What are Filipino martial arts?
The Filipino martial arts were first seen by the mass public in 1973 in the film Enter the Dragon, where Bruce Lee used it defeat multiple assailants. It is also known by the names Kali, Arnis, Escrima, Eskrima and even just as Filipino Martial Arts (FMA). The art focuses on principles of use so that when learning one weapon you can apply the same principles to any weapon or even the empty hand and still be effective. In the FMA it is usual to start with the weapons and then learn the empty hands. Also one of the reasons that I first fell in love with the art is you do not have to change or adapt any of the movements to make them practical. The move with the weapon is the same empty handed and is equally effective. Comparing it to Japanese Kobudo you do not have to learn 8 different weapons and their use, after learning Filipino martial arts you can pick up any weapon and just use it. The system used at the Academy is a blend of different systems that Guro Dan Inosanto has put together from his training with over 26 primary sources and Nickelstick Balintawak Eskrima. It focuses on the practical self defence aspects of the art and not the sport which is gaining popularity at this time. It includes single stick, double stick, stick & dagger, double dagger, panatukan (Filipino boxing), Sikaran (Filipino kicking methods), Dumog (grappling) & Silat.
What is the class format? What can I expect?
The class starts with warming up the wrists, elbows and shoulders and from there go on to practice all of the basic strikes. The class continues with double stick drills. The Filipinos have a number of drills known as loop drills where working with a partner you can practise a set of moves again and again. The double stick would be followed by single stick drills. With the single stick drills we learn the strips or disarms and locks which are similar to those used in Aikido. Finally the class might finish with knife defence. By learning how to use the knife we have a better understanding on how to defend against the knife.
Where are the Philippines?
The Philippines is an archipelagic nation located in Southeast Asia, with Manila as its capital city. The Philippine archipelago comprises 7,107 islands in the western Pacific Ocean, bordering countries such as Indonesia, Palau and the Malaysia Republic of China, although it is the only Southeast Asian country to share no land borders with its neighbours. Being situated so close to many different and diverse populations the Philippines is a unique mix of different religions and cultures. All these different populations have brought with them their own cultures and fighting systems which have been absorbed and blended into the unique martial art we know as Kali.
For more information follow the link below.
| 
