What’s The Allure Of Filipino Kali?Prior to 2000, I had no real knowledge or understanding of Filipino Kali. Sure, I had read a few articles and seen some pictures over the years in Black Belt or in Inside Kung Fu. But, that’s it! Then in 2000, I received Guro Cass Magda’s two-volume, 1993-1994 European Tour, video set, which featured Indonesian Pentjak Silat and Filipino Kali. What I witnessed in those videos captivated my spirit. What did I see that fueled my desire to learn more about this Filipino Martial Art? Continue reading and you will discover the answer. Continue reading to discover if this might be what you’ve been longing for too. Before you discover what fueled my desire to learn more, I want you to know that this page serves as your hub for further exploration. It is your gateway to: Articles Books Drills Gear Organizations Resources Sticks
Systems Teachers Techniques Total Fighting Kali Videos Okay, it’s time to answer the question, "What’s the allure of Filipino Kali?"
First ImpressionsFor me, my first impressions were fluidity, precision and speed …… Amazing fluidity, … Pinpoint precision and … High-octane speed The knife-wielding hands of the Kali proponents were flowing like I had never seen before creating an amazing fluidity of continuous motion. The slashes, thrusts, checks, disarms and locks were on-the-money every time revealing the pinpoint precision that only comes from repetition. The whirlwind of activity was difficult to follow at that time because of my ignorance about the art and because of the high-octane speed that was displayed.
DisarmsPrior to becoming a Kali student and teacher, I had trained in several other styles of martial arts. During some of that training, I was exposed to knife defense and did spend some time training with the knife.But my previous experience never included anything like I witnessed on the European Tour videos. Sure, I had been shown knife disarms before, but not like the Filipino Kali disarms on the videos. The three biggest things that hooked me on Kali’s disarming effectiveness were: • the disarms occurred naturally out of the flow • the disarms focused on attacking the thumb
LocksMy previous knife training never included locks when dealing with an edged weapon.So, as you might imagine, I was very intrigued and impressed by Kali's use of locks against the knife. Locks were being inserted out of the flow after disarms as well as after blocks.
FluidityIf you’ve been paying attention, you know that the word “flow” has been used on numerous occasions to describe what I saw.It is this “flow” that creates the fluidity that is Filipino Kali. As an athlete and a martial artist, I appreciate and value fluidity. The fluidity of Kali was a major element of attraction for me.
It Doesn’t Matter …Beyond the elements already mentioned, this notion of “It doesn’t matter” was especially appealing.During a particular segment of the video, knife attacks were being fed on angles one and two. Regardless of which hand ended up on top, a disarm was readily available. So, when asked, “Which hand should be on top?” the answer is “It doesn’t matter.” This answer leads perfectly to the next point of allure.
Principles RULEWhile there are many principles of Kali that appeal to me, the Substitution Principle is perhaps my favorite.The Substitution Principle involves using a different implement to accomplish the same objective. For instance, the video showed disarms using the knife as the disarming implement as well as disarms using the empty hand as the disarming implement. The knife can substitute for the hand or the hand can substitute for the knife. It doesn’t matter! Another important point is that an understanding of principles is what allows high-level Kali practitioners to disarm and lock “out of the flow” – during continuous motion.
Weapons FirstThe first Kali techniques demonstrated in the videos were knife techniques.This is an accurate depiction of the system as Kali students learn weapons first. Having come from traditional martial arts that saved weapons training for advanced levels, this greatly appealed to me.
It’s ALL About the BladeEqually fitting was the fact that the knife was the weapon of choice.It was fitting for three reasons. 1. Some believe that Kali is an old expression used to describe blade-oriented martial arts. A Mere GlimpseWhile stick training tends to be the focal point of many Filipino Martial Arts systems these days, in the videos I saw only a mere glimpse of the sticks.The glimpse was but a segue from one teaching segment to another. This is not meant to underscore the importance of stick training, but to reinforce the fact that Filipino Kali is an edged weapon art.
Beyond the Edged WeaponOutsiders may falsely believe that Kali is only about armed combat. It is not!If you’re lucky enough to find a good teacher, you will be blessed to discover Filipino Boxing. The European Tour videos depicted Filipino Boxing at its finest. I was especially drawn to its: • Awesome entries Your Next StepWhile your next step is clearly your choice, I do have three recommendations for you.1. If you live in the 4-state region are close to the Hagerstown, Maryland area and are ready to start your Kali training, call HIMA today! For more information on our Kali curriculum click here. 2. If you live outside of the 4-state region are not close to the Hagerstown, Maryland area and are ready to start your Kali training, find a local Filipino Martial Arts teachers and call today! 3. Regardless of your location, use this gateway for further exploration into the magnificent martial art of Filipino Kali. Books Drills Gear Organizations Resources Sticks
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