Are you interested in Filipino Kali Systems?

I sure am!

As a student and teacher of a synthesized method that features three Filipino Kali Systems, I simply love the structured progression that my approach provides. While I wouldn’t trade my system for any other, there are many other Kali Systems that do pique my interest.

Since I have been exposed to several other systems and I realize that there are other high-performance Filipino Kali Systems out there, I want to share these Kali Systems with you. The Kali Systems section of my site is for you …

… the interested onlooker,

… the beginning student, and

… the experienced Kali student or teacher.

The Kali Systems section of my website provides a wealth of information on a variety of systems. The systems detailed here were chosen for three reasons.

#1 – I have had direct exposure to them through personalized, one-on-one training.

#2 – I have had indirect exposure to them through very detailed and diligent individual study via video and books.

#3 – I have had indirect exposure to them through Internet-based research designed to reveal respected and popular systems.

Systems versus Styles

My motivation is simple …

… to give you valuable insight into the differences between a system and a style. In today’s world where systems are plentiful, this insight will help you evaluate each system.

When I think of a system, I think of a highly structured approach to training that relies on a systematic arrangement of techniques, drills, principles, strategies, and more to deliver its curriculum.

On the other hand, to me, style is characterized by at least three things.

For starters, style refers to a particular, distinctive, or characteristic mode of action or manner of acting. For instance, Estilo Abierta is a style of fighting in which an open body is the distinctive mode of action that affords the practitioner the opportunity to immediately target an opening.

Next, style refers to the mode of expressing action in attacking or defending by selecting and arranging techniques, considered with respect to principles and strategies that are characteristic of the style. For example, Estilo Retirada is a style that uses retreating to draw an opponent into attacking, thus opening him up for a counterattack.

Lastly, style refers to those features of a system’s composition that have to do with the form of expression rather than the content of the action expressed. For instance, Estilo de Salon is a style that uses fast and solid footwork. This footwork has been compared to a loud and obnoxious dancer having a good time. The footwork is merely an expression.

Others choose to view style as a way of doing each technique and of solving each problem. In this sense, style is largely personal as it is developed by each practitioner to suit their body, mind, and reflexes.

As a prospective student, your focus should be on finding an effective system that encourages the development of an individual style.

In closing, I understand that most people do not make the distinction between "system" and "style" this precisely. However, as a Kali Systems fan you are not most people …

… you are smarter than most people. Therefore, I know you will not use the words interchangeably.

Noted Kali Systems

Magda Institute Association Kali

LaCoste-Inosanto Kali

Villabrille-Largusa Kali

Giron Arnis Escrima
This is the combat proven system of the late Grandmaster Emeritus Leo Giron. His successor, Grandmaster Tony Somera, now leads this fantastic system.

Sayoc Kali

Modern Arnis

Serrada Escrima

Atienza Kali

Arnis de Mano

Lightning Scientific Arnis

Kali Ilustrisimo

Kali Tudo

Garimot Arnis

Cabales Serrada Escrima

Siete Pares Escrima

Balintawak Escrima

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Return to Hebb Institute of Martial Arts from Filipino Kali Systems