What is Kali?

Kali ( Arnis ,Eskrima) is a general name for the multi-disciplinary fighting arts of the Philippines that have been known since ancient times. Various martial arts have already existed among the different Philippine tribes.
From the experience of fighting Arabs and Spaniards during the middle ages, the most effective techniques on the battlefield were preserved and have been taught in the different parts of the archipelago.

The basic of Filipino martial arts is weaponry: using knives, sticks, swords and various types of improvised weapons. What differs kali from other martial arts is that the same basic techniques could be efficiently applied with any weapon or simply with bare hands. In other words, you can fight using the same principles with or without a weapon.

Filipinos are commonly short, so speed and accuracy have been much more important in Filipino fighting styles than pure force. In addition, using the opponent's movements effectively to destroy his balance and disarming skills have been developed.

The main techniques currently used in kali are as follows.

・Single stick, also known as Solo Baston techniques
Using a stick made of rattan and is about 60 centimetres long. It is common to hold a weapon with one hand and use the other hand for disarming the opponent or joint locks.

・Double stick or Doble Baston
Techniques using two sticks

• Knife
The Philippines is a country with a knife or bladed culture. Knife fighting is a very important part of kali practice. The Philippine military and police has added Kali as part of their training and it is also being adopted and practiced in special forces in countries like the United States of America and Russia.

・Punta y Daga (Espada y Daga)
or Sword and Dagger techniques and sword and knife fighting techniques

・Mano Mano
Bare hand fighting, not only with fists, but also open hands, elbows, knees and kicks are used. Kicks are only used from waist and below. Joint locks and throwing techniques are also used. Grappling is rarely used in kali and considered dangerous as the opponent may have some kind of weapon while fighting.
Training is also being conducted in the techniques of using improvised weapons, such as pens, smartphones, bottles, etc.

In summary, Philippine fighting arts has all the necessary elements for a real life combat. Kali (Arnis, Eskrima) is one of the martial arts learned by Bruce Lee, as seen in some of his movies. Filipino martial arts are becoming more popular in Hollywood action movies such as Jason Bourne, Resident Evil: Apocalypse, The Equalizer, James Bond 007 - Quantum of Solace and many more.

If a person attacks you, can you protect yourself or you would freeze not knowing what to do? It is better to be prepared in an emergency for self-preservation The main concept of Mutya Filipino Fighting Arts Academy is to prepare you for a real fight in any situation. It is a practical fighting art that anyone can practice and enjoy regardless of gender, experience in martial arts, or age!
Feel free to contact us for more details!

mutyafilipinofightingarts@gmail.com

PRINCIPLES OF A GOOD ARNISADOR, KALISADOR, ESKRIMADOR

1. The real Arnisador ( Kalisador, Eskrimador) holds firmly to his sticks until the day He / She dies.

2. The Arnisador ( Kalisador , Eskrimador) and sticks are one.

3. The art of the hand is the art of the cane.

4. If someone throws rice to a skilled Arnisador( Kalisador, Eskrimador), not even a single grain can hit him.

5. The match and a candle represent an authentic disciple of Arnis Kali Eskrima 

6. The Art of Arnis Kali Eskrima is like a wind; you can feel it but not necessarily see it.

7. Minimum effort maximum effect.

8. The triumph of a genuine Arnisador Kalisador Eskrimador is like to a mountain.

9. The best Arnisador Kalisador Eskrimador is one who can give wisdom to his student regarding the essence of being a real  Arnisador , Kalisador Eskrimador .

Proper Holding of the Sticks

“How you handle the sticks is how you handle your life” Hold the stick like you would a bird. Grasp the bird too tightly and it will die; cradle the bird too gently and it will fly away.

What one must remember when practicing the art of stick fighting, are the principles itself. While it is satisfying to be a skilled martial artist, it is even more gratifying to be a martial artist that holds true to the rules and beliefs of the Arnis Kali Eskrima systems, and lives a life of honor.

1. Do not throw the sticks around.

2. Do not play with the sticks.

3. Do not step on the sticks.

​4. Respect the stick because, as simple as it may appear, it represents your knowledge, dignity, honor and principle as an Arnisador, Kalisador, Eskrimador.