How Practical is Kali for Combat and Self Defense? - Eskrima Arnis 

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I once met a kali practitioner in my muay thai gym. The thai fighters could cripple their opponents, but they couldn't touch him. I asked how he was able to dodge our deadly blows, he said "stivks move a lot faster than feet or fists". He was a very humble person. May he rest in peace.(crohnes disease). But an extraordinary fighter. I'll miss him.

Kali is not for fighting, it is actually for survival, and survival requires a different mind set than just fighting.

Technique is called "Defanging the Snake" from ancient filipino warriors. Arnis enthusiast here.

This concept makes so much sense to me bc that's how I survived a real knife fight. I was in a brief knife fight when I was 14 in Brazil. 12 year old street urchin came at me in my own house with a 8 inch kitchen knife. I grabbed the closest thing I thought I could use as a weapon. It happened to be a hand carved wooden broomstick made from rosewood. I grabbed it towards the broom head and struck the kid in the head with all my might. He crumpled to the crouched position with the knife still stretched out towards me. My second strike was to his wrist which made him drop the knife. I immediately ran up to him and grabbed him in a head lock from behind, as I was a little bigger than him, I was able to pick him up by a headlock and then walked him to the door and threw him down a flight of stairs. The whole fight lasted about 5-10 seconds. I am a purple belt in BJJ now and have been training BJJ and MMA for over 6 years and I keep a Bo Staff beside my front door and oak Kali Sticks in the front seat of my truck bc a stick saved my life once. Moral of the story: never underestimate a blunt weapon vs an edged weapon. You might just live to fight another day bc you had a stick on hand.

I think people aren't ready to face the truth of what violence really is.

I agree that you have to destroy the enemy's weapons first before they have the chance to attack you. It may sound really brutal for others, but that's the reality about a real fight. Get the chance to destroy them first before they destroy you.

I do krav maga and jujitsu and we are constantly looking at Kali/panantukan techniques to see how we can apply/ adapt them for our forms. Haters will always hate. Keep up the good work guys Kali is amazing.

Fencing is one of the most underrated arts. I would never want to get into a fight with a fencer if he had a stick.

One of the "coolest" aspect of kali is the transitional ability it gives to you... Even if you grab a weapon you normally don't train with (like sai or 2 handed swords) you still have patterns that works fairly well

My instructor told me the best self defense is to run as far as you can whenever possible, BUT when all hell breaks lose, you have to be prepared for close combat, and this is what we trained for. 👊

Totally agree! 30 years ago my teacher told me, "See hand - hit hand, see leg - hit leg." I recently started Kali. Great art! Very practical and universal.

“Take the hands out.” Probably the smartest thing I’ve heard in fighting; and it’s changed my perception for self-defense. Thanks!

I'm Filipino and that's a great interpretation of what Kali Escrima aims to do. People really aren't aware of violence, and I think it's awesome that you showed it in a way that raises awareness and caution. Keep it up please!

26 years ago I was teaching a Kenpo class and was introduced to Kali which expanded my mind and fighting ability. I found a golden glove boxer and a Kali expert, they taught me and I taught them, we all grew. These combined Martial arts saved my life three times on the streets of L.A. Being 72 years old my body moves slower but these arts are deeply ingrained in my blood as an old but lethal sheep dog so I can't help myself and that is the reason I am still beating my heavy bag every day. I can't get enough of your knowledge!!

"Have you ever been to a fencing class? .." cracked me up and so true. Beautiful video with some Kali "secrets", thank you.

I love how Paul just casually pulls out a real knife like it's nothing. I'm glad I decided to get the Kali and Double Stick dvds. Man is a terrific teacher.

this guy deserves a lot more subscriptions

I have been doing Filipino fighting arts for a long time and never thought about that . I got comfortable in what I was doing. Thanks for waking me up....😁

I want to thank for this, its great advice I want to Incorporate into my training. I'll be 70 this year and I have been adapting Kali moves to use with a cane. The cane is a lot heavier than the rattan stick, it's taken a lot of practice to get my arm strength up to make it flow quickly. I live in Spain and anytype of self defence device is illegal, but I can take my cane anywhere. Its pretty safe in this area but a crazy with a Knife could happen any where, thanks again Gerald

3:29 the way he pulled out his knife activated my fight or flight response

Paul, I have to respectively and strongly disagree with you amigo.. Kali is absolutely Offensive, Counter-Offensive, Recounter-Offensive with "DEFENSE" being the "other guy's problem". At least in Pekiti Tersia. ;) As I'm a former Corrections Lt and SORT (Special Operations Response Team) member trained in PPCTs (Pressure Point Control Tactics) for prison riot containment I'm not here to argue with anyone about whether Kali works or not; I'm still here, at least for a little while longer, and rarely share my opinion on the matter of altercations. 97% of those who train in martial arts will thankfully never be in any type of altercation and hopefully less than 1% of that 3% of practitioners will never have to be in an altercation that involves a blade. I've been sliced once and I tell you it's a very hollow feeling to see yourself open and I pray no one here reading this has to experience that. Having been involved with several major prison riots and crowd containment incidents, I can tell you that without having trained in Kali, its highly likely I would not be here today; with at least the somewhat good health I still have that allows me to continue to train. I have stood in riots, no less than a half a dozen times, wearing a helmet, hockey style pads for my shins/knees/forearms/elbows and wielding only a 28" baton (having a clear shield only twice), against multiple highly agitated aggressive people, with a history of violence, having improvised weapons (knives, locks in socks, rocks, etc...), who's sole intent was to cause me severe bodily harm and/or death. Kali played a major role in me being here and able to type this testimony and why I still train every day. I've heard those who don't think Kali works and I just smile at them and keep training.

That's how I trained when I went to the Philippines no fancy moves, no, just smash or chop the armed hand and then finish the opponent. No matter what weapons or empty-handed, the size and the fighting distance change, just have to adjust a bit but same concept, same angles just shorter or wider and straight to the point make sure to end the opponent as quick as possible and saving your ass. I'd love to go back to train there.

That's how my "Lolo" or grandfather taught me. Attack the weapon, let them bleed to the point of not being able to stand, attack the body (or run away after you remove your fingerprints from the scene).

I appreciate that you're targeting vital areas, besides simply hitting the face or midsection. Many people underestimate how devastating it could be to lose a hand or leg during a fight and how effective it is to destroy those areas. Good work sir👍

In my place here in Philippines somewhere in Mindanao, i saw my neighbours argues while holding those blades in the video.

I'm a history nerd and I love the fact that you mentioned how Spartan's trained to fight. Best analogy I've ever heard for Kali and it fits very well.

I live in Cotabato southern Philippines and kali here is our daily break activity.... mabuhay ang KALI , FMA

Hands, knees elbows, all joints in the body. Are week points for everything. Know matter how much muscle or fat you have the anatomy of the human body is most important. For the ones saying kali or what your teaching doesnt work. If u can't walk you can't fight. If u can't hold a weapon u can't fight. And just got to your improvised weapon part of video. Very well said. Much respect to Kali center.

Simplicity is key, well actually Training is paramount! Good explanation!

I agree with this. One of the of the main striking points in WEKAF competition is hand, wrist. Defanging the snake and all that.

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kali is sooooo underrated. most of the deadliest list of martial arts, kali is way far off the list. little did they know kali is so deadly because it's like nature, your mind is like water it transforms and evolve, soul is like fire, your body is like a rock, and your movement is like lightning. and whethear you fight or not you dance with the flow of the wind

filipino style fighting is something u need to learn, something that u can logically use in street fighting aside from boxing.. warriors by blood

I agree with you 100% Paul. I am currently training on the Kali beginners course. I love it

A lot of armchair experts get to SAY what works and what doesn't while I get to EXPERIENCE what does or doesn't. Kali WORKS for the violent streets of the Philippines. I absolutely love it. Makes me proud of my Filipino warrior heritage.

You gave us the hard facts. I will try to convince my mom to sign me up on your academy. I respect you and I don't even know you.

Very well thought out presentation. I was already interested in FMA. Your approach to training and your obvious experience will keep me coming back. Keep up the good work.

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I trained some with Doctor Alexander here in Colorado I still train every day and you are absolutely right, I've been exposed to lots of different martial arts, by far the most complete combat systems are the Philippine ,Malaysian styles like kali,arnis,silat by far the most effective. If you were to explain the concept of distance the idea that you can be safe out of range of your opponent's weapon yet be in a position to take him out of the fight ,folks may just see the genius of FMA

Pekiti Tirsia Kali at its finest. You are a good speaker and I can really feel in your words that you learned from Tuhon Tim Waid.

Thank you. Much love. We have the right to defend ourselves. Carry on.

Your principle of attacking their weapon is exactly correct. If attacked, you strike. The best defense is a quick, initial strike by closing the distance into the threat. The Fighting Mindset or Spirit is crucial to survival - thank you for highlighting this as well.

Thanks for the info Paul. We need to keep this in mind every time we train. Train smart, have fun😀

Great content! I train at Rockpile and the past month we have been going over knife fighting and started on Kali stick this week. I like how you talked about destructives...great stuff! You have to train physically, mentally and situation.

I think another reason to make this martial art more effective is to intensely train to do drills to improve your reaction time. Probably months of training it. And this another reason should also be applied to every martial art, the practitioners should be trained to take damage by strengthening the body and by sparring so that you can get use to getting hit in the face, body, and legs.

Very practical and very good. That's what we need for self defense. Direct and no bullshit

Paul, thanks for another one of your excellent and informative videos. As so many people on You Tube are instructing people in fake martial arts it is really wonderful to have you and The Kali Center. I really enjoy practicing Kali and how you are able to integrate the didactical teachings of Kali as you parallel those teachings with the clinical aspect thru " Drills / Hand to Hand Combat / Weapons Training " in a real time scenario of workouts that you instill in me. Paul, please keep them coming along.

I trained for a little while in Arnis and Mano Mano in Manila, Philippines. I enjoyed it thoroughly. The stick and knife work is what makes filipino martial arts stand out from other arts. I just like to know more of the empty hand techniques. Especially in a situation where you are out numbered. Maybe 5 guys on 1, and your the 1 trying to defend yourself.

AWESOME lesson makes so much sense...

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One of he best instructors on the platform! Keep up the good work!

I agree with you Paul . @kali center. A stick any size can be turned into another type of weapon. Just like florinteene. ( not spelled correct sorry.) In the midevil times squires wood use sticks to train with before being able to train with live steel.

Love this video ,James .Your old Kajukenbo practitioner here ,Also ball room dancer , love that too!

I watched this video about 50 Times. Brilliant.

😍😍😍 arnis Filipino martial arts.. my dad train me to fight Kali.. his in the army.. told me this is the most practical martial arts. 👍 Even US-marines studied in the Philippines to adapt the techniques..

My grandpa practice kali/arnis and telltale of story with his fights and that kali was never a sport, but skill used to kill.

Thanks for the lesson. Really makes me want to come join your classes. A little hard to get to Chicago from Australia for me at the moment tho 😋

I love that swagger, and appreciate the honesty in attitude, and resolve you have about your art. Aside from learning stuff, your content is fun to watch. Thank you.

First a few words to my Background: im an Andalucian knife Fighter since 30 years- the Martial Art Many people say IT dosent exist. Also im a black belt in taek wo do. Now to the point: im absolutely beginner in Kali. Why i trainKali? IT IS big fun, IT IS realy effektiv when IT comes to selfdefense. Thanks for your Videos, i began my Training when i found you. Greetings from Germany, Jo

I really like your NO-NONSENSE approach to teaching, fighting tactics, and strategy. Though I am not currently teaching, I am an instructor of Eskrima in California. My instructor had a NO-NONSENSE approach as well, so I really can appreciate what you are doing for the FMA. There is a tremendous amount of value you add to my style, in that, you know and practice techniques, drills, and exercises that I never learned. I am integrating a lot of what you teach in order to take what I know to another level, and I will say, my style is already very powerful and effective. So, I thank you for the distance learning method that you have developed -- it really helps me a lot to hone new skills and sharpen old skills.

Excellent video. I've trained many years in Kali and this video summarizes so well that I forwarded it to my new students to save me the speech, and you explain it very well. Very good teaching skills, sir.

Paul, I loved that video! You are on the money with what you were saying! I’m in Atlanta and a Krav BB, and love Kali, but never had a chance to learn it yet, I’m retired now and can’t get to Chicago. But one day when I can, I’d love to train with you! Thanks for being real! 👍❗️💪🤜💥

Thank u for sharing your knowledge. This is what I've been looking for in you tube. You are a great teacher

As a Filipino who never really learned about his culture, id love to learn Kali. I spent a few years in the Army, but we never learned self defense. I can use firearms just fine, but hand to hand I need training. Id love to attend one of those courses lol

Filipino kali is one of the best martial arts. I just started my own practical self defense channel sharing my techniques to filipinos I used in real street fights hand to hand combat defense experience. Using Karate, Taekwondo...

This is a martial arts video that actually helped,thanks man

that is FMA. it is all about attacking and completing the job, in the fastest and most efficient way

Wasnt Kali derived from war? Any weapon or fighting art derived war are gonna be brutal and effective

Thank you so much for this video, Paul. I love learning Kali so much. #Kali

It's good to see someone who really understands the importance of maintaining range. Defanging depends heavily on that understanding. Always strike from as far away as you can be, to whatever the closest target is, in the moment. Nicely done.

Hi Paul, I've been watching you online for a couple of years, even before you relocated to this current building you're using. I love your approach to fights and weapons. One of the more practical I've come across

Filipino masters will keep their secrets to the grave therefore train well with them

"it will keal" - Doug Marcaida

this is legit the best self defence video I think I've seen in ages

Thankyou very much your intro , both verbal and physical made perfect sense, very inspiring and comprehensive , I'm 73 , live in Pennsylvania and low income , but you make me want with all my heart to move to Chicago and join your studio, but alas I'm to old , to mobility limited with my artificial shoulders and other issues, but still it wouldn't take much to walk away from my life and hitch hike there. Everything you did and said made such sense, God I wish my bro Brian was still alive he would love it too, ( a natural fighter of top caliber). Something in you reminds me of him , keep on brother, and thankyou for that blessing of witnessing true art.

"Intension, is half the battle" Be well young man.

Kali is a dangerously lethal type of martial arts its only advisable to share to security forces like army unlike karate. Kali is traditionaly use to pursuit, attack or ambush enemy, self defense is not the main purpose of this martial art. Kali is performed using knife or bolo. Using stick is only adapted to make this sport acceptable in martial arts performances.

Im going to love your videos and hit the notification button

makes so much sense and logic - thanks for the eye opener !

Ah finally someone who shows the brutality of this style. That was basically how I learned with my master.

Well said. Kali is very practical in actual street fights. Be it empty-hand or with any kinds of weapons you have in your hands, Kali is a perfect system. Training is very important though to learn the proper timing and footwork. It's really easy to get out of balance during intense real fights especially when dealing with deadly weapons. Great videos. The fun of learning the art and the realities of fighting are very much demonstrated.

I love what you showed today & that is exactly the way I teach.

Super cool, you guys just make me smile. I'm looking to get into a good FMA studio in my city.

I love how the medieval European arts blend so well with it.

Man, I wish I could join u guys. Greetings from Costa Rica. By the way, there is a Prowes School down here. Do u think is a good starting point? They teach Escrima and Wing Chun. Keep uploading such great content, I really appreciate it.

Just found this channel, I’m looking forward to leaning some great kali movements.

Your explanations are excellent and your brakedown of moves are easy to follow. I am just starting to follow and study so I really appreciate your style of teaching. I work in a dangerous profession so this is a great addition to my other training. Much respect thank you sir.

Well said, Mabuhay ka. Greetings from the Philippines.

“Limb Destruction”, that was what originally got me into looking at Kali, however, past experience has shown me that the weapon really isn’t the problem. Doug Marcaida has a video on Funker Tactical where he demonstrates that even when he’s not looking, you can’t hit his hand. I’ve been attacked by people wielding knives, baseball bats even and the one thing that ends all of the shit is stopping the person. The problem with all this type of training is it’s always trained from the perspective of the duel. Two guys putting up their “dukes” trying to find out who the better “man” is. So in the realm of Kali your training to have this “duel” with weapons. In essence your training with the intent of playing games with your life. So from a real world perspective for why you would need the skills you are trying to develop from the position of the duel is because something happened previously that led to weapons being drawn. Because we only ever see the “duel” when the violence is agreed upon. I know, you believe that there is nothing “mutual” about what you do, but that is the position from which you train, that of “mutual combat”. Generally speaking that’s not real world self-defense. That’s deciding where you fall on the social ladder. You training Kali persistently talking about and demonstrating the use of weapons against unarmed opponents isn’t better in the context the “duel” it’s actually worse. It’s the scared cat displaying its claws, in the hopes of scaring off the other cat in its territory. Two guys facing off with weapons outside the context of war, is a duel to the death between two idiots. Violence, real violence is the Lion attacking the gazelle. It’s not about social standing, it’s not about who’s better. It’s about the gazelle has what the Lion wants and the Lion knows he has to kill the gazelle to get it. Real violence isn’t about dueling it’s about predator and prey, and the predator doesn’t go after other animals that it thinks can fight back, it goes after the weak and defenseless. The easy win. It’s all about time and place and opportunity. That’s why we see criminals preying upon the old and enfeebled, because they are an easy mark, even with a blade.

This is my favourite Kali video I've watched so far. If I get the opportunity to move to Chicago, I'm there.

Such a great lesson thought I'd watch again! Great teaching sir!

Hey, Paul, no matter how long you've mastered Kali, you won't still be able to block a 4'8" Filipino Mom with her flipflops!

I've always imagined Datu Lapu-Lapu charging at the Spaniards with that blade weapon at 1:30 . LMAO

I’m happy to realize it looks almost exactly how I learned to stick fight. Pretty cool drills, only seen a couple videos but already got some new things to try.

Good stuff. I've got scars that verify hand attacks. Kali works in real life...take my word for it.

muy bueno 👍😎

"Defanging the snake" Destroy the weapon Now i know the meaning of ARNIS thanks kali center

I think you hit it on point, Paul. I think Kali is a great. You are right, some people that are negative, are the ones who dont know jack about self defense. They just think they do. Watching videos is not learning self defense. Get up off that couch and go to a dojo and train. Thank you Paul Ingram, you are AWESOME, brother.

Best principal and logical thinking in martial arts I've come across.