Kali-Jitsu Training

Kali-Jitsu is a hybrid of two combat arts. It combines the philosophies, theories, strategies and techniques of Kali, a centuries-old Filipino weapons system, and Jiu-Jitsu, the combat system of the Japanese Samurai warrior. Both disciplines have had their techniques battle tested: only their most effective offensive and defensive skills have been incorporated into Kali-Jitsu.

Kali-Jitsu combines the most effective techniques of both Kali and Jiu-Jitsu. Both arts complement each other and share common attitudes, philosophies, theories and strategies.

In Kali-Jitsu we believe that weapons training should begin simultaneously with the unarmed training. The student is first introduced to stick fighting, and then graduates to knife training, while learning unarmed skills at the same time. Blunt, edged and flexible weapons are all part of the curriculum. The goal is for the student to eventually be able to use any available object as an effective self-defense tool.

Kali-Jitsu Class - 2010  more photos

Kali-Jitsu is only taught to Black Belts and specially selected students. Since the techniques learned in this discipline have the potential to be lethal, all participants must understand and accept the responsibility that accompanies this knowledge. Kali-Jitsu combat techniques are to be used solely for the purpose of self-defence or aiding the defenceless.

The emphasis, at this level, is on rudimentary techniques combined with strategy and mind-set. Students are instructed in martial art practices, history, philosophy and mind/body/spirit linkage principles. The goal is to acquire technical proficiency and self-confidence in your ability to assess a situation, think on your feet and make the right decisions under stress.

To this end, students practice the following skills:

1)   Zen Meditation

Zazen is a simple meditation technique used to help clear the mind of distractions, enhance concentration and promote internal harmony.

2)   Mind and Body Conditioning

Mental focus and control as well as ways to increase physical capability are explored.

3)   Targeting

Where and when to strike an opponent is studied in detail. Vital organs, nerve centers and anatomical weak spots are targets for offensive and defensive techniques.

4)   Footwork

Mobility is the key to our system and we draw on footwork from Boxing, Kali, Karate, Hapkido, Kung-Fu, and Penchat Silat. Footwork is the engine that drives our techniques. It is also the source of power, speed and elusiveness. We employ angular, circular, and lateral movements.

5)   Redirection

We primarily uses circular movements and redirection techniques instead of traditional blocks.

6)   Hand Strikes

The following hand techniques are in the curriculum: punches (jab, hook, uppercut, cross, reverse, straight, vertical, back fist, hammer fist), finger jabs; shuto (knife edge strike), palm heel strikes, scratching, slapping, coco and tiger mouth (throat) strikes.

7)   Knees and Elbows

We draw on Thai, Indonesian, Filipino and Japanese sources which utilize vertical, horizontal, circular and diagonal strikes.

8)   Kicks

Participants learn the six basic kicks: front, side, back, roundhouse, stomp, and instep kicks.

9)   Break falls

Students are expected to know how to fall safely in all directions without injury.

10)  Throwing

The majority of our throwing techniques are Judo like but we also draw on principles from Wrestling, Hapkido and other grappling arts. We concentrate on four basic leg throws and two hip throws at this level. Head/neck twist, hair pull, shoulder, and leg takedowns are included as are kuzushis (unbalancing techniques) and the principles of redirection and leverage.

11)  Ground fighting

Advanced techniques for fighting on the ground are taught. How to defend yourself from either the bottom or top position and how to move on the ground are examined.

12)  Escape Techniques

Quick escapes from chokes, locks, holds, and grabs are emphasized.

13)  Miscellaneous

The use of distraction techniques such as head butts, biting, thumb strikes, fish hooking, scratching and nerve center attacks are an integral part of our defensive strategy. How to deal with pain and injuries are also important elements that are covered.

14)  Weapons Training

Phase 1 involves learning the 12 basic Abecedario strikes for use with single stick and short knife, as well as the 16 basic yawara (6" round piece of wood) movements.

15)  Weapons Defense

Our weapon defenses are derived from Kali and Jiu-Jitsu. Students learn how to avoid serious injury from blunt and edged weapons while armed or unarmed.