05/12/2020
“The most advanced weapons system I have ever seen,” is how Ron Balick describes the Filipino Martial Art commonly known as Kali, Arnis or Escrima. According to many masters of Filipino Martial Arts these three names are interchangeable and describe the same weapons based systems. Because the other two names have a Spanish influence, for simplicity sake I will refer to the systems as kali which is not a Spanish influenced name.
The name “kali” is said to come from the word kalis, which means sword. “Kali” broken down is also believed to be taken from the Bisayan words “kamot” for hand and “lihok” for movement or motion. Combined the word kali then means hand motion or hand movement.
Unlike many other martial arts, kali is based on weapons systems. Originally, the tools for kali would be two bladed weapons, but for training, safety and convenience sticks generally replace swords, knives and axes.
In my first attempt to find the origins of kali, I have discovered that no one really knows. Like our languages in the Philippines, Filipino Martial Arts have been developed for about as long and even though many styles are openly taught, there are others that are very exclusive. What we see today are techniques that have been developed since we have had a need to defend ourselves.
Kali is so effective that it is a system of choice for advanced training of military special forces and law enforcement around the world. More than likely you have seen kali in the many fight scenes of Hollywood movies.
Above Sara Ann Phoebe Valiente portrays Inaginid the Visayan Goddess of War and Poison. Photo by Archie Abong. Produced by the Campo Santo Design Studio.”
Photo and words by .sky
