The Roadmap to Skill: Cali Combat Systems' Phased Program
- Sifu Jeramiah Giehl
- Mar 7
- 11 min read
CCS offers a dynamic and holistic martial arts curriculum, emphasizing individual progress while fostering a fun and energetic learning environment. The system blends diverse martial arts traditions, ensuring practitioners develop a well-rounded skill set that prepares them for a wide range of real-world scenarios. CCS focuses on refining body mechanics, building endurance, enhancing sensitivity, improving coordination, and establishing a robust technical foundation. With its six-phase structure, students progress through levels that encourage not just physical conditioning but a deeper understanding of martial arts.
CCS Martial Arts Overview
At the heart of CCS lies the integration of four core methods that serve as the foundational pillars of the training system. These methods include:
Fight Rhythm Jeet Kune Do: A dynamic adaptation of Bruce Lee’s iconic martial art, focusing on intercepting, flowing, and exploiting the gaps in an opponent’s defense.
Kali-Silat Motion: A blend of Filipino and Southeast Asian martial arts, emphasizing fluid motion, weaponry, and unorthodox combat strategies for self defense.
First to Fight Krav Maga: A practical and effective self-defense system known for its simplicity and focus on real-world application as developed for the IDF.
Integrated Ground Fighting Systems: Combining Catch Wrestling, Dumog, JuJitsu / Jiu-Jitsu, Shooto, and other grappling styles to develop versatile ground combat skills.
This integration of diverse combat styles forms a comprehensive martial arts education that fosters adaptability and resilience. Students are trained to seamlessly transition between different fighting ranges, from stand-up striking to grappling and weapon defense.
CCS Phase Method Classes Overview
Each class at CCS is meticulously designed to cover all aspects of martial arts. The curriculum includes:
Weapons Training: Learning the use of impact weapons like sticks and edged weapons such as knives, with a focus on defensive and offensive tactics.
Focus Mitt and Sensitivity Drills: Improving reaction time, coordination, and energy flow through partner drills that sharpen timing and control.
Stand-Up Techniques: Our Filthy MMA includes kicking, striking, dirty fighting (biting, pinching), parrying, and footwork, focusing on effective use of distance and angles.
Grappling and Ground Fighting: Students learn Japanese JuJitsu, Catch Wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and other grappling arts for self-defense in close-quarters combat.
Gun Defense: Tactics for disarming and countering armed attackers, an essential component of modern self-defense.
This comprehensive training ensures that students are not only prepared to defend themselves in any situation but also gain a solid foundation of functional fitness, making the learning process enjoyable and effective.
Understanding Combat Ranges
A central concept at CCS is mastering the different "ranges" of combat. Such as:
Projectile Range: The proper use of Guns, disarms and survival.
Multiple Attackers: Strategies for dealing with multiple opponents.
Impact Weapon Range: Using sticks and other tools to control the fight.
Tactical Fighting Against Skilled Attackers: Special Forces-style combat strategies.
Knife Weapon Range: Using bladed weapons to survive the fight.
Third-Party Protection: Training for security and VIP protection roles.
Kickboxing Range: Kicks and punches to maintain distance and control.
The Shut-Down Phase: using Trapping and Clinch to shut the opponent down.
Trapping Range: Close-range techniques that focus on controlling the opponent’s limbs and attacking from unexpected angles.
Clinch Grappling: When combatants are up close, clinch fighting techniques like pummeling, sweeps, and locks come into play.
Ground Fighting: Involves Catch Wrestling, JuJitsu, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Shooto, and Kinamutai techniques to subdue or escape from ground-based attacks.
Understanding these ranges allows students to flow seamlessly between different phases of combat, ensuring they can adapt to a wide variety of situations and opponents.
The Evolution of Jeet Kune Do in CCS
The history of Jeet Kune Do (JKD) is fundamental to the CCS Phase Method. Bruce Lee's JKD was revolutionary, advocating for a style that adapted to its practitioner rather than adhering to rigid techniques. Dan Inosanto, a close associate of Lee, expanded JKD into a broader approach by incorporating various martial arts systems. In the 1970/80s, Inosanto introduced the Phase Method, which served as a way to bridge gaps between different martial arts styles. The CCS Phase Method builds upon Dan Inosanto and Paul Vunak's vision by integrating techniques and philosophies from multiple disciplines, allowing students to address specific combat weaknesses while honing their unique strengths.
Blended Arts Phase Program: The Student Development Path
The CCS Blended Arts Phase Program spans six phases, with each phase divided into sub-levels. The system ensures that students progress at their own pace based on their interest, training, personality, and ability. Each phase is designed to refine various combat skills while ensuring that the process remains engaging, challenging, and fun. The curriculum is designed to evolve with each student, a personalized and adaptive learning experience.
CCS Testing: A Rigorous and Holistic Evaluation
Testing at CCS is both thorough and structured. Rank tests serve as an assessment gauging proficiency in defensive tactics, self-defense, combatives, and survival drills. The testing process is designed to be an evaluation of a student’s growth in all aspects of martial arts. Advancement within CCS is marked by the color-coded wristbands, with each color representing a different level of achievement. Higher-level wristbands are awarded by invitation, signifying mastery of core concepts and readiness for more advanced training.
The Philosophy Behind CCS: Bruce Lee's Influence
The CCS approach to martial arts training draws heavily from Bruce Lee’s philosophies, which transcended combat and influenced various fields such as cinema, business, and the arts. Lee’s teachings were grounded in liberation from dogma and the honest expression of oneself. This philosophy aligns seamlessly with CCS’s approach, which encourages practitioners to cultivate their unique martial identity.
Lee’s "Stages of Cultivation"—Partiality, Fluidity, and Emptiness—mirror the learning process at CCS:
Phase 1: Partiality (Primitive Stage): The stage where raw passion and dedication fuel the early learning process.
Phase 2: Fluidity (Stage of Art): The phase where techniques become refined, and practitioners develop adaptability and flow.
Phase 3: Emptiness (Stage of Artlessness): The final stage where mastery is achieved, and techniques become instinctive, reflecting a state of formlessness and simplicity.
Phase 1: Beginner Basic Fundamentals – Enter Attack Offense (Partiality)
This initial phase is all about immersion into the world of martial arts, focusing on the core foundations. It's described as the "Primitive Stage," where students begin their training with raw passion and enthusiasm learning how to defend against the most common attacks in a street fighting or self defense situations. At this point, the objective is to develop basic body mechanics, foundational techniques, and a strong understanding of the essentials.
Level 1 (1st Rank - Beginning Student): Students start by learning the basics. This stage involves mastering fundamental body mechanics, learning how to move correctly, and building a solid foundation for all future techniques. It's about refining your posture, stance, and form while learning simple self-defense tools.
Specialized Skillsets:
Escape To Gain Safety - Self Defense
Level 2 (Junior 1st Rank – Stepping Stone): Students at this stage have built a strong foundation and are introduced to more structured training. Their focus shifts to refining the body mechanics they’ve learned and applying them in a practical setting.
Specialized Skillsets:
KinaMutai: Bite, Fight, Get-Away
Level 3 (Senior 1st Rank – Intermediate Student): By this point, students are beginning to advance their skills. They should be comfortable with basic techniques and are expected to demonstrate a deeper understanding of their martial movements and the principles of the system.
Specialized Skillsets:
The R.A.T. (Rapid Assault Tactics as developed for Seal Team 6)
Level 4 (Student Coach 1st Rank): Students who reach this level must demonstrate the ability to teach the basic curriculum to newer students. They are also expected to show a comprehensive understanding of the material, acting as mentors and assisting instructors in teaching the next generation.
Specialized Skillsets:
The Executive R.A.T.
The emphasis at this stage is not just on physical ability but also on mental focus. Students are taught to develop discipline and an understanding of their body’s movements, setting the groundwork for all future development.
Phase 2: Intermediate Sensitivity Flow Bridge – Counter Offense (Fluidity)
The second phase, or the "Stage of Art," is focused on developing fluidity and sensitivity. In this stage, students refine their techniques and begin to connect with the flow of energy in combat and how to counter beginner level attacks and a skilled fighter. It's about recognizing the natural rhythm of fighting and adapting to dynamic situations.
Level 5 (2nd Rank – Intermediate Student): Students in this level begin focusing more on fluidity. They must develop an acute sensitivity to the flow of energy between themselves and their opponent. This stage emphasizes distance control, sensitivity drills, and close-range tactics. The movements should no longer feel awkward, but more fluid, efficient, and controlled.
Specialized Skillsets:
Dumog / Panantukan
Level 6 (Junior 2nd Rank): At this level, students begin to show a higher degree of technical proficiency. The focus is on bridging the gap between attack and defense, enabling students to seamlessly flow from one phase of combat to the next. Advanced sensitivity drills and reactionary movements are a large part of the training, teaching students to feel their opponent’s intent and respond instinctively.
Specialized Skillsets:
Stick Grappling
Level 7 (Senior 2nd Rank): This level is where students achieve a comprehensive grasp of techniques and concepts. The training becomes more about mastering the principles of fluidity and sensitivity, where movements begin to flow naturally from one technique to the next. Students begin to execute techniques with efficiency, flow, and precision.
Specialized Skillsets:
Dulo Dulo / Palm Stick / Flashlight
Level 8 (Student Coach 2nd Rank): As with Phase 1, students at this level must demonstrate the ability to teach and coach others. Their knowledge of sensitivity, distance control, and fluidity should be profound, enabling them to guide others effectively in their journey through this phase.
Specialized Skillsets:
PFS Sensitivity Flow Drills
This phase requires a lot of practice, as students are refining their techniques to the point where they can flow smoothly between attacks, counters, and defenses. The key to success in this phase is developing mental and physical sensitivity to your opponent’s movements and being able to adapt.
Phase 3: Advanced Fight Function – Recounter Offense Terminate (Emptiness)
In Phase 3, students enter the "Stage of Artlessness," where they begin to understand the deeper principles of combat. This stage is about mastering the core fighting strategies that allow students to apply everything they’ve learned in real-world, unpredictable conditions and the ability to counter and overcome self defense from an intermediate level fighter. It’s the ultimate test of a martial artist’s ability to think, adapt, and execute under high-pressure.
Level 9 (3rd Rank – Advanced Student): Students entering this level should now have the ability to apply their skills in real-world combat situations. The techniques should come naturally, and students should be comfortable adapting to rapidly changing situations. At this stage, advanced defensive tactics, as well as the ability to counter and terminate attacks, are the focus.
Specialized Skillsets:
Fighting While Restrained / Handcuffs / Zip Ties / Duct Tape
Level 10 (Junior 3rd Rank): Students continue to build on their ability to function under pressure. The emphasis is on refining and mastering techniques that allow for decisive, effective counterattacks. The ability to sense and predict an opponent's next move is sharpened at this stage.
Specialized Skillsets:
Long Gun / Shotgun / Assault Riffle Defense
Level 11 (Senior 3rd Rank): Students at this level have nearly perfected their execution of combat techniques. They can fluidly apply advanced skills under intense pressure, adapting to the chaos of real-world scenarios. At this level, fighting strategies are more intuitive, allowing the martial artist to stay several steps ahead of an opponent.
Specialized Skillsets:
Gun Grappling
Level 12 (Student Coach 3rd Rank): Those who reach this rank must demonstrate mastery in teaching, specifically with a focus on real-world application of techniques in unpredictable situations. Their ability to assess, adapt, and teach others how to do the same becomes a crucial part of their role.
Specialized Skillsets:
The Golden Goose + the Great 8
Phase 3 focuses on the ability to function effectively in combat under pressure, whether it's dealing with multiple attackers, defending against armed assailants, or applying complex techniques in chaotic situations. Students are expected to not just respond but to lead with their actions, terminating attacks quickly and efficiently.
Phase 4: Expert Integration – Specialization – Expertise and Self Expression
Phase 4 represents a transition from advanced student to the point where practitioners begin refining their own unique expressions of martial arts. This is the expert level where you learn the ability to defend yourself against an advanced level fighter. This is the Black Wrist-Band Program, the equivalent of a Black Belt, Instructor Candidate or Guro in Kali, candidates must complete a weekly private training sessions on how to develop students using our method. This phase focuses on integrating the core principles and techniques learned in previous phases and applying them to the practitioner’s individual style. It’s where the practitioner reaches a deep understanding and personal connection with the art.
Level 13 (4th Rank – Apprentice Instructor): In this level, students have mastered the core techniques of CCS and are now stepping into a leadership role as apprentice instructors. They begin to assist with teaching lower-ranked students and take on a more active role in the progression of others. They must demonstrate proficiency in their techniques and the ability to articulate and break down the principles they’ve learned. This level emphasizes teaching basic concepts, techniques, and sparring principles, while still refining their personal style.
Specialized Skillsets:
3 Laws Safe: Law Enforcement Control Tactics / Use of Force Continuum
Active Shooter Defensive Tactics
Home Invasion Defense
Car Jacking Defense
Phase 5: Elite Mastery Instructor – Positive Use – Teaching the Art (Full Instructor)
Phase 5 focuses on the mastery of teaching. This is the Leadership Development Program, the equivalent of a Mastery Program or Tuhon level in Kali, candidates must complete a weekly private training sessions on how to rank students and how to write and modify curriculum to meet student needs using our method. It’s the phase where students become full instructors, capable of running their own classes, developing curriculums, and training new generations of martial artists. In this phase, the practitioner is not just refining their own abilities but is responsible for guiding others through their martial arts journey.
Level 14 (5th Rank – Full Instructor): Students at this stage have reached the rank of full instructor. They are fully capable of teaching the system, running classes, and managing the progression of their students. Full instructors are expected to demonstrate leadership, mentorship, and high-level understanding of all aspects of the system. They must be able to adapt the curriculum to meet the needs of diverse students while maintaining the integrity and principles of the CCS system. Their focus is on advanced teaching methods, curriculum design, and ensuring the growth of their students, while continuing to refine their personal martial arts practice.
Specialized Skillsets:
Military Edged Weapons
Elite Military Combatives
Air Marshal Defensive Tactics
Advanced Espada Y Daga
Phase 6: VIP Senior Full Instructor Mastery – Giving Back – Guiding the Art
The final phase represents the highest level of teaching mastery, where practitioners are recognized as senior full instructors. This is the Career Starter Path, the equivalent of a Senior Master Instructor or Senior Tuhon level in Kali, candidates must complete a weekly private training sessions on how to start your own school / program using the CCS Method. At this stage, practitioners have not only mastered the art but have dedicated themselves to the development of the system, teaching, and continuing to advance the CCS philosophy.
Level 15 (6th Rank – Senior Full Instructor): Senior full instructors have reached the pinnacle of teaching within CCS. They are the master-level mentors responsible for overseeing the direction and philosophy of the system. Their role extends beyond teaching, as they often play an integral part in expanding and refining the art, leading seminars, and mentoring full instructors. Senior full instructors are not only highly skilled in the system but are recognized for their ability to guide, influence, and shape the future of CCS. At this level, they have extensive experience in both teaching and martial arts practice, and they are entrusted with passing on the lineage and philosophy of CCS to future generations.
Specialized Skillsets:
VIP / 3rd Party Protection
Anti-Terrorism Defensive Tactics
Surviving Abduction / Hostage Scenarios
Gun Live Fire Drills / Use as a Hot Weapon / Range Exercises
The Blended Arts Phase Program:
The CCS system integrates multiple martial arts disciplines, allowing students to apply and integrate the skills they learn across various ranges and contexts. Throughout the system, students progress through these phases, each offering a deeper understanding of different combat ranges, tactics, and strategies. The overall aim is to produce martial artists who can effectively navigate all aspects of combat and adapt their fighting style to real-world scenarios. This method emphasizes personal growth, expression, and the ability to remain adaptable in ever-evolving martial arts contexts.
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