Grandmaster Rene R. Tongson took his first lesson at the age of nine (9) in Hinigaran, Negros Occidental - the hometown of Professor Remy A. Presas, using sugar canes instead of a rattan stick which was scarce then. His Modern Arnis training started at the age of 15 with Grandmaster Roberto Presas. From Grandmaster Mateo D. Estolloso of Antique, Panay Island,
he refined his classical techniques such as Banda-y-Banda, Rompida, Doblada, Hirada Batangue, Espada-y-Daga, Palis-palis and many more. Under Grandmaster Ernesto, he mastered the techniques of Filipino weaponry.

Grandmaster Rene R. Tongson, is one of the two most senior Masters of the International Modern Arnis Federation - Philippines (IMAFP) under the Professor Remy Presas Clan. He is also a member of the Council of Masters of Modern Arnis, and co-founder-convenor of WORLD BROTHERHOOD of MODERN ARNIS (WBMA).

Using his high academic and administrative experience, he spearheaded the organization of Arnis Philippines (ARPI) as its 1st Secretary-General in September 1986 under the Philippines Olympic Committee (POC). In 1988 he drafted and authored the original version of the Philippine National Standard for the conduct and practice of Arnis in competitive sport, the standard rules now being used in Arnis Tournaments worldwide. He has traveled worldwide were he has strong followings in Australia, Europe, USA and one of the most respected masters in the Philippines.
Grandmaster Tongson is known for his unique ABANIKO TRES PUNTAS style and form in classical Arnis. Among his top students are Senior Master Bambit Dulay, Senior Master Dieter Knuttel (Germany) Master Nino Pila and Chris Traish (Australia) and leading Arnis gurus in the Philippines and worldwide.Grandmaster Tongson graduated from college with a Degree of Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering (BSIE) and a Degree of Master in Business Administration (MBA) in 1987.
Since then he has held executive positions in Philippines business companies. He is presently a Director of the National Coffee Development Board - Philippines and elected Municipal Councilor of Amadeo, Cavite - Philippines. He was the point man in the preparations for the 3rd World Festival and 1st Professor Remy A. Presas Memorial Modern Arnis Camp, which was held in the Philippines in July 2006.

Grandmaster Rene holds the following distinction and rank:
Grandmaster of ABANIKO TRES PUNTAS
Lakan 8 (8th degree blackbelt) - Modern Arnis
Kendo (4th Dan)
Member - World Head of Family Sokeship Council
Awardee - Grandmaster of the Year 2006
International Martial Arts "Hall of Fame"
Author of Abaniko-Tres Puntas Instructional DVD
Trustee, International Modern Arnis Federation - Philippines (IMAFP)