Filipino Martial Arts | Filipino Kali | Kali Instructor | RBSD | Melbourne | Adelaide

Martial Arts is Not Self Defense

2011-11-13T21:13:00.000-08:00

Although a lot of people and academies believe that they are one and the same. Sometimes academies, teachers, or commentators think that their martial art is a form of a self defense and their self defense is a highly evolved martial art. More often than not, they would be telling you that they are one and the same, and provide false advertising not because they are evil, and they would want to deceive you, but simply because they fail to understand or to accept the reality themselves.

Below is our own interpretation (and to the best of our ability an equal representation) on the difference of the two.

We advice that a student wanting to learn would need to figure out what the he/she wanted to gain between the two before pursuing a study It would also be necessary to classify which of the two your school is leaning on to in terms of teaching methodology, teaching routine and teaching output (the students) so as not to miss your expectations, give you false hope and representation.

Martial Arts	Self Defense
Fine motor skills are honed and developed, and eventually tested as a dueling game by practitioners.	Accesses the “alligator brain” where emergency glands surge and the body goes into hyper drive and fine skill is inexistent.
Proficiency is tested in a duel type of game (one on one) under set rules and scenarios (mats, open space, stand up, ground fighting, or mixed).	Proficiency is tested on survival alone with multiple scenarios. Survival can even be in a form of disengaging and retreating a violent encounter.
Is good for fitness, self discipline, honing your mental analysis, camaraderie with team mates, self esteem. (this is why it’s good to teach as a business as well)	Is good for mental analysis, but is independently not good for fitness, as you do not need a fit body to de escalate a potentially violent scenario. (not good as a business)
Most if not all self defense skills cannot be implemented in martial arts as those might be against the agreed upon rules.	Proficiency in basic martial arts skills can cross over to self defense as one may need to throw a jab, a choke, to defend his own life.
Martial arts schools would usually (not always) have a set of spoken or unspoken hierarchy amongst its practitioners ranging from healthy casual to hero worship and cult following	Sessions would involve a facilitator that demands attention. All else would usually be casual and open to discussions.
Is usually put up as a school or academy because development of motor skills would attract peoples interest, thus generating constant membership and steady income.	Is usually taught as a seminar as skills can be learned quickly. They need to be learned quickly as people may need to defend themselves soon after. (take the case of military hand to hand combat courses (seminars) delivered to military units.
Involves direct physical contact alone.	Physical contact is just a small part of the science. Psychological patterns, intent, pre violence indicators, post violence handling etc. come part of the bigger picture.
Involves fine technique and athleticism alone.	Athleticism helps, but is just a small part of the package,
Proficiency has nothing to do with self defense and preservation.	Proficiency has nothing to do with martial arts skills.

May this simple article open your eyes to what you really want to achieve and to realise if your group or academy is supporting you to get there.

2010-07-11T00:05:00.000-07:00

(Article as published)

This is an open letter for the students of our Adelaide Urban Combatives training group.
Because of our thirst to maximize training time, we have not spent much time dwelling on the theory of our training. While it is important to train as real as possible, I would like you to take time to know why we do what we do, in the hopes that you will be able to explain it in the future.

Our training method in the Adelaide Urban Combatives Group revolves around 8 core principles:

1. Movements are launched from natural reactions and instincts – One blinks if an object comes into the path of the eye. It is not a trained skill but a God given instinct to protect ourselves. These patterns are biologically imprinted in our minds and make us react at unbelievable speeds, even without training. For purposes of self defence, one of the most basic things we use is the flinch. When an object one sees comes at you and in a split second, the mind senses danger, the hands would automatically move up to attempt to block the object. Car crash incidents, post mortem observations of crime victims would see wounds on the arms simply because the arm is raise to protect the head at the split second of impact. Our defence responses do not introduce numerous techniques to counter attacks, we just base all responses from the flinch simply because the more techniques introduced, the more delay it would take for the mind to react when it is needed (Psychology: Hicks Law). Numerous reality based personal protection specialists (e.g.: Tony Blauer / Richard Dimitri) have explored this concept further and are experts in their own right. We therefore use this concept and include it in our blade, improvised weapons, and firearms work. This is best described in a live demo on one of our classes.
2. Attacking and defending at the same time – Since the confrontations we prepare for are usually ambush types, not duel types, it is essential that the confrontation is finished at the soonest possible time, so attacking and defending is usually done in most if not all of the movements.
3. Non telegraphic movements – Under duress and if stress levels are high, people would normally send pre contact cues to signal that they will attack. A sudden grind of a tooth, a quick inhale before the haymaker punch, these things make an attack slow even if they are done quickly simply because an “im going to hit you now” signal is communicated to the opponent even before the attack is launched. This is because they are psychologically shifting from law abiding decent citizen to a predator out to kill or be killed. We dissect and study these cues that we may be aware of them and use them to read possible violence. We also use these to control them and send quick and untraceable attacks even if they are delivered at moderate speed. Again this is best described through a live demonstration.
4. We believe in mental and emotional confrontation, not physical sport competition – To put it simply, the mind of a cage fighter is mentally prepared to win a duel type of match, so does a soldier about to attack the enemy. These mental states are nullified if they are walking on the street with their family, having dinner, etc. We mentally prepare for an ambush of a criminal intent to get money or kill. Shifting from a civilized law abiding human to the predator –prey survivor takes skill, and that’s what we hone our minds to do.
5. Closing in on opponents – Most if not all of our movements are based in extreme close quarters (bite your opponent) type of approach. This is because if a weapon is involved (firearm/blade/etc), it would be fatal to engage an opponent in a boxers jabbing range and kicking range, anything farther than that and disengaging a potentially lethal confrontation is already possible.
6. Techniques are pressure tested through freestyle “anything goes” sparring with a resisting opponent who intently wants to do damage – Most martial arts exhibitions feature an (expert) creating a martial arts move while a (bad guy) donating an arm to trap and to perform a technique on. We believe that techniques performed in such circumstances will not work if pressure tested, if placed under an opponent with intent to harm the one performing a technique. So after a technique is introduced, it is pressure tested through freestyle sparring, if it works, it is retained. If it doesn’t it is discarded.
7. If it works, use it – if it doesn’t, throw it away. It is just that simple.

Paolo Aquino is a senior instructor of Kali (Filipino Martial Art) based in Adelaide, South Australia. He runs a regular “Urban Combatives and Research Class” in the University of Adelaide Thebarton Campus every Tuesdays (5:30 – 7:00pm) and Saturdays (4:00-6:00pm). In the last 4 years, he has been experimenting on integrating Traditional Kali Concepts with Reality Based Self Defence material by Richard Dimitri (Senshido) and Tony Blauer (SPEAR) through affiliate instructors and study groups, with a view to incorporating useful concepts to ancient blade fighting techniques.. He has facilitated seminars across the globe, from Vancouver Canada, to Tokyo Japan, to Singapore, to Manila to Sydney Australia, and has instructed people on the subject of self defence and personal protection from presidential bodyguards, to marines, to office employees to college students.

Singapore Seminars: 2010

2010-02-06T08:35:00.000-08:00

We have just concluded the seminars in Singapore hosted by United Arnis. Kudos to Robert and his team for bringing up hard hitting training, and open minds to learn. The classes were focused on one concept (The Sinawali) and the hundreds of applications it can be used: (empty hand, knife, close quarters combat, firearm retention, ground and pound, etc) Check out our youtube link for the videos. Check out their website at: www.unitedarnis.com

Tovak Kali FAQ

2009-12-12T17:23:00.000-08:00

What is Tovak Kali?

Tovak Kali is a form of fighting system named under the bladesmithing business put up by Zacarias Aquino, to start a blade technology in the Filipino – American colonial wars in the 19th century. Over the years, it has continually but privately evolved into a modern form of combat, with applications that can be used in modern streets and even combat-sport competitions.

How different is Tovak Kali from other forms of Filipino Martial arts?
All forms of Filipino Martial arts are similar in their own respective ways. Tovak Kali is no special than all the rest. Each system though similar has a unique blend and personality that suits the practitioner’s needs and goals. Tovak Kali is just a name to refer to these specific movements that we practice. Let it not be a brand to separate us from colleagues from other groups who have the same idealism, to constantly evolve and improve in the arts of combat.
Tovak Kali however is different from most of its’ counterparts by means of a shield system we call The Kalasag. In weapon combat this tool is used to check distance and ram the opponent to impose your way. In unarmed combat, this tool is used the exact same way. Tovak Kali also specializes in non telegraphic straight weapon lunges that surprise opponents.
Tovak Kali is best explained thorough movement and not in words. It would be best to experience (not watch) the system from a qualified practitioner.

Who is the “Master” of Tovak Kali?
We believe that “masters” are idols that are unnecessary baggages created by the human mind to revere an old teacher or a senior. Though most people love the limelight, “hero worship” creates unhealthy beliefs that are not helpful in learning combat. Tovak Kali is just like basketball. Though there are many notable and skillfull practitioners. No one should be “worshipped” as a “Master” of basketball. We do however have strict rules of promotion that are based solely on combat skill alone, and instructors are considered as facilitators of learning and would strongly oppose being worshipped as masters. It would be best to find one of our limited but very qualified instructors and go on a friendly sparring match. We do not mean to boast. We just believe that this is the best way to show you our techniques which are very simple, but battle tested, and very effective.

Why is Tovak Kali not as famous as the other martial arts I know?
Tovak Kali is not mainstream martial arts. Students do not go around in sharp uniforms learning fancy moves. You do not see any organized warm up or stretching. Learning is taught through constant and hard sparring. These factors would automatically narrow down the set of practitioners. No kids, no wimps, no machismo posers, etc. etc. Tovak Kali is a form of combat and not a martial art, the “art form” is usually disregarded and practitioners would often always look at ending fights at the soonest possible time.
Tovak Kali also refuses to go on a membership drive and teach anyone who is interested. Facilitators of training teach students as friends and DO NOT CHARGE any money to train because they refuse to be employees of their students. They will however be very straightforward and refuse training if they feel that a student has the wrong intentions to train. They will also demand full intensity in training. Though we value the safety of all practitioners we demand no excuses, no injuries, just attempts of pure replications of actual violence. We believe that this is the best way to learn. If you want to learn some martial art, then go to your local martial arts gym. But if you are looking to up your game and experience actual combat, or at least the best replica of it, and you believe that this is the way to learn real self defence. Then contact one of our instructors and see for yourself.

Where do I contact an instructor?
Check our contacts page.

I do not have an instructor in my area but I want to train. Is there any way I can facilitate a seminar?
Contact us and we can arrange for a qualified instructor to go to your area and teach. All we require is that you pay for the plane ticket. You take care of board and lodging (stay in your house and eat your food is also possible). The pricing would be totally up to you. As earlier mentioned, training is done for free, so as long as travel, food and lodging is taken cared off, we are good. Take not that no one gets promoted as a fully qualified instructor in a week though. A facilitator may be assigned though and given the blueprint for skills improvement. Only and only when skills have already improved (usually takes 1-10 years) will any promotion take place.

Train Hard! Train Real! Train Safe! Tovak Kali!

Random Thoughts: Fighting and Making Love

2009-10-31T05:57:00.000-07:00

Fighting is like love making

It’s not openly done

A lot of people claim to be good at it

And even charge to teach it.

But not everyone who claims to be good at it

Is actually qualified to teach it

Not everyone who is genuinely good at it

Would want to openly teach it

If you are really good at making love

Does it follow that prostitution is your main profession?

Real fighting, like lovemaking

Involves getting down and dirty

It involves a lot of sweat and body fluids

So “masters” who claim to dispatch opponents with ease

Is like a porn movie addict claiming to be a love guru.

Actual combat, like actual love making

Does not involve analytics and memorization

But rather involves instinct and reactions

So martial schools who give you a black belt only for memorizing their forms

Is like Mike Myers giving you his love guru crown if you memorize his kama sutra.

Did Filipino Martial Arts Revolutionize Boxing?

2009-08-20T17:30:00.000-07:00

By Lilia Inosanto. Howe
(as published in Inside Karate magazine)

The stunning footwork of today's greatest fighters, including Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson, may have been the product of Filipino fighting principles.

Over the years, there have been many valiant attempts to link Asian fighting arts to modem spoils and/or forms of combat. Most of these can be charitably described as "reaches" or pure speculation. However, in one case, there is strong historical evidence that a Southeast Asian fighting system may have had a profound effect on Western boxing specifically the Filipino martial arts, known variously as kali, eskrima, and arnis.

Background

Despite the aura of mysticism an "ancient" lineage gives a fighting art, Western boxing predates most Asian martial arts. Pugilism was practiced in a refined art form in ancient Greece several hundred years before the birth of Christ, whereas most classical Asian systems evolved after the birth of Christ. Many arts, such as karate, are products of the 20th century.

Although there has been some speculation that the Greek arts were the origins of refined Asian combative principles, the stronger evidence suggests that India was their place of origin. Spreading northward into China across the Himalayas, the Indian martial arts evolved into what we now know as chuan fa (fist way). At the same time, sailors, merchants, and traders carried their knowledge of fighting arts south, throughout the Mahajapayit empire, a vast chain of islands consisting of modern-day Indonesia, Thailand, Burma, and the Philippines. Western pugilism evolved in a similar fashion. The Greek culture had a profound influence on the Romans, who conquered the known world. Hand-to-hand fighting was regularly practiced by soldiers and gladiators, who required a knowledge of how to stay in combat when disarmed. This evolved into the sport of boxing.

East Meets West

By the beginning of the 20th century, Western boxing was both a sport and an art form. Fighters would generally chamber their hands in a straight-up position; fists pointed upward covering the face, elbows tucked into the body, the fighter would drive his blows in an "uppercut" into the body of his opponent Old pictures of such greats as John L. Sullivan depict this fighting stance.

Fights consisted mainly of "exchanging blows." One fighter would strike the other, then the other would hit back, and this process would go until one fighter lost consciousness or was too hurt to continue.

As anyone who has ever seen even an amateur boxing match knows, the boxing of today is radically different. Boxers generally employ a 45-degree angle positioning of the hands, and jabs and crosses are driven to the target. Sophisticated footwork patterns often save the day, and, rather than exchange blows, a defensive strategy of drawing and countering and blocking and countering is used.

"Gentlemen" Jim Corbett is generally regarded as the first scientific boxer. Not a powerful puncher, he defeated Sullivan using footwork, evasions and timing. Corbett's successes caused boxers to approach their art with a new respect for strategy over power. This created fertile soil for the most significant event in the history of Western pugilism.

Boxing changed drastically in a cultural exchange during the early 1900s in one of the greatest ethnic melting pots in history -- Hawaii -- a relatively lawless territory. Fights frequently occurred, and one's survival often depended on one's toughness. Asian immigrants passed on their knowledge of martial arts to their sons, hoping it would ensure their survival.

Since fighting skills were so highly valued, Hawaii produced many fine fighters. One such fighter was Lucky Lucaylucay, amateur boxing champion of Kaui and Honolulu, son of Buenaventura Lucaylucay, a Filipino immigrant who had become the professional boxing champion of Kaui and Honolulu.

Lucky Lucaylucay saw the melding of Filipino martial arts and Western boxing firsthand. "I remember, there were two types of boxers in Hawaii in the `20s," he recounts. ?There were the Americans, who held their fists at an angle, used footwork, bobbing and weaving, and used continuous motion in their techniques instead of just ?trading hits.'

"The English style of boxing would almost always lose to the Filipino style. It was just vastly more sophisticated."

Lucky maintains that the Filipino style of boxing is a direct derivative of Filipino panantukan (pugilism). "Filipino arts start training with weapons because it's more likely you'd be attacked with weapons. The empty-hand motions come from weapons moves. In the case of boxing, the hand moves come from the moves of the dagger.

"In the Philippines, the preferred method for knife fighting is with the blade pointed downward. If your practice is based only on empty bands, you can take punches, so your strategy is sometimes based on taking a punch. On the other hand, if your practice is based on knife fighting, you have to become much more sophisticated with your footwork, evasions and delivery because one wrong move could mean death.

"Filipino boxing is exactly like knife fighting, except instead of cutting with a blade, we strike with a closed fist. There have to be some modifications. For example, you need more power in striking with the fist, so we stand close and use a whip like motion to deliver power."

As the saying goes, "You can't argue with success." Thus, as servicemen and visiting boxers experienced the Filipino boxing strategy, they were quick to adopt the techniques. What once was a static "toughest guy" contest, soon incorporated such concepts as combinations, follow-ups, angling and flowing concepts familiar to any practitioner of Filipino martial arts.

"If you look at the old English way of boxing, there was no blocking," says Lucky. "There's no control. I used to watch my dad and Kid Moro (a Filipino boxing champion) fight, and their control was so superb they used to spar without gloves, use full-power blows, and they could stop a fraction of an inch before a blow made contact. There was never an injury."

The JKD Connection

Lucky's son, Ted Lucaylucay, is well-known in martial arts circles as one of the most knowledgeable exponents of not only Filipino martial arts, but Bruce Lee's fighting concept of Jeet Kune Do. Ted points out that many of Lee's theories on boxing were later found to apply to Filipino martial arts.

"In Filipino martial arts, there is no rigidity," according to Ted. `The individual adapts. The techniques are just the ladders that take you upward in your training. You develop your own style after a while. This is why the Filipino arts lent themselves to boxing so well. They already existed as a process of adapting, so a Filipino martial artist could just shift his training to the requirements of boxing.

"I have had the opportunity to experience many different martial arts, and my Filipino background helped me with boxing, silat, muay Thai ,JKD, and so on. I could see the angles of attack, body positioning, and balance."

Float Like an Ali-bangbang, Sting Like a Bubuyug?

The Philippines have produced many famous boxers, such as Kid Moro and Francisco ?Pancho Villa? Guilledo from Iloilo, Luisito Espinosa, but without question, the greatest fighter ever to come out of the islands was the late Gabriel "Flash" Ellorde from Cebu, former world lightweight champion. Ellorde was the first to use the "dancing" style of footwork later made famous by Muhammad Ali.

"I can't say for certain whether Flash taught Muhammad his footwork," says Ellorde's sister, Jacinta Perez. "I know they were close and when Muhammad came to the Philippines he stayed with my brother. What I do know is that that particular style of footwork is from escrima, and it originated with "Flash".

So he either taught it to Muhammad, or Muhammad picked it up after others started imitating Flash's style."

Ellorde came from an impoverished childhood in the Visayan Islands region of the Philippines. His schooling was neglected, so he had to start school later in life. Because he was older than the other children. they made fun of him, and he soon dropped out of school.

"Flash was very self-conscious about his illiteracy," according to Jacinta. ?he knew that he had absolutely no chance in this world unless he made it as a boxer. So from a very early age, he was determined to make it as a boxer.

"He practiced night and day, and became very good. However, our father had been the escrima champion of Cebu, and he refused to teach "Flash". In the Phillippines, fathers usually didn't pass the art on to their sons.

"One day I said to Flash. `If you want to learn from dad, give him a couple of glasses of wine and get him happy. Then tease him; push him around a little. You'll learn what he knows.

"So Flash would sit and talk with our father and serve him wine then he'd start teasing him. Our father would get up and defend himself and come at Flash using his escrima, and Flash noticed his intricate footwork, the way he'd angle his body' how he'd seem to just float gently, then explode with power.

`This was the style Flash used in the ring. Quite often, other fighters couldn't lay a glove on him. Of course, all of the great fighters came to watch each other fight, and pretty soon others were using Flash's footwork. But no one was better at it than Muhammad Ali."

Therefore, East truly did meet West in one of the most unlikely places, the boxing ring. It just might be that even today, when Holyfleld lays a challenger flat, whether or not he knows it, most of his technical skill originated in the rice fields of the Philippines.

Why do We Do This Anyway?

2009-08-09T18:34:00.000-07:00

I write this article to the few dedicated individuals who tirelessly train with me in private or semi private locations around Adelaide, South Australia. I also write this article secondarily to the individuals who watch us, hoping to join us someday.

I’ve often been asked this question: “Why Do You Do What You Do?” I am a martial arts instructor, spending a significant amount of time training only dedicated students who pay fees only enough to pay for the gym’s rent and equipment. Our group in Adelaide refuses to go on a membership drive in order to not compromise training quality. We stab each other, we hit each other relentlessly, we grapple and some of us do not even tap when choked, as surrender is not an option to them. I still love what I do, and will continue to do it as long as I am able to. But what for? Each of us might have our own reasons. And I challenge each of you to evaluate the purity of your reasons as I try to bring some of them up below:

1) Machismo and release – you may have been constantly bugged down by this world pretending to be organized and sane, torn down by routine, that you find solace and freedom when your animal instincts explode in the heat of combat. This group may provide this release for you. You may also want to brag that you are a member of a hardcore martial arts group who only does private gatherings. I honestly find these reasons very shallow.
2) Ego – You may have this inner dream to become a master of martial arts, and this may be a vehicle for you. – Fair enough, but I also find it shallow to the point of shameful. I guarantee that if this is your primary motivation, you will never go far with it.
3) Self Defense – One of the best excuses of studying martial arts. It’s true that you learn how to quickly and efficiently take a man down in our system, but it would be much easier to buy a tazer, or a gun if you just want to do that. I find this reason very shallow as well.
4) Fitness – Why not swim or do yoga? I do both and I find them much better forms of exercise as they work out your internal organs as well. I’m sure you know by now that I do not accept students who tell me that they want to study our Kali to get fit.
5) Work – “I work in law enforcement and I need to defend myself.” Fair enough, but you understand that if this is only your reason, you will learn martial arts but never master it, because, in your mind, its only a supplement for what you do at work. So you may be better off taking some 2 week session of military martial arts.

So why do I do what I do? It’s because combat, and learning how to improve it, is the first thing that comes into my mind when I wake up, and it’s the last thing I think of before I sleep. The Bible tells us a story of 3 men who were given treasures by their master. Two of them used it in business and grew their treasures, one of them buried their treasure underground. When the master came back, he rewarded the two and punished the other who just buried his treasure. Combat arts has been my gift and treasure since I was a toddler. It has proven it’s mettle countless times both in competition and in real life struggles. This is my way of sharpening the saw and glorifying God through this gift. I sincerely hope that above all the excuses, this is your reason why you improve this gift. This treasure now I share with you with the hopes that you will sharpen it with the same intent in mind. Skills, strength, and your combat tenacity only lasts a while, but your pure heart lives even after death in the hearts of the people you have touched and helped, the philosophies and faith you live by. This for me is the true meaning of our martial arts.

Mcdojo Guidelines

2009-08-02T06:04:00.000-07:00

A couple of months ago, work has brought me on a travelling streak to different parts of Australia, my home in Manila Philippines, the US and UK, and I just wanted to point out things that I have seen that saddens me about Kali, and about martial artists in general. So I decided to write a couple of notes on how to spot a potential dodgy Kali, or self defense group per se. And I’ll just fire away with my top 10 ideas:
1) A Kali Instructor who tells you that I’m a 20th Dan black belt should be further investigated, because dans are Japanese terms derived from Kodokan judo. Someone who tells you that he is a 20th dan blackbelt in Kali is like Zohan telling you that he comes from Khaustralia.
2) Kali Instructors who tell you that real life, survival grappling does not exist if you have bladed weapons have probably not tried submission grappling, are afraid to get down and dirty, or be choked out and humiliated. Get a training knife and try to stab a skillfull wrestler with it. See what happens. Struggling with weapons exists in punching range, trapping range, and even, ground grappling range, and there are certain training concepts to address them.
3) Filipino grappling (Dumog Pangamut) has no mystical things in it. It pretty much looks like old Aikido. It is effective on certain circumstances. If you want to learn submission grappling. Cross train in BJJ, Judo, or Sambo. Experiment on using submission grappling isolation with weapons, weapon disarm, and weapon attacks. It’s liberating to discover the things that you can do in a grappling range with an armed opponent. Check out our videos and fight experiments for more information.
4) Learning how to take a grown man down, and probably finish him, can be learned in a day at a minimum. You do not need skill to be a badass killer. A child with a gun can do it. Mastering the finer points of martial arts is done in around a year at a minimum of constant and intense training with a skillful instructor. Someone who attended seminars alone for weeks and paid thousands of dollars to be affiliated with a famous school are most often not qualified to be an instructor. RBSD concepts focus on military style survival though, so minimal time to introduce basic concepts may suffice, but still not to be an instructor. Someone who claims instructorship from a weeks seminar is like a doctor who got an MD through a weekend camp. No amount of skill either from instructors, or students can accomplish this feat. At least not yet this time.
5) Being an affiliate or knowing someone does not mean you are equally as skilled. The only way to test skill is though sparring with different scenarios. It reminds me of this guy I met telling me that he is a hardcore mixed martial artist because he always wears fight wear, and he knows the teacher of this and that, but couldn’t hold himself well in sparring even with rookies. I personally find that very disgusting and degrading as a martial artist trying to improve.
6) No disrespect , but military combat training does not specialize in CQC and hand to hand. Military training though specializes in firearms and warfare gadgetry. I have high respect for military as I have served them myself, and I am not saying that their CQC is not effective. What I’m saying is that modern warfare is done using sophisticated tools, not swords and spears. Organizations who constantly boast that they train military, the green berets, the Navy SEALS, the Sex Pistols, the Beatles, The Pussycat Dolls, maybe are just trying to market or brand a badass image.
7) Military martial arts is most often not suited for civilian training. If you are a civilian Kali guy, and you can draw your blade really quick and slice the opponents jugular before he realizes it, will you really do that when your ego is hurt in a skirmish with some cheeky punks at the pub toilet?
8) Champions of sport martial arts may not fare very well against a street trained killer, and vice versa. They are totally different worlds. Period.
9) People still think that knife fighting is fencing with mini sabres wherein 2 people would square off at a far distance and fence their way to a hit. They stop when a hit is administered as if waiting for a referee to score them a point. If you train with blade fight, and blade defense, experiment on different scenarios, like having a bag or a jacket as a shield, seated or lying down, in a confined space, multiple opponents, protecting a loved one while being attacked, etc. etc.
10) There are still a lot of very skillful, very legitimate martial arts groups out there who do not have the right machinery, money, and connections for marketing, who do such a bad job selling their brand or their product, but do really good in the business of survival and self defense. My hope is that you find them, and that you do not exploit them, that you join them and cherish the relationship as friends.

AHA (Alive Hand Assaults) Explained

2009-07-21T21:26:00.000-07:00

In traditional Kali / Eskrima / Arnis, in blade combat specifically, the practitioner is trained to use all parts of the body to survive. The two hands (most of us have two of them) are trained specifically for weaponry and for weapon assist. The weapon hand is drilled to instinctively slash, thrust, stab, faint or redirect when blocked, to reach. or breach into the desired target. The free hand (on the other hand) is trained to pave the way for the blade to reach the target. It is trained to trap, grab, feint, counter and acts as a “wingman” of the weapon hand. It is a secondary but very crucial weapon of combat. Without the free hand, the weapon hand is always in danger of getting blocked, parried, countered, set up for a counter attack. If compared to strategic military combat, the weapon hand would be the bomber plane, and the free hand would be the fighter planes ensuring the ammunition reaches their target.

Due to the dynamic nature of the free hand, it was traditionally labelled as the “alive hand” or “buhay na kamay” in Filipino terms because the outcome of the fight relies on the resourcefulness of the alive hand to do various tasks such as grab the opponent, tear flesh, distract the opponents eyes, grab a shield, or an improvisation of one, grab a towel for long range attacks against a knife, etc, etc.

This is where our system becomes unique in technique execution. In our Kali, the alive hand is not only used as a wingman for the weapon hand, when opportunity presents itself, or when there is no weapon available, one or both hands can be used as an alive hand and used to attack. It’s main purpose is to blast the opponent, tear flesh in strategic areas, look for distractions within the surroundings to possibly disengage out of the conflict, look for provisional weapons to survive.

A lot of our students would often ask why punching or smashing does not take centre stage in the attacks. The primary reason for this is because hitting an opponent, effective and powerful as it may be, would need the following crucial striking factors in order to provide maximum damage:

1) Torque – a good puncher would always agree that power in punching is triggered by the quick twist of the hip coupled with a sudden jerk of the foot. Punching would be perfect if you are fighting in the ring or in an open space, duel style, but can you still maximize torque if you are seated in a vehicle, in a movie house, or in the toilet?
2) Angle – A good knockout punch requires the right angle delivered at the right time. It’s the primary reason why a boxing match lasts 10 rounds and winning by points is still more frequent than winning by knockouts. It’s common knowledge that street violence usually lasts no more than 15 seconds. In order to survive a street conflict, we need a tool that we could use at this short a time. Proper angle in a punch is also potently delivered if the opponent is standing in front of the puncher. Try delivering a potent punch from someone beside you in a car or a movie house, notice that you would need to stand up to be able to deliver it. What if you do not have the resources, or space to face the opponent?
3) Distance - Try this simple experiment, punch a book plastered in a wall at varying distances. Realize that the punch is particularly stronger at a specific distance. Move a half step back, or forward and the punch is no longer potent. Same goes in fighting close range.

This is not to say that we should not study striking, because given the right circumstances, hitting the opponent is the quickest way to survive the fight. But at the most usual scenarios, priority to the Alive Hand Assaults is emphasized for a greater chance of survival.

Our Adelaide group has playfully dubbed this as AHA! (Alive Hand Assaults) because it gives you that “AHA, I got you!” edge and surprises your opponent when executed.

Join us in our classes to learn about Alive Hand Assaults. Send us an email at paolo.aquino@gmail.com for any enquiries.

The Pre Fight Scenario

2009-07-10T16:41:00.000-07:00

One of the most usual questions that I have been asked during my classes and seminars goes something like: “ What do you do if this or that is done to you?” “If a knife or gun is pointed at you, if you are in a tight headlock by 2 bouncers who are twice your size, or if you have 5 guns pointed at you at a firing squad style?” What do you do? I would often answer them saying, I'll put my hand out, pray to God that I'd survive, and try to talk my survival out.

You see, I am not interested with what I should do in scenarios like these. I am interested in knowing what are the events that led to these scenarios. The scenarios pointed above are what I would call “checkmate scenarios”. In a game of chess, there should be a battle of multiple moves first before your opponent utters the word “checkmate”, and when that happens, it doesn't mean that you may be able to get our of it unscathed. Same goes in the chess game of everyday life. If I cannot defend myself in the events that happened before the checkmate scenario. I should more or less have no skill whatsoever defending myself if I am caught in it. Most self defence classes cater only to techniques launched in checkmate scenarios. If you believe that real self defence is a lifestyle and not just a collection of techniques to memorize, then you know that every moment has an opportunity for danger, thus a self defence opportunity is also at play in every place, every corner every time. Below are some ideas to ponder on if you want to develop a game plan in improving your pre fight scenario game:

Understand that unorganized violent conflict is brought about by a clash of aggression thus controling your aggression can help you survive – Unorganized fights happen when someone wants to hurt your ego, and you do not want to give in and thus you are compelled to hurt back. This is the easiest fight to get out of since all you need to do is eat your ego, and disengege to survive. Organized attacks however are a different story. If people are paid, and have planned to attack you, then expect a physical confrontation from the getgo. And that my friends is a different story to tackle for another day.

Understand that weapons in urban warfare are most often concealed, and it takes more time to draw the weapon, before they are used. - Gone are the days of the wild west where everyone has an exposed holster and a gun ready for a quick draw. Try doing that with a real gun in your local mall. You'll either be sent to jail or probably the mental ward. Now try to logically conceal your knife or firearm in a jacket a clutch bag, or your pants. Now have a friend time you from the moment you sense danger, get the weapon, and set it up for use, meaning if it is a gun, get it from concealment, unlock it, chamber it for firing, if it is a knife, get it from concealment, remove the blade, and prepare it for stabbing. Compare the time that you do it versus, grabbing someone in the hair and kicking him on his guts or groin. Get the picture?

Understand that conversations before a “fight” are useful in setting up positions to run – A student of mine was attacked from behind with a knife weilding assilant while he was about to enter his car. The attacker, was constantly shouting: “Get in the car!” Probably because of our training, he pleaded with a helpless voice saying: “Please! Please! My keys are in my back pocket. I'll just get it” While doing this, his attacker was not aware that while my student was pointing on his back pocket he is already doing three things. 1) He is scanning for possible backup. 2) He is facing his attacker and preparing a set up for a counter attack. 3) While he is pointing to his back pocket he is moving his hand near the knife and setting up his defensive move. My friend was able to blast the attacker and run, then call for help. Understand that all of these happened in probably less than 15 seconds, but that conversation has created a set up for his survival.

Understand that survival awareness can be controlled and diverted when it is needed. - Continually and always being prepared for pre fight self defence does not make you someone who knows real self defence, it makes you a paranoid person. When compared to law enforcement operations, imagine how much money they would waste if they are on “code red” each day of the year. Now using that train of thought, we are therefore inspired by the color codes of the US Department of Homeland Security in determining their alertness level for terrorism attacks. And we are advising our students to use 3 codes (of their choosing) for our personal safety. These codes are used to mentally label places and scenarios to determine your awareness to a possible danger. These codes are divided into a) Safe (example: code yellow)- places and scenarios that you consider fully secure b) Alert (example: code orange) – places and scenarios that are generally safe, but have some potential for danger c) Critical (example: code red) unknown places and scenarios that have high possibility of danger. These colors can also be communicated to family and loved ones to instantly communicate danger awareness. Example: You can tell your wife, stay here while I get the car, its on code red area.

Contact us for seminars and traning at: paolo.aquino@gmail.com
or call Australia phone: +61450636380

Truths About Tovak Eskrima # 2: Students Train in Instinct based Conditioning, Not Spectator Combat Sports

2009-04-10T19:15:00.001-07:00

RBSD (Reality Based Self Defense) is how commercial martial arts groups would call it. A lot of traditional martial arts have actually joined the bandwagon and rode with this concept. Each marketing ploy would state, that they are training, in a modern martial art, designed for the streets. The truth is, martial arts in the purest form is reality based, it was only commercialism that diluted it.

My teachers would often tell me that real fights happen when no one is watching, fights we see in plaza's (where staged fights happen in olden times) are just for spectators. The point of this saying is that a true “badass” fighters are not found in the cage or the ring. He/She is either, working in the military, an assassin, a convicted murderer, or a corpse in the cemetery.

I wrote this article to stress that the martial arts we see on tv (and even in the dojo's) are usually diluted versions of the real thing. This statement might sound offensive to some martial artists, but I would like to request the reader to “hang” with me as I stress my point before dismissing these ideas.

Please do not get me wrong. This article does not intend to say that most martial arts are wimpy and ineffective, and ours is the best, and we are real “badass” killers. What I am saying is that I would like to share some methodologies we do, in the hopes of challenging serious martial artists to realize, and attain their battle effective roots simply by adapting simple, yet very crucial methodologies in their training. And I will attempt to do it by these rhetorical questions.

Tip 1: Address the pre fight confrontation

When you let your students spar, do you spar MMA style ( Are you ready? Let's get it on!), or do set up scenarios to leave your students constantly surprised, and ready for unexpected, ambush attacks?
If your students can spar when they are physically/and mentally prepared, they have stretched, conditioned themselves, and are ready to roll in the mat, can they spar if they aren't?
Have you incorporated role play scenarios wherein your students can learn to verbally defend themselves and possibly diffuse fights? Does your students know how to properly and instinctively detect a possible violence, and identify options to disengage.

Tip 2: Study instinctive responses, and launch your techniques from there

When you train your students to launch techniques (throws, punches, etc) are these techniques launched in specific stances, or can they be launched under instinctive stances, like a normal flinch, a crouched defence, etc?
How does a normal human being instinctively respond to usual attacks anyway? Have you tested that already?
Can you launch your techniques from various conditions, at least in usual locations of your city? (corridor, stairs, toilet, bedroom, etc.)

Tip 3: Train to survive and not to win

Do you train your students not to stop striking until the opponent taps out, or do you train to diffuse the attack and control or disengage?
Does your students understand the legal and moral implications of the techniques you train in when applied to civilians?
Do you train your students to identify the options to disengage if overwhelmed?

Tip 4: Train how you fight. Fight how you train.

Do you train as close to reality as possible or do you hold strikes and chokes?
Are you ok to take occasional bruises if needed?

Tip 5: Aggression

Do you address the importance of aggression in a confrontation?
Does your student know the effects of mental aggression if applied, if received?
Do you understand that fighting is the result of aggression, and effective fighting is not possible without aggression?

Tip 6: Evolve! Evolve! Evolve!

Are you constantly experimenting what works through analysis and sparring?
Are you bound by traditions of what is the right way to do this, or that?

I am proud to say that the training groups we have strive hard to answer yes to all the questions above. I challenge you to do the same. And we can all take our training a notch higher. You may contact me at paolo.aquino@gmail.com for seminars and personal instruction.

News: Adelaide Private Instruction Classes

2009-04-08T15:28:00.000-07:00

Due to overwhelming number of requests to join our Adelaide Kali Training Group, we are now opening private classes to qualified individuals starting on the second week of June 2009. Please contact instructor Paolo Aquino at paolo.aquino@gmail.com, or call 0450636380 for any queries. Sessions are intense, on a 1.5 hour intervals, and guaranteed to be street effective from day 1. The succeeding months will be fully booked, and private sessions will start on the 8th of June 2009, Reservations will be entertained on a first come first served basis. Interstate visitors seeking a full day course to accommodate their schedules are also welcome.

Students of Adelaide University can also send email queries to the official University Sports Association email at: kali@theblacks.com.au for further queries.

Truths about Tovak Eskrima # 1: Sticks are tools to train the mind, not primary weapons.

2009-02-03T17:09:00.001-08:00

Due to recent influx of new students in different parts of the globe, we are now deciding to dedicate parts of our time to be an internet warrior (just kidding) and explain what we are doing, and how we do things properly. Thus, here is a series entitled, "Truths about Tovak Eskrima", that should hopefully help people understand what, how, and why we train this way. Please note that we do not intend to criticize other styles (especially those of our endeared Filipino martial arts). We just intend to point out differences in training focus and specialties. We believe that in the end, there are no right or wrong ways of training martial arts, there are however specialties, and various training emphasis suited for the type of goals an individual wishes to attain.

We often hear descriptions about Eskrima, that it is "Filipino Stick Fighting", simply because they see students sparring with sticks. This is actually true in a certain point of view, as there are a lot of systems of Eskrima who have evolved from it's original state and incorporated pads on practitioners sticks and body to involve protection, thus transforming their style to fit modern combat sports such as kendo and western fencing. There are also some Eskrima systems that have evolved from stick fighting themselves, thus specializing in impact weaponry for combat.

Tovak Kali is different from such systems because it views the stick simply as a training weapon. The sticks train the hands to instinctively hold on to anything, be it impact (sticks, bottles) or edged (knives, pen) at the certain instance of danger, before sorting to unarmed weaponry. The sticks train the mind to react to multiple, quick and violent attacks aimed at your vital points. The sticks also act as an added weight to the arms to increase hitting strength and improve tactile sensitivity of the arms.

Above all, the beauty of any martial system is best felt than explained. It is like climbing a mountain and experiencing the scenery, or going to a beautiful beach and relaxing on a very nice day. A skillful fighter would agree to the fact that skill in combat is felt and reacted on, rather than analyzed and figured out. In the midst of combat, the fight would most usually be finished before a credible analysis takes place.

We therefore encourage our students to try rather than see, to feel rather than think, to experience, rather than simply know.

Eskrima Utopia: Are We Training or Playing?!?!

2008-12-09T13:32:00.000-08:00

It doesn't really matter as long as we are learning and evolving. That's the beauty of our training culture in the Adelaide training group. We really don't care about what style we do, or what rank we are on. We just experiment with different systems, evolve and develop as a team.

In the end, no one really is a master or apprentice, as everyone learns from everyone. I am joined by Damien (left) who is versed in Shaolin arts as he shows (or stabs) me with his dao (Chinese broadsword). David (right) knows Savate kickboxing, and La Canne and brings in his knowledge as well. No politics, no uniforms, no ranks, just pure learning.

I know I'm going to be criticised by some Kali instructors for going against the traditional learning patterns and class teaching. But I would like to think that in the particular location (Adelaide Australia) and culture I am in, this type of knowledge transfer is most effective. I would always like to tell people asking about the formalities of our training groups, that we are simply friends who brought our ball (blades) into the field and played. It's as simple as that. So let's stop this writing and go play ball!

We train in Lockleys Reserve, Henley Beach Road, every Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:00pm. We will also be opening up a training group at the University of Adelaide in North Terrace by January 2009. I can be contacted at paolo.aquino@gmail.com for any training queries.

What is The Seed Learning System?

2008-12-03T14:19:00.000-08:00

Have you ever imagined how large armies can be trained with close quarter combat at a minimal amount of time, and yet have their soldiers attain a competitive skill level of combat? The answer would simply lie on combat exposure. Combat exposure follows the theory that if one wants to learn how to swim, what better way than to jump into the water. This method would have its advantages and disadvantages but the point is that this method would allow a large group to be trained in a particular skill set at the least amount of time. Tovak Kali refers to this as the Seed Learning System.

The transfer of knowledge in martial arts can actually be divided into two methods. We would like to define them as 1) Memorization and 2) Seed System. Both have it's advantages and disadvantages depending on their usage.

The Memorization system is like teaching mathematics and guiding the students to memorize the multiplication table. This would be paralel to traditional Karate, or Taekwondo wherein students are initially taught memory techniques in the form of Kata. As soon as the student gets a good feel of the system, a definitive movement is established and a learning pattern occurs. This system of learning creates a shorter learning curve and is ideal for sporting arts as it contains a seemingly set pattern or curriculum. On a sidenote, this method may ideal for business minded martial arts organizations as it lets the students pass by certain levels (and pay the promotion fee). Promotion is based by the time put in training, and the techniques memorized, not on the skill level of the student. This learning system however has it's disadvantages. Memorizing techniques to learn a combat art makes the student prone to react skilfully in set patterns which may not always be the given scenario in time of combat. For example, if a student learns a barrage of powerful punches and punch at an opponent skilfully while standing, but may not be able to do the same in a bus, underwater, or in a slippery road. The student who learned through this method may have limited and chosen reaction scenarios. They may win some, but lose some as well.

The Seed system on the other hand exposes the students to concepts, and not memorized forms, then encourages the student to start a journey and work on these concepts. Compared to teaching mathematics, the student is taught the concept of addition, then proceeds to encouraging the student to practice adding any numbers possible. The learning curve to attain a certain level of skill will be a bit longer than the earlier method, but the skill attained will be limitless. Examples of martial arts that follow this learning method Brazilian JiuJitsu, Western Boxing, Catch Wrestling, and Muay Thai. This learning method is also used in military systems such as Krav Maga and MCMAP. Tovak Kali also follows this learning system. One of the usual disadvantages of this system however is that many would understand it, but skill levels may vary from beginner to complex.

This type of learning is called the Seed System because it gives you the "skill seed" and then it would totally be up to you to grow this seed or not. Just like in boxing, a lot of people would know how to do a hook punch or an uppercut, but only few can stand in the skill levels of Ali or Tyson in their prime.

The Seed Learning System was bourn out of the need to partake knowledge to many people at the shortest amount of time. We now follow this tradition in our modern training methods.

I personally favor learning/teaching using this method because the Seed Learning System lets the student understand the concepts, not the techniques. Once the student gets to a level of comfort with applications of the concepts, the student develops one mind, one concept, but endless possibilities and hundreds of weapons can be used.

Why Did we Close Our Doors to the Public By Rigorously Screening Students?

2008-11-07T07:17:00.001-08:00

We have been recently plagued by numerous requests and criticisms because we have closed our learning doors once again to the public. So we have decided to finally, and officially give a statement regarding the decision of Tovak Kali, our treasured Filipino martial art, to remain in seclusion for the time being. Some of you may already know that we have been recently assigned to work in training law enforcement full time, which prompted us to temporarily cancel seminars and tours. However, there are much deeper reasons for our voluntary semi seclusion. To simplify the reasons, I decided to put them all in the bullets below:

1) Kali can be learned by anyone, but the system in it's purity is not for everyone - Kali in it's pure form is a method of eliminating your opponent/s in the quickest way possible. Most of it's techniques are intended to break limbs, instead of locking them. To be bluntly short in my explanation, it's a killing art. It's not for kids, not for disturbed individuals. In my personal and strictest opinion, it's not even supposed to be learned for physical fitness, or sport, simply because it's not that. I admire "martial arts" intended to develop the character of an individual, I am even a practitioner, and have competed professionally in sporting events. But Kali simply isn't that. Learning Kali is like owning a handgun. And having said that, would you allow handguns to be sold in malls?

2) Politics and bickering only hinders growth - And sadly, a lot of our supposed colleagues are good at this. If they haven't seen us, they'll say we are fakes, if they were impressed by our skill, they'll probably say we copied it from this and that, if they couldn't find a reason, they'll probably say we are doing these for the money, etc, etc. They honestly make me sick. All we want is to improve our craft. We don't need these keyboard warriors to stagnate our growth.

3) Pure Kali empowers an individual, and not everyone deserves this power. - Kali in it's pure form has been used to protect the lives of my ancestors. However, it has also lately been used to commit crimes. More recently though, it has also been used to kill a civilian in a club fight. We choose to very carefully pick who we teach and empower. We make sure that none of them will ever commit these shameful acts.

4) Teaching True Kali involves empowering an individual to survive, and never about making money - Many magnificent systems begin to deteriorate as soon as "moolah" takes over the picture. Don't get me wrong. We "professionally" teach Kali. Kali is not a hobby we choose to do. A lot of us even go to battle regularly as a form of a living. But we choose not to let earnings rule over our values.

5) Tovak Kali was once a guarded system to empower a small group. Our decision to open our doors to everyone interested three years ago has unfortunately backfired on us. We are once again reminded of the reasons of our ancestors to keep this system secret, however we still believe that we can somehow attempt to reach an equilibrium of decisions. This is the one of the main reasons why we have decided as a united group, that we will thoroughly be screening our students.

I hope that I was able to shed light to most of your queries. In Australia, Tovak Kali practitioners are also known as Tovak Hermanos (Brothers of Tovak). We are not a cult or a following. We are simply a group of people who choose to unite, train hard, and progress. We don't teach publicly anymore, but who says we don't teach at all? If you are over 21 years of age. If you are confident about your character, and are willing for us to test it? If you trust that in the course of our training, because of the combative nature of our system, you may get hurt, but never get permanently injured. Then it would be very easy for you to find and join us. You may for once start to realize the beauty of the gem we now choose to protect.

Defend Yourself - Before The Weapon Draws

2008-03-23T21:23:00.000-07:00

My instructors would often tell me: “Be sure that what you teach is effective, because if it isn't, then you just give your students false hope and false confidence, which may bring them closer to danger.”

A lot of martial artists spend time in learning how to defend themselves against a drawn knife or a gun pointed at them. A lot of times, they would spend years in “mastering” fancy and complicated moves only to be injured or killed in an actual attack.

In reality, one puts himself / herself in actual risk if unarmed, one tries to fight back against a drawn weapon by an opponent determined to kill them. This stands true even for martial artists who have studied for years, labeling themselves as “masters”, even with actual combat experience.

I would often tell my students that a drawn weapon is like a “checkmate” in chess. There may be a way and a chance to defend oneself, but it may be very slim, or close to impossible.

Given this case, it is still possible to increase the chance of surviving against a possible weapon attack. One just needs to be keen enough to intercept the attacker before the weapon is drawn.
What a lot of martial art instructors fail to teach is that before the drawn weapon / checkmate happens, a battle of non verbal human signals begins. The martial art student can read this signals and choose to intercept the attacker/s or disengage and survive, thus, avoiding the risk of “checkmate” before it starts.

This type of training is less fancy, less attractive, but totally effective and useful in everyday life.

________________________________________________________

Guro Paolo Aquino will be going to Adelaide Australia on May 08 to establish the first Australian School of Tovak Kali. You may email him at paolo.aquino@gmail.com for any inquiries or messages.

Events: Adelaide Blade Fighting Seminars

2008-02-27T14:19:00.000-08:00

(please click on the picture to view a larger image)

Tovak Kali instructors headed by Guro Paolo Aquino will be in Adelaide Australia to set up a school under the umbrella of Zenith Martial Arts ( http://www.zenithmartialarts.com/ ). We will initially be giving seminars open to all regardless of sex, age, rank and nationality as a means to launch a new school.

We are however also looking for serious students and would be instructors, who can help us spread our gem around Australia.

For inquiries or reservations at Zenith Martial arts you may contact:

Andy Rae (Chokan Sensei)
Zenith Martial Arts, Adelaide South Australia
0434975437

or email Guro Paolo at paolo.aquino@gmail.com

You can also check upcoming videos at: www.youtube.com/guropaolo

Classes and Contact: Tovak Kali

2008-02-27T14:05:00.000-08:00

There are only a few legitimate Kali instructors. There are too many wannabes. This is evident in the martial arts books, magazines, and cult organizations out there. In the early years, you would not hear anything about Kali. Today, it is filled with advertisements, membership fees, and doctrines, that many lose their way to the true meaning of Kali, which is simply an effective way of combat.

The Kali we teach is real. It holds true to its ancient roots, not because we go around and beat up everyone, but because we focus on learning Kali and letting it evolve into our personal movement. In going this path, we remove too much hierarchy, doctrine, and commercialism into it.

We do not charge training fees. We accept training partners as friends. Charging training fees make us become employees of our supposed students. We do however require dedication and respect to the craft in exchange of our time and effort teaching.

We have trainers located in Melbourne Australia, Adelaide Australia, Sydney Australia, Cavite Philippines, Paris France, Singapore, and Los Angeles California. Some of them full time instructors of various martial arts, some of them serving in military and law enforcement, some of them civilians doing various things. If you chance upon them doing Kali and you ask to be taught, they will probably lead you to your local martial arts school, if you ask them to show you some moves, they will probably show you some generic Kali / Eskrima / or Silat tricks. If you befriend them and gain their trust, then they may show you true Kali

We obviously do not accept walk in students at the moment. But if you are willing to go the distance and learn, then send an email to our global training coordinator: paul.balancio88@gmail.com.

Mabuhay ang Kali, Mabuhay ang tunay na sining ng pandirigma!