The Art of Eskrima /Arnis/ Kali
Never heard of it? Let’s get into it!
"Observe Bruce Lee's use of Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) in this film clip. Interestingly, many fight scenes, particularly those involving weapons, are heavily influenced by Filipino fighting techniques. I've included several examples towards the end of the page for further reference."
Do you realize that Self Defense and fighting are two different dynamics? Basically when your self defense fails then the situation turns into a fight.
You will only do what you are trained to do if someone tries to violate you. What are you trained to do if someone attacks you? If someone pulls a gun and threatens your life, what are you going to do? This is real talk people, I’ve been there.
In the event of an attack or threat the directive is to prioritize safety and defuse the situation. FMA training instructs you to assess the threat level and respond accordingly, utilizing any available weapon to protect yourself. It's crucial to keep a calm and calculated demeanor, utilizing training protocols to navigate through potentially dangerous scenarios. Read my story below about an attack my daughter and I endured a few years ago.
You start training with a weapon your first day of class and then work up to training empty handed. It seems backwards but if you think about how fast your hands become as you’ve trained with weighted sticks or swords/knives.
Brazilian jujitsu is a must train in ground strategy. I’ve incorporated this into my training plan over the past several years. It just makes sense to be very familiar with what to do if you end up on your back without a weapon, you need to know how to break free.
Hello! I’m a Crystal Blake
Over a decade ago, my journey into Filipino martial arts commenced at the East Village Mixed Martial Arts Institute under the guidance of world champion Grandmaster Doug Pierre. He developed a system that I now teach, it centers around a 12 striking system. FMA unquestionably equips women, girls, and those with physical challenges with superior effective self-defense/self offense techniques.
Unlike traditional martial systems, mastery doesn't demand years of training; FMA immediately introduces weapon handling. As crime rates surge, imparting self-protection skills is paramount. The training takes 12 lessons to really delve into the techniques. Taking just one class will empower you though. Filipino Martial Arts stimulates both brain hemispheres and offers an aerobic workout as well as full body strength conditioning. Proficiency includes powerful strikes, open hand maneuvers, kicks, footwork, stances, and twelve cane/stick attack methods, fostering confidence and control in various situations.
The video below shows my teacher Doug Pierre implementing FMA techniques!
You won’t find this art taught in most dojos because it is dangerous and widely used by military forces it’s somewhat underground.
I connected some video footage toward the end of the page just to show you how the art is practiced. It’s very beautiful to watch.
Are you now ready to unlock your empowerment after your very first class! Grand Master Doug Pierre's adage holds true: "After the first class, you can kick ass." Here’s a story, one beautiful sunny day, I faced a challenge when a man charged at me. Maintaining my composure, I protected both myself and my daughter. Using the V formation technique I had learned. Positioning and grounding my body with my cellphone in my non-dominant hand, I executed a swift move, deflecting his punch by hitting his hand. The surprise of that move momentarily stunned him. Building on that moment, I followed up with a precise strike right between his eyes using the butt of my cellphone. His retreat was swift, and he even wished me a pleasant day. My daughter, then 11, was amazed and asked how I stayed so collected. I learned that what I practiced so many times in class actually worked on the street. Hit the hand then the man and immediately continue striking until you can get safe. After this I fully embraced Filipino martial arts. I felt the calling to teach this valuable art to girls, women, and individuals facing limitations.
Filipino Martial Arts-Self Defense System Consists of 12 striking methods which are then combined in a fluid unpredictable manner, for quick, Sneaky and simple application.
The stick translates to empty hand methods as well as anything you can grab. My favorites are a cell phone, rolled up magazine, an umbrella, cane, even a hair brush!
Here’s some history.
Among the most popular forms of Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) is Eskrima, also known as Kali or Arnis. The three names are roughly interchangeable umbrella terms for the traditional martial arts of the Philippines. Eskrima is characterized by the use of weapons like sticks, knives, and various improvised arms. The origin of this martial arts discipline is heavily intertwined with Philippine history and the different cultures of various tribes.
Among the three terms, Kali is the oldest. It originated from the southern part of the Philippines where the locals speak the native dialect, Cebuano. The name itself comes from this language. “Ka” stands for kamot which means “hand,” and “Li” stands for lihok, which means “movement.” When joined together, Kali can be translated to mean “movement of the hand.” A Kali practitioner is known as a Kallista.
Eskrima originated from the central part of the Philippines. The name comes from a Spanish term “esgrima,” which means “fencing.” – This is because Eskrima involved the use of sticks as weapons.
Spaniards encountered local Filipino martial arts during the colonial period (1521-1898). In the early years, Eskrima was well regarded by the Spaniards, but by 1596, it was banned as it was thought to be too dangerous. By 1764, the practice was entirely forbidden.
The Spanish attempted to destroy the Philippine culture by burning books and banning the use of the native alphabet, Baybayin. However, Filipinos found a way to keep their culture alive by incorporating Kali movements into the religious Moro-Moro dances and weaving Baybayin into artistic needlework.
The third form, Arnis, came about because of this attempt to keep Filipino culture alive. The Spaniards were impressed by the Kali-infused dances and skillful movement of the hands. They then named it “arnes” after their hand protection. Over time, the word evolved into “Arnis.”
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