Kali is the blanket name we use to describe the Filipino Martial Arts. Kali is a weapons based system. What this means is that we teach weapons first then show how they relate to empty hands. The weapons used are sticks, swords and daggers (all weapons are made for training and are dull and safe)
Training with weapons helps teach the body how to move correctly and to use the hips and legs for power. All the movements used with the weapons translate to empty hands. Working with weapons also forces us to move faster and promotes awareness of all angles of attack. In this process of learning to move faster we become more proficient at the slower moving empty hands part of the art.
Kali is also about simultaneous blocking and hitting, limb destructions and manipulating your opponent’s energy. But most of all, to us at MKG West, it is a study of movement.
‘Limb Destructions’ (defanging the snake)
This means that we treat the attacking punches and kicks as targets and destroy them as they are delivered.
‘Footwork’
Being able to avoid attacks with footwork alone greatly increases your chances for countering or escaping.
‘Body Manipulations’
This is all about creating openings by moving your opponent into position for strikes or escape...making room to attack or room to evade.
‘Sensitivity’
Sensitivity refers to being able to know your opponents intentions by feeling the pressure they are using against you. Are they pushing or pulling? We learn to be able to interpret their intentions based on feel. This is hands on training and is some of the most fun. This is also some of the best training for self defense.
‘Trapping’
Trapping is the art of tying up your opponent’s limbs while creating openings for hitting. It goes hand in hand with the sensitivity training. Trapping also refers to creating false openings to lure your opponent into attacking a line you are prepared to defend and destroy.
‘Zoning’
Zoning is all about evading attacks and setting up attacks. This is all about footwork, footwork and footwork. Kali promotes footwork that helps us learn to move quick with minimal energy as well as to evade incoming attacks while setting up counter attacks.
