At the Bob Breen Academy we practise a Filipino martial arts system that we call Kali. Our preference for the term 'Kali' comes from our lineage to Guro Dan Inosanto. There are many systems of Filipino martial arts, each with their own names and terminologies. Partly this is because there are so many languages spoken in the Philippines, but also because there have been influences from other cultures, such as Spanish. At the end of the day each teacher and student choses the terms that make most sense to them, so don't get hung up on getting the names right. Just keep training and asking questions.
As an example, you might hear instructors using different terms that essentially mean the same thing. For instance, Kali can also sometimes be called Eskrima or Arnis. Yesterday in class when I was talking about how to grip the stick properly I talked about having about 10 cms (1 fist width) of stick below your grip, called a 'punio', we would probably call this a butt or possibly even a pommel in English. Similarly, I talked about hitting with the 'tip' of the stick (obviously an English word), but I could have called it the point or even the 'punto' (the last one being the Spanish word).
Another two phrases I've used in our lesson so far is 'Abierta' and 'Serrada' to refer to either an open or closed guard.
If you've enjoyed the Kali lessons that we've had it is only natural that you might look for further information on the internet. Be careful, always question the validity of any claims that you might see - there is no ultimate martial art style and very rarely just one correct answer. When it comes to martial arts the main question you need to ask is "can I make it work for me"?
Showing posts with label Kali. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kali. Show all posts
Sunday, 9 March 2008
Defanging the snake
Last week, I introduced the term 'defanging the snake'. If you remember, we talked about a venomous snake, attacking someone and delivering its poison with its fangs. The two most dangerous things about this type of snake are the venom and the fangs. However, if you remove the fangs from the snake it becomes harmless as it cannot bite you or deliver the poison. (We weren’t talking about constricting or spitting snakes!)
In a similar way, a fundamental principle from many systems of Kali is that of either removing our opponent’s weapon or injuring the hand (in which they hold the weapon) so that the attack cannot be continued – thereby defanging them. This has the advantage that we can carry this out at a long range and therefore not have to come too close and risk having to deal with our opponent’s other weapons – fists, elbows, headbutt, knees, kicks etc…
The most common methods that we will use in our stick training are to deliver hits to the hand or arm of our opponent that are holding a weapon. This is also sometimes known as a limb 'destruction' technique. Hitting their hand or arm will in most cases not permanently damage their bones, tendons, muscles, blood vessels, or nerves, but there is a chance that it might. In either case the injury means that the opponent cannot continue holding the weapon.
Other common methods of 'defanging' will include attacking vulnerable points of the hand and arm. In stickfighting these will typically be the thumb, the inside of the elbow, the armpit and the shoulder (sometimes know as ‘pressure point’ attacks). These require far more skill as they have to be delivered with speed, accuracy, and force, in exactly the right spot. They will typically cause the opponent's weapon to be lost, but usually have less potential for permanent damage to be done. You might for instance hear one of us talking about using a 'gunting' attack to the inside of someone’s arm (more about that another time).
Although not generally considered 'defanging' techniques, I also consider disarms and locks to fall within the same general category, as they allow you to remove the immediate threat of a weapon, without necessarily causing permanent injury.
These techniques exist is many martial arts, so we aren’t claiming this to be something unique, but the imagery of 'defanging a snake' helps us to remember that we do not always have to do more than remove the immediate threat from a self-defence situation before we can make our escape, unharmed.
By complete contract 'snake charming' is not a recommended martial arts or self-defence technique.
IMPORTANT NOTE: All of these techniques rely on causing pain or injury to a person to some degree. You therefore have to be very careful when practising with your training partner. Remember, we always train with our partner, not against them, and we always look after them!
In a similar way, a fundamental principle from many systems of Kali is that of either removing our opponent’s weapon or injuring the hand (in which they hold the weapon) so that the attack cannot be continued – thereby defanging them. This has the advantage that we can carry this out at a long range and therefore not have to come too close and risk having to deal with our opponent’s other weapons – fists, elbows, headbutt, knees, kicks etc…
The most common methods that we will use in our stick training are to deliver hits to the hand or arm of our opponent that are holding a weapon. This is also sometimes known as a limb 'destruction' technique. Hitting their hand or arm will in most cases not permanently damage their bones, tendons, muscles, blood vessels, or nerves, but there is a chance that it might. In either case the injury means that the opponent cannot continue holding the weapon.
Other common methods of 'defanging' will include attacking vulnerable points of the hand and arm. In stickfighting these will typically be the thumb, the inside of the elbow, the armpit and the shoulder (sometimes know as ‘pressure point’ attacks). These require far more skill as they have to be delivered with speed, accuracy, and force, in exactly the right spot. They will typically cause the opponent's weapon to be lost, but usually have less potential for permanent damage to be done. You might for instance hear one of us talking about using a 'gunting' attack to the inside of someone’s arm (more about that another time).
Although not generally considered 'defanging' techniques, I also consider disarms and locks to fall within the same general category, as they allow you to remove the immediate threat of a weapon, without necessarily causing permanent injury.
These techniques exist is many martial arts, so we aren’t claiming this to be something unique, but the imagery of 'defanging a snake' helps us to remember that we do not always have to do more than remove the immediate threat from a self-defence situation before we can make our escape, unharmed.
By complete contract 'snake charming' is not a recommended martial arts or self-defence technique.
IMPORTANT NOTE: All of these techniques rely on causing pain or injury to a person to some degree. You therefore have to be very careful when practising with your training partner. Remember, we always train with our partner, not against them, and we always look after them!
Thursday, 6 March 2008
5 count C
Continuing our basic striking patterns from Kali stickfighting, we now move on to the third in the series of 5 count striking patterns.
The previous two 5 count patterns, A and B, concentrate on diagonal and horizontal strikes to the head, shoulders, chest and stomach level. Pattern C takes us to a lower level by adding strikes to our opponent's knee level.
Striking opponents at various heights is a fundamental principle of JKD and Kali. Basically you need to keep them guessing as to where the next hit is going to come. This is true whether we are punching, kicking, or hitting with a stick (or other weapon). In JKD we mix it up with High-Low-High, High-High-Low, Low-High-Low... you get the idea! Make them think you are going high then hit them low, draw their defences with a fake, then bam (or "bosh", as Bob would say), hit them where they aren't expecting it.
5 count C
(Continuing from the open guard, Abierta, position)
#1 - High forehand diagonal to shoulder (cuts diagonally right to left, ending at hip)
#2 - Drop your entire body low, guard your head, then low backhand diagonal to knee
#3 - Still down low, forehand diagonal strike to knee
#4 - Raise up to standing, backhand diagonal strike to shoulder (cuts left to right, ending at hip)
#5 - Forehand thrust to opponent's solar plexus
Remember, strikes 1 to 4 in this pattern are Lobtik strikes, they cut through the entire body, rather than bouncing back to where they started like a Witik. For revision, also remember the 'fan' strike that we practiced - the Abaniko.
Between lesson practice the striking patterns with whatever you can at home (without breaking the lights or you Mum's favourite vase). Use your extended fingers, a pen or pencil, a folding umbrella, a spatula... it's not really important what you use, but it is important that you practice a lot and build the muscle memory.
If you aren't sure of anything remember to ask one of your instructors! Good students ask questions, it's the best way of learning!
The previous two 5 count patterns, A and B, concentrate on diagonal and horizontal strikes to the head, shoulders, chest and stomach level. Pattern C takes us to a lower level by adding strikes to our opponent's knee level.
Striking opponents at various heights is a fundamental principle of JKD and Kali. Basically you need to keep them guessing as to where the next hit is going to come. This is true whether we are punching, kicking, or hitting with a stick (or other weapon). In JKD we mix it up with High-Low-High, High-High-Low, Low-High-Low... you get the idea! Make them think you are going high then hit them low, draw their defences with a fake, then bam (or "bosh", as Bob would say), hit them where they aren't expecting it.
5 count C
(Continuing from the open guard, Abierta, position)
#1 - High forehand diagonal to shoulder (cuts diagonally right to left, ending at hip)
#2 - Drop your entire body low, guard your head, then low backhand diagonal to knee
#3 - Still down low, forehand diagonal strike to knee
#4 - Raise up to standing, backhand diagonal strike to shoulder (cuts left to right, ending at hip)
#5 - Forehand thrust to opponent's solar plexus
Remember, strikes 1 to 4 in this pattern are Lobtik strikes, they cut through the entire body, rather than bouncing back to where they started like a Witik. For revision, also remember the 'fan' strike that we practiced - the Abaniko.
Between lesson practice the striking patterns with whatever you can at home (without breaking the lights or you Mum's favourite vase). Use your extended fingers, a pen or pencil, a folding umbrella, a spatula... it's not really important what you use, but it is important that you practice a lot and build the muscle memory.
If you aren't sure of anything remember to ask one of your instructors! Good students ask questions, it's the best way of learning!
Tuesday, 4 March 2008
5 count B
5 count B uses the same strikes introduced in 5 count A but in a different order. This might be useful when you find you hand in a different position, as it might not be possible to recover position to use the previous count. Alternatively you might use it so as to be more unpredicatable in you strike patterns.
5 count B
(Assumes right stance, for left stance swap the directions)
#1 - Forehand diagonal strike (right shoulder to left hip)
#2 - Backhand horizontal strike (left hip to right hip)
#3 - Forehand horizontal strike (right hip to left hip)
#4 - Backhand diagonal strike (left shoulder to right hip)
#5 - Forehand straight thrust to midsection
5 count B
(Assumes right stance, for left stance swap the directions)
#1 - Forehand diagonal strike (right shoulder to left hip)
#2 - Backhand horizontal strike (left hip to right hip)
#3 - Forehand horizontal strike (right hip to left hip)
#4 - Backhand diagonal strike (left shoulder to right hip)
#5 - Forehand straight thrust to midsection
5 count A
- Using triangular footwork on the X pattern (introduced in basic empty hands lessons in 2007). Stepping forward right, forward left, backward right, backward left to introduce both left and right leads from various postions and encourage bilaterality.
- 5 count A (Basic Inosanto count)
#1 - Right diagonal lobtik
#2 - Backhand diagonal lobtik
#3 - Right horizontal lobtik
#4 - Backhand horizontal lobtik
#5 - Right straight / thrust
- Relate to empty hands - R overhand, L overhand, R hook, L hook, straight R.
- Introduce terms for different strike types: 'Lobtik', 'Witik' and 'Abaniko'.
- 5 count A (Basic Inosanto count)
#1 - Right diagonal lobtik
#2 - Backhand diagonal lobtik
#3 - Right horizontal lobtik
#4 - Backhand horizontal lobtik
#5 - Right straight / thrust
- Relate to empty hands - R overhand, L overhand, R hook, L hook, straight R.
- Introduce terms for different strike types: 'Lobtik', 'Witik' and 'Abaniko'.
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