Kali Silat

Kali is a weapon-based martial arts system of the Philippines that teaches empty hands after training in weapons. The Filipino martial arts taught at the academy are Kali and Silat. You may have also heard the names of Escrima and Arnis, as they are alternate names of the Filipino arts. Arnis usually has four areas and Escrima has seven. Kali and Silat within the Inosanto / LaCosta blend consists of 12 areas. Training includes many categories of weaponry as well as empty-hand training. The Panatukan( sometimes called Dirty Boxing)  is a unique boxing art that takes the student to another level in empty-hand. A few of the twelve areas that are taught at Martin Academy are single stick, double stick, stick and dagger, double dagger, single dagger, staff, flexible weapons, Sikaran (Filipino Kicking methods), Kuntao and Silat. Students will begin training in single and double stick the first day of class.

Filipino martial arts can benefit anyone, by enhancing sensitivity, coordination, speed, timing and teaching students flow from area to another. Developed for mass attack as well as single opponent confrontations, the training will heighten the student’s awareness of their surroundings as well as teach them to utilize environmental tools in combat. Everyday objects such as umbrellas, books and bandanas can be used as an effective means of self-defense in the hand of a properly trained individual. Teaching awareness in dealing with street weapons enables the student to deal with weapons-based and empty-handed confrontations in a more proficient manner. The use of left and right-handed techniques develops coordination as well as aids the brain function as we age. Drills and techniques are taught in a fluid, nonrestrictive manner that allows the student to enhance their natural attributes and improve their sense of timing, speed, awareness, balance, agility and confidence. Students are encouraged to be creative, the academy is a laboratory where one finds what works for them.

Kali / Silat is taught and practiced by both men and women in the Philippines, and is a great equalizer for women or men dealing with an opponent of larger size. The Filipinos have a long history of women not only fighting in battles, but leading as well. Kali is an art that a student is able to continue to train in and develop as the body ages.