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Unveiling the Art of Kali: A Comprehensive Approach to Filipino Martial Arts

Writer's picture: Sifu Jeramiah GiehlSifu Jeramiah Giehl

Kali, also known as Arnis or Eskrima, is a rich tapestry of Filipino martial arts encompassing various styles and systems, each with its unique emphasis and philosophy. Kali, an encompassing term for a diverse array of Filipino martial arts, stands as a testament to the rich heritage and profound combat systems originating from the Philippines and Southeast Asia. It's not a singular art but rather a diverse family of traditions, each with its own unique characteristics and emphasis. At the heart of Kali lies a profound connection to the weaponry arts, renowned for its mastery particularly of the blade and rattan stick, making it a highly sophisticated and comprehensive martial art system. However, its true essence lies in the empty-hand skills derived from these weapon arts.


Understanding the Depths of Kali: Roots and Reputation: Kali is an umbrella term for the diverse Filipino martial arts. The term "Kali" traces back to ancient roots, Guro Dan Inosanto suggests it originates from the Cebuano words "kamot" (hand) and "lihok" (motion). This ancient word serves as an umbrella term for a multitude of Filipino Martial Arts styles, including Eskrima / Arnis, Kombatan, Ilustrisimo, Lameco, Balintawak, KunTao Kali, Inosanto-LaCoste, Pekiti Tirsia Kali, and FCS Kali, among others.


Empty Hands Rooted in Weaponry: The essence of Filipino empty-hand skills in Kali are deeply rooted in the use of knives, swords, and sticks. In a confrontation involving these weapons, mastery extends to the entire body's utilization, where every limb becomes a potential weapon. This holistic approach utilizes the entire body, including kicks and strikes from both hands, making it a highly effective fighting system. Whether it's delivering a strike with a free hand or executing a well-timed kick, the intricacies of Filipino martial arts can often mean the difference between life and death.


Adaptability and Awareness: Developed for both mass attacks and one-on-one confrontations, Kali training heightens situational awareness and teaches students to utilize their surroundings as tools for self-defense. The influence of Filipino Martial Arts dates back centuries, offering invaluable benefits to practitioners of all backgrounds. Designed to address both mass attacks and single-opponent confrontations, training in Kali cultivates heightened awareness of one's surroundings and fosters resourcefulness in using the environment as tools for combat. Everyday objects, from umbrellas to books, become instruments of self-defense in the hands of a well-trained individual.


Beyond Physical Prowess: Cali Combat Systems goes beyond physical training, emphasizing the importance of mental and ethical development:

Moral Compass: Taking a life is never taken lightly in Kali. The responsibility rests solely on the individual, highlighting the importance of personal conviction and conscience.

Developing the Mind and Spirit: Training the mind through ethical principles is considered crucial before honing the body. This philosophy is central to the martial arts taught at Cali Combat Systems.

Descendants of the Masters - A Legacy of Expertise: The curriculum at Cali Combat Systems draws from a variety of esteemed lineages, including Inosanto-LaCoste Kali as taught by Sifu Paul Vunak among others, Pekiti Tirsia Kali, KunTao Kali-Silat, Regino Ilustrisimo, Balintawak, and FCS Kali, with a strong foundation in Inosanto-Lacoste Kali as taught by Magulang Na Guro Dan Inosanto.


Kali, A Path to Self-Discovery: Dan Inosanto's philosophy emphasizes personal growth through martial arts training, encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual development. Embodying the wisdom of martial arts philosophy, Dan Inosanto's journey epitomizes the pursuit of personal development through physical, mental, and spiritual growth. As Bruce Lee aptly remarked, the evolution from perceiving a punch merely as a physical action to understanding its deeper significance mirrors the transformative power of martial arts. This echoes Bruce Lee's words: understanding deepens with practice, and true mastery lies in simplicity and the ability to express the most with the least.


Adaptability and Everyday Applications: Kali's effectiveness lies in its adaptability. The empty-hand skills are derived from knife and stick fighting, where every part of your body becomes a weapon. This philosophy extends to everyday objects – umbrellas, books, bandanas – which can be transformed into tools of self-defense in the hands of a trained individual.


The Inosanto-Lacoste Method: A Complete System:

The essence of Kali finds expression in the twelve foundational areas of study within the Inosanto-Lacoste method. From single and double stick techniques to empty-hand combat and the philosophical underpinnings of martial arts, each facet contributes to a holistic understanding of combat and self-mastery.


In essence, Kali transcends mere physical combat; it is a path of self-discovery and enlightenment. Through disciplined practice and unwavering dedication, practitioners of Kali unlock the true potential of mind, body, and spirit, embodying the ethos of simplicity and effectiveness in all endeavors. As seekers of the way, we draw knowledge from our instructors and wisdom from within, forging a path of continuous growth and self-improvement.


In the realm of combat systems, the Inosanto/LaCoste method of Filipino Martial Arts stands unrivaled in its completeness and effectiveness. Rooted in centuries of tradition yet ever-evolving, Kali remains a beacon of excellence in the martial arts landscape, offering invaluable lessons in resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of mastery.

Join the Journey:


Cali Combat Systems welcomes all seekers of the way. As has been said, "Knowledge comes from your instructor. Wisdom comes from within." Through rigorous training and self-reflection, students develop physical, mental, and spiritual strength, cultivating a sense of self-confidence and inner peace.


Explore the 12 Pillars of Kali: Delve deeper into the intricacies of Kali by exploring the 12 sub-systems within the Lacoste/Inosanto method, encompassing various weapons, empty-hand techniques, and other valuable knowledge. Cali Combat Systems embraces the Lacoste/Inosanto method, renowned for its comprehensiveness. This method categorizes Kali training into 12 key areas, encompassing the full spectrum of weaponry and sophisticated empty-hand techniques. These 12 areas provide a structured approach to mastering the art of Kali. Cali Combat Systems offers a comprehensive and enriching journey into the world of Kali, empowering individuals to develop their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.


Embrace the Challenge: Cali Combat Systems invites you to explore the twelve sub-systems of Inosanto-Lacoste Kali.


The Inosanto-Lacoste 12 Sub System (Areas) of Kali:

  1. Single Stick (Solo Espada): Can represent a sword or axe.

  2. Double Stick (Doble Espada): Can represent a sword or axe.

  3. Long and Short (Espada Y Daga): Can represent Sword and a Knife, or Sword and Shield.

  4. Single Knife (Solo Daga)

  5. Double Knife (Doble Daga)

  6. Dulo Dulo (Palm Stick/Kubotan): Can represent a small flashlight or cellphone.

  7. Empty Hands: Sikaran/Panantukan/Hubud/Dumog/KinaMutai (Kicking & Knees, Boxing & Elbows, Trapping/Sensitivity, Grappling/Locking, Asymmetrical Tactics {biting, pinching, eye gouging})

  8. Two Handed Weapons (Sibat Staff/Spear/Baseball Bat/Paddle)

  9. Flexible Weapons (Tobak Toyok (Ninchuka)/Rope/Chain/Sarong/Bandana/Scarf/Whip/Yo-Yo)

  10. Throwing Weapons (Knife/Coins/Rocks/Spear/Spikes/Sand)

  11. Projectile Weapons (Firearms/Lantanka(Small Portable Canon)/Bow & Arrow/Blowgun/Slingshots)

  12. History/Philosophy/Ethics/Healthy Diet/Healing Arts/Meditation/Rhythm & Dance/Mental-Emotional-Spiritual Training


By delving into these twelve areas, Cali Combat Systems offers a complete and well-rounded approach to Filipino Martial Arts, empowering individuals to develop not only their physical skills but also their mental and spiritual fortitude.


Training for Life, Not Just Combat: Cali Combat Systems emphasizes the importance of personal development beyond combat skills. The training fosters heightened awareness, teaches students to utilize their surroundings strategically, and instills a sense of confidence.


A Philosophy of Respect: The Filipino martial arts acknowledge the sanctity of life. Taking a life is a grave decision with lasting consequences, and the responsibility lies solely with the individual. Therefore, mental and ethical training are considered crucial alongside physical techniques.


Cali Combat Systems offers a comprehensive and enriching journey into the world of Kali, empowering individuals to develop their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Join Cali Combat Systems and embark on a journey of self-discovery through the dynamic world of Kali.

 
 
 

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