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Unlocking the Power of Kali, Eskrima & Arnis: A Comprehensive Exploration of FMA at CCS

Writer's picture: Sifu Jeramiah GiehlSifu Jeramiah Giehl

When it comes to the dynamic world of martial arts, few systems are as intriguing and effective as Kali, Eskrima, and Arnis. Originating from the Philippines, these traditional martial arts have gained global recognition for their emphasis on weapon-based fighting using sticks, knives, bladed weapons, firearms, and even improvised tools. At Cali Combat Systems, we delve deep into the rich tapestry of these arts, exploring their roots and evolving techniques that have proven invaluable to military, police, and security agencies worldwide.


Embracing the Essence of Kali, Eskrima, and Arnis - Origins and Philosophy:

Kali, Eskrima, and Arnis are umbrella terms encompassing the diverse martial arts heritage of the Philippines. Rooted in historical combat scenarios, these arts teach defensive movements, footwork, blocks, disarms, and more. The effectiveness of these techniques has led to their widespread adoption by military and law enforcement agencies globally.


Weapon Mastery First:

In contrast to many Asian martial arts, Kali students initiate their training with weapons, progressing to empty-hand techniques only after mastering stick and knife skills. This unique approach is grounded in the belief that bare-handed moves naturally evolve from weapon techniques, ingraining muscle memory for a more comprehensive skill set.


Motion Grouping: The Unity of Weapon and Body - Unified Techniques:

Most Kali systems employ a single set of techniques for stick, knife, and empty hands, emphasizing motion grouping. This unity stems from viewing the weapon as an extension of the body, promoting consistent angles and footwork across different scenarios.


The Third Hand Principle:

A distinctive feature of Filipino martial arts is the Third Hand Principle or Live Hand. Even when wielding a single weapon, the free hand serves multiple purposes, controlling, trapping, or disarming opponents. This principle adds layers of complexity and versatility to combat scenarios.


Instructors and Influences: A Legacy of Mastery - Cali Combat Systems Lineage:

At Cali Combat Systems, our teachings draw from a lineage of esteemed instructors, including influences such as Guro Dan Inosanto, Sifu Paul Vunak, Tuhon Apolo Ladra, Guro David Seiwert, Guro Burton Richardson, Guro Daniel Sullivan, and Guro Ron Balicki. This rich tapestry ensures a well-rounded and authentic exploration of Filipino martial arts.


Pekiti-Tirsia Kali: Unveiling a Combat System's Legacy - Legacy of Pekiti-Tirsia:

Officially founded in 1897, Pekiti-Tirsia Kali has a storied history of being a family system reserved for defending the Tortal land. Its expansion to the U.S. in 1972 marked the global influence of this close-quarters fighting art. Cali Combat Systems incorporates Pekiti-Tirsia Kali, proven effective in combat, into its curriculum.


Military and Law Enforcement Endorsement:

Pekiti-Tirsia Kali stands as the official martial arts combat system of the Philippine Marine Corps and is instructed to all Armed Forces of the Philippines. Its efficacy in combat has also made it integral to the elite Special Action Force of the Philippine National Police.


Silat: The Fast and Brutal Art from Indonesia - Groundbreaking Silat Techniques:

Hailing from Indonesia and parts of the Philippines, Silat offers a fast and brutal approach, keeping opponents off balance for devastating takedowns. The Maphilindo Silat taught at Cali Combat Systems encompasses influences from Guro Dan Inosanto, Guro Burton Richardson, Guro Daniel Sullivan, and more.


Comprehensive Training:

Silat training includes ground fighting (dumog), body manipulation, takedowns, armbars, and control techniques. Cali Combat Systems introduces students to the diverse world of Silat, enhancing their combat repertoire.


KunTao Kali-Silat: Uniting Eastern Asian Martial Arts - Holistic Approach:

KunTao Kali-Silat at Cali Combat Systems integrates influences from Inosanto-LaCoste Kali, Pekit Tirsia Kali, Regino Ilustrisimo, and more. This program offers a self-defense-oriented combat approach, focusing on stick and knife combat, empty-hand techniques, and grappling.


Versatility in Combat:

Starting with weapons training, KunTao Kali-Silat evolves into empty-hand and grappling skills, including sparring sessions. The program emphasizes efficiency, speed, dynamics, and situational awareness, preparing students for real-world self-defense scenarios.


Panantukan: Unleashing the Power of Filipino Dirty Boxing - Beyond Traditional Boxing:

Panantukan, known as Filipino Dirty Boxing, is not just a sport; it's a street-oriented fighting system. Originating from knife fighting techniques, Panantukan utilizes the entire body for strikes, including punches, elbows, headbutts, shoulder strikes, low-line kicks, and knee strikes.


Efficiency and Realism:

With a focus on maximum efficiency, Panantukan doesn't adhere to competition rules, earning its reputation as "dirty boxing." Cali Combat Systems instructs students in this art, providing a comprehensive understanding of efficient street-oriented combat.


Kali-Silat Academy of Motion: Mastering Ranges of Combat - Combat Flow & Range Mastery:

The Kali-Silat Academy of Motion at Cali Combat Systems introduces students to the Ranges of Combat, emphasizing Long Distance (Numerada), Middle Distance (Sumbrada), and Close Quarter (Hubud). This unique approach enables students to seamlessly flow between ranges.


Weapons and Environment:

Training incorporates the use of weapons, gun disarms, and awareness of the environment. Students learn to leverage everyday objects as tools in self-defense, enhancing their adaptability and combat effectiveness.


Conclusion: Your Journey into the Heart of Filipino Martial Arts

Embark on a transformative journey into the heart of Filipino martial arts at Cali Combat Systems. Whether you're drawn to the precision of Pekiti-Tirsia Kali, the fast-paced brutality of Silat, or the efficiency of Panantukan, our comprehensive programs ensure you master the art of combat. Join us as we unravel the secrets, techniques, and philosophies that make Kali, Eskrima, and Arnis a powerful and respected martial arts tradition worldwide.


Unlock the potential within you. Cali Combat Systems — where tradition meets innovation in Filipino Martial Arts.

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