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by Guro Jeff

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Over the last 50 years, martial arts training has gained in mass popularity. We have seen the rise of different types of martial art from many counties such as Japan, Okinawa, China and Korea. We have all been privvy to the exposure gained through the medium of television and movies. During the last 15 years there has been increasing emphasis upon what is 'real' and what is 'effective' for today's world in terms of self-defense.

There are a number of martial arts that arise from a southeast asian origin. These arts are considered to be 'tribal' arts, that is, arts that are passed down in limited scope, often with a family or a village, or clan. In the Phillipines, the art that has emerged in terms of recognition here in the US and in western europe, is the art of Kali. Kali has been also grouped with arts also called Arnis and Escrima. I choose to use the name Kali, as that is the name that was passed onto my from my own teachers in these arts.

Kali has steadily grown in recognition and favorable response. It is featured in movies such as "The Bourne Identity," "The Hunted." and even in "Mission Impossible:3." Kali is primarily known as a weapons art, teaching practitioners how to deal and contend with things such as sticks, swords and knives, and even flexible weapons. Since it is readily accepted that in today's society, a serious attack to one's person, will often involve a weapon, Kali training offers its students a rapid growth and effective response to such attacks.

In practice, when one trains with sticks, knives and swords, the eye-hand co-ordination is developed at a very rapid rate. In addition, when learning to face weapons, and developing familiarity with weapons, empty-hand style attacks no longer seem as threatening or as serious as they might be. In truth, without a weapon in the hand, after training in Kali, an attacker may often seem slower and easier to engage for a developing student.

Kali is very effective and efficient in its training approach. Most of the time, partner practice is the standard way of learning skill and from the beginning, distance appreciation, timing and footwork are all emphasized for the students. Mobility, combined with a knowledge of striking patterns and defensive maneuvers enable the practitioner to have a good response when faced by an attacker.

Kali is a complete martial art with empty-hand components as well. An expert Kali practitioner knows how to kick and punch and block and deal with throws, takedowns and sweeps, and improvised weaponry. Clearly, Kali is a serious choice to be considered when one is searching for the best martial arts form to pursue for self-defense.

Learn more about this author, Guro Jeff.

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