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What is Kali?
Kali is the mother name of most of the self-defense arts of the Philippines. Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) are also known as Escrima , Arnis, Arnis De Mano or by any other name is still the off-spring of Kali. It is an ancient and secret art that is making itself known to the world. Historically, Kali was a secretive art taught mainly from father to son and never to non Filipinos. Had it not been for the ingenuity of the Filipinos Kali would have been lost. During the Spanish oppression of the Philippines the art was outlawed. The Filipinos have always been a fun-loving people, so it is no wonder that even under suppression they secretly included the movements of Kali into their dances called “Sayawo Moro-Moro”. The world was made aware of this art on April 27, 1521 when on the shores of Mactan Island in the Southern Philippines, Ferdinand Magellan was killed by Chief Lapu Lapu and his men.
For the uninitiated in the art of Kali, this art is just as compatible as the other Martial Arts of the world. It utilizes a single (baston) stick 24″ or 30″ long. Two sticks may be used (Dublay Kara) one in each hand. The movements of the art are fluid and hands constantly twirling the baston. But, one must always remember that Kali is not only with a baston, it also utilizes bare-hands (Kali-Kalihan) and use the feet techniques (Sekaran).
This art helps the practitioner in developing physical strength, quick judgment as to the intentions of his opponent, timing and a sense of distance. Keen sight and rhythmic body movements are developed to a high degree. Kali gives its practitioners strength and vigor from its exercises and brings into play every part of the body, especially the upper and lower limb, waist and the brain. Even those with the most delicate in constitution can learn it.