KALI
Kali forms the backbone for our training at Unified Martial Arts Academy.
The word Kali comes from two ancient Filipino words - Kamot (hand or body) and Lihok (motion). Taken together they mean the study of body motion. Our study of the body involves the combative motions and their applications.
Kali has 12 areas of training including many different weapon categories along with a complete empty-hand system. Kali, like it's modern cousin J.K.D., is an interpretive art. This means that each student will come out of the training slightly different. The basics are taught along with training exercises then the students are allowed to "flow" or train in constant motion. These drills are rhythmic and contain many combative reactions at once. The hallmark of these classes is the sophisticated analyzation of technique and structure followed by flow drills. The balance between physical work and mental work is kept. Drawing a direct connection between the art and modern street situations is less important than developing the individual student's abilities in as many areas as possible.
Some of the most used categories are as follows:
(Kali contains many types of training that are not currently used but may be of interest in historical or cultural context - instructors should know of these methods so they can be used for analogy and context in teaching.)
1.) Single Stick Training: Stick work is a primary feature of modern Kali Training. In the past this category was a stepping stone to blade combat. In the 1990's we use this training to cultivate the attributes of Angling, Footwork, Sensitivity, Distancing and Offensive/Defensive strategy.
2.) Double Stick: This category is featured prominently in our Phase I classes. We use double stick patterns and methods to give beginning students a coordination base and to engrain motions that will later be used in combative application. Students often report that this is their favorite part of the beginning training.
3.) Stick and Dagger: The actual weapons used vary but the principles are important. The training here starts with what is called "Ugats" or root techniques. These techniques and motions are vital to understanding the empty hand portion of the art. These techniques are then followed by the flow training and other conditioning methods. Hallmarks of this category are parrying and deflecting skills that allow the student to "zone away" from rear hand attacks and other opponents.
4.) Dagger: Filipino Martial Artists have been famous for their knife tactics for centuries. Knife training is used to develop the attributes of Speed, Sensitivity, Footwork, Fine Motor Skill and Economy of Motion. This is an area that has application to modern self defense.
5.) Empty Hand: In Kali there are five areas of empty hand training.
These areas form a complete, sophisticated system of training.
Area 1) Panantukan. This is the phase of training called "Filipino Boxing". It includes punching, elbowing, kneeing, Head butts, Shoulders and Forearms.
All of these tools are used with a very diverse combination of body manipulations and "nasty" tactics. This art was traditionally a bare handed contest so the training differs slightly from the arts that are conditioned to use a glove. The choice of targets is also expanded because there were no "illegal blows". Hitting the back of the head, the groin, the arms and the spine are common tactics to this art.
The modern day training at Unified Martial Arts Academy is safe, exciting and practical. Focus Mitts are the primary tool used to train the basics. The actual techniques are worked lightly with a partner or on protective equipment. Students are amazed that they can move a body and hit in so many creative and effective ways.
Area 2) Pananjakman. This is the "Kicking" compliment to the first area of training.
These kicks are designed to help other shots land. As with the Panantukan, many tools are used. The Feet, Shins, Knees, Heels and even hips are used. These tools are generally aimed at the low line. The kicking in this art would not be described as "pretty". When taken together with the high line they blend perfectly into one formidable art.
