Filipino Martial Arts - More Than Fancy Baton Twirling

by Patrick D
(Melbourne, Australia)

Hi!

I have trained and continue to train in the Filipino Martial Arts (Kali) for approximately 8 years now. I also train in a variety of other martial arts over the 15 years. However, I have found the Filipino Martial Arts to be very effective and has assisted the development in my other martial artists training.

When I have been asked by a person what martial arts styles I have trained, I rarely encounter a person who has heard of the Filipino Martial Arts whether it is Kali, Arnis or Escrima (or many of different types of Filipino styles). Of the people who have heard of it (even some Filipino people) they say, "oh that stick twirling art". Some confuse it with the Shaolin monks kung fu, I find that funny.

I am disappointed when I meet people who have not been exposed or shown the true essence of the Filipino Martial Arts. Yes, there are fancy movements that are often seen in carenza (carenza is explained in the Martial Student website), however, there are many Filipino styles, concepts and techniques that are raw, reality based and self defensive.

When I have demonstrated some basic technique or concepts to a person I often see a persons eyes widen as not only is straight forward and simple but it is often very barbaric and effective.

The other misconception of the Filipino martial arts which I often get upset about is that people think it is only stick and knife orientated. This is incorrect. Comparing the Filipino martial arts to many other styles I would have to say that it has the most diverse assortment of weaponry and ranges of any fighting style or system. Yes, some weapons that are used in Filipino arts have been taken from other cultures or arts, however, the way the weapon or range is utilised is most impressive. An example of one weapon is the balisong or commonly known as the butterfly knife, the origins of the butterfly knife was not from the Phillipines, it orginated from France and European areas, however, the Filipino Martial Arts are the most proficient in its use.

A lot of people have said to me,"What good is the Filipino Martial Arts? You can't carry a sword, knife or stick with you on the street". This is the opportunity where I trap them up and take them out with eye gouge, head butt, knees and elbows...only joking!

I often explain the Filipino arts have shown me how to be one-up in a situation and to adapt and use what is at your disposal, for example, a rolled up newspaper or a pen can be used in the same manner of stick or knife, however in some cases you are limited in the way it is used but I rather have something at my disposal than not having anything at all.

I would have to say the most important thing the Filipino Martial Arts has given me is my attribute development and methods of training. The attributes and methods of training has turbo charged my other martial art learning areas in so many ways. I don't need to go into this as the Martial Student website has already explained some of the areas.

Sorry for the long rant but I give a lot of credit and passion to the Filipino Martial Arts as it not only improved me as a martial artist but it has improved my health, methods of training and exposed me to a plethora of knowledge and experience.

Thanks for taking the time to read my views.