Kali, The Deadly Philippine Art Of Combat
There is a form of martial arts that originated in the Philippines known as Kali, or Kali-Sikat. Literally translated to mean “body in motion,” this fighting art has developed into a very effective and efficient combat measure that combines both the body and the use of weaponry in taking down an opponent. Outside of the Philippines, this form of martial arts is known as Kali, while in the Philippines, it is chiefly known as arnis, arnis de mano, or escrima, particularly if the use of various sorts of weapons is included.
This Filipino fighting discipline requires extensive drills that involve harnessing the body's energy, as well as eye and hand coordination techniques that utilize all the senses of the body to sense the enemy and disable him, thus. Using this method, a Kali practitioner is able to bring down an opponent in the most simple and straightforward manner using any series of chokes, locks and holds.
Whether with the use of the weapons or with bare hands, students of this form of martial arts are taught to be flexible in defending themselves and attacking an opponent when faced with every manner of hostile situations. Its principles incorporate the different ways of angling and positioning the body, and moving with the flow of each stance in order to bring an opponent down. Students are likewise taught how to harness their speed, taught judicious use of footwork, and go through drills to increase their skill. As a result of this, brute strength is not given much importance, as this form of fighting is a fluid and practical method of defending oneself without having to rely on extreme force, but rather on mastering its comprehensive skills of vanquishing an opponent.
The weapon-based method of fighting include the use of swords, knives, and long wooden sticks that have been strengthened in fire. These tough batons are carved from rattan, an extremely sturdy variety of vine that is found in huge abundance in the Philippines. In some instances, stick-fighting practitioners can may make use of either a single sticks, or a pair in order to disarm and defeat their opponents.
To an outsider, observing basic training of this fighting art form as taught to large groups of students would have the impression that it is a very simple form of martial arts, involving an extremely simplified form of instruction. However, even the basic levels of the art are difficult and complicated to master, and it may take a student many years of practice before finally hurdling the basic levels. In the Philippines, Kali is not a sport reserved solely for men, either.
Throughout the history of the Philippines, women have taken an active part in various wars and battles making judicious use of this martial art. In fact, well-known explorer Ferdinand Magellan from Spain was known to have been defeated by Filipino male and female warriors using this ancient form of fighting. The native, Lapu-Lapu and his warriors successfully routed the Spanish invading forces using only swords and sticks against guns and armor. To this day, both genders study, practice, and make use of Kali still.
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