Kali is a Filipino Martial Art and is also know as Escrima (also spelt Eskrima) or Arnis. Kali is a combat tested art which includes all ranges of combat. This highly efficient martial art is a weapons based martial art and extends all of its techniques to empty hand. It is devastatingly effective with its no-nonsense approach to dealing with an attacker that is armed or unarmed. Many times, the limbs of the opponent are targeted for destruction in a bid to render their ability to attack further limited or useless. This concept is known as ‘de-fanging the snake’ and has proven to be highly effective. Kali is highly regarded as a practical and effective martial art and is used by military and law enforcement agencies throughout the world today.

All ranges and combat are covered in this art including weaponry, striking, grappling and joint locking. Some of the weapons which are taught in this style include; single stick, double stick, stick and knife and staff. Bladed weapons such as sword and knife are also taught. Kali employs various self-perfection training drills which are extremely useful in developing attributes such as sensitivity, speed, timing, line familiarisation and target acquisition.

Combat Defence Systems teach predominately the Inosanto/Lacoste Kali method but also employ additional methods and systems to cover all ranges with various weapons combinations.

There are many styles of Silat which stem from the countries of Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. Combat Defence Systems teach mainly the Maphalindo style of Silat developed by Guro Dan Inosanto. This system represents the many styles that Guro Inosanto has trained in and builds on these foundations. With a no-nonsense, direct approach, it’s gaol is to intercept the opponent using destructions, breaks, takedowns and sweeps. It also employs devastating striking and grappling tactics using eye gauges, finger thrusts, head-butts, elbows, knees, chokes, wrenches and compressions to finish as quickly as possible. With the correct training and understanding, this art is a devastating street art for self-defence.

The arts of Kali & Silat in their application and concepts are extremely similar to ‘the intercepting way’ of JKD. So much so, that we have a combined Kali / Silat and Jeet Kune Do (JKD) class.