Kali (Filipino Martial Arts) in Minneapolis

Kali (More Than Just a Martial Art)

Kali is primarily a weapons-based art that originated in the Philippines. The word itself—like Escrima and Arnis—is an umbrella term for all Filipino Martial Arts (FMA). A fast-paced and effective art, Kali is lot of fun. It even offers many restorative health benefits for both body and mind. Once you begin training, you’ll realize that Kali isn’t just a martial art—it’s a way of life!

What to Expect During Kali Class

During class you will practice with a variety of weapons, including rattan sticks, blunted training swords and daggers, long staffs, scarves, improvised weapons and more. You will learn various blocks, counter-strikes, disarms and a do lot of footwork—Kali is known for its footwork. It’s also known for its sophisticated reflex and flow drills, which are taught in a logical progression, allowing you to complete hundreds of repetitions quickly until you can respond to specific attacks instinctively.

Panantukan (Like Western Boxing and Then Some)

Panantukan (or Filipino Boxing) has long been one of MKG’s most popular classes both nationally and internationally. Sometimes called “dirty boxing” by combat athletes, Panantukan students learn to strike any part of the body from a variety of angles, using unexpected and ingenious defensive moves along the way. It’s an art unlike any other and a great workout too!

What to expect During Panantukan Class

As a striking art, Panantukan has been strongly influenced by Western boxing. During class you will develop all the offensive and defensive skills of a good boxer along with greater punching power, athleticism and hand speed. Building on this foundation, you will learn to strike with elbows, forearms, headbutts, knees and low kicks, flowing from one shot to the next with devastating economy. Although we train safely, you will quickly recognize the self-defense applications of this art.

You will also work off-balancing techniques, joint destructions, body manipulations and a lot of footwork—Kali is known for its footwork. Unlike most Western boxers, Panantukan students work in both leads, which not only creates more striking and off-balancing opportunities from different angles, it’s more practical— in self-defense situations you may not have a choice. And long term, it’s more beneficial physiologically. At MKG, we view martial arts as restorative, as something that should improve your overall health and fitness. The Boxing Elements of this program are easier to visualize, but here is a short example of some of the body manipulations and destructions in this art:

Kali Brain

Kali has demonstrated surprising neurological benefits. The use of rhythm and geometric movement patterns, in addition to the two-handed weaving motions—which promotes “cross-lateralization” between the right and left hemispheres of the brain—can improve concentration, creativity and even memory loss. According to studies at UCLA, it can reduce the effects of aging on the mind, help with cognitive disabilities and even aid in the recovery from traumatic brain injuries. Kali is an amazing art. Check out the video below for a more in depth look at Kali as a neurologically restorative art:

For those who also practice other martial arts, Kali & Panantukan will both accelerate your training through flow drills, martial play and repetition. You will see significant improvements in agility, hand speed and footwork. With regular training, you will also develop excellent timing, distancing, adaptability and environmental awareness. And although we mostly treat Kali as a recreational martial art at MKG, it’s a very effective self-defense tool.

A Little History

Our greatest influence at MKG is Guro Dan Inosanto. Being well connected in the Filipino-American community, he had the opportunity to train with many warrior legends such as John LaCoste, Antonio Illustrisimo, Leo Gaje, Floro Villabrille and many others, each sharing their unique, often well-guarded family systems. Through his physical talent and genius for perceiving and organizing what is essential to each system, Guro Inosanto has given us an incredible blended approach to FMA. Here’s the man himself giving some background on the art as well as demonstrating some of the movement behind it: