinda" for historical purposes only.

Right now, I have two instructors in training under me: CONTACT 773-216-6688 or Fernan Vargas, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and Da'mon at capoeira da rua ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )These are my only two reps in training right now. More to follow soon on my book, dvd's, and training!