The Filipino Martial Art of Kali is a very well rounded system with the boxing or empty hand component widely known as Filipino boxing or Panantukan. It is often referred to as ‘dirty boxing’ due to its use and inclusion of groin slaps, head butts, elbows and limb destructions that combine into an effective street fighting system. Knees are also added to the mix and often aimed at the lower limbs while in boxing range. Unlike other martial arts, panantukan has a more practical approach, focusing on self-defence and survival in real-life situations.
The development of panantukan can be traced back to the pre-colonial period in the Philippines, where tribal communities used various forms of hand-to-hand combat for self-defence and warfare. Over time, these techniques were blended with other martial arts, such as Kali, Eskrima, Arnis and Silat.
One of the main principles of panantukan is the use of angles and leverage to generate maximum power in strikes. It also emphasizes the importance of footwork and mobility, allowing practitioners to evade and counter-attack their opponent’s strikes. The grappling techniques in panantukan are designed to immobilize the opponent and render them unable to defend themselves, allowing the practitioner to follow up with strikes or take control of the situation.
Benefits of Panantukan:
1 – Development of Self-Defence Skills: Panantukan, an empty hand component of Kali is a highly effective for self-defence and teaches practitioners how to handle multiple types of attacks and defend themselves in real-life situations.
2 – Increases Physical Fitness: Panantukan like boxing training is physically demanding, which helps to improve overall fitness, increase strength, and develop agility and co-ordination.
3 – Boosts Confidence: By learning and training self-defence methods, practitioners of Kali and Panantukan gain a sense of confidence and empowerment, knowing they are able to handle potentially dangerous situations.
4 – Enhances Mental Focus and Awareness: Panantukan training requires practitioners to be aware of their surroundings, develop quick reflexes, and make split-second decisions, all of which enhance mental focus and awareness.
5 – Builds Character: As do most martial arts, Panantukan training emphasizes discipline, respect, and humility, which helps to build strong character and promote personal growth.
6 – Encourages Self-Discipline: The rigorous training regime of panantukan requires practitioners to maintain discipline and commitment, encouraging self-discipline and a strong work ethic.
7 – Develops Respect for Others: Panantukan training promotes respect for others and encourages practitioners to use their skills only for self-defence and not for aggressive purposes.
In conclusion, Panantukan is a highly effective and practical component of Kali and is a martial art that offers numerous benefits to practitioners. Whether you’re looking to improve your self-defence skills, increase your physical fitness, or build character, Panantukan is a great choice. So, if you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding training experience, consider learning Panantukan / Kali.
Panantukan Frequently Asked Questions:
1 Q – What is Panantukan and how does it differ from other martial arts?
A = Panantukan is the empty hand component of Kali and is a close-quarters combat style originating from the Philippines, emphasizing the use of hand strikes, elbow strikes, grappling techniques, and evasion tactics. It differs from other martial arts in its practical approach, focusing on self-defence and survival in real-life situations.
2 Q – How long does it take to become proficient in Panantukan?
A = The length of time it takes to become proficient in Panantukan depends on several factors, including the frequency and intensity of training, natural ability, and prior martial arts experience. It can take several months to several years to become proficient in Panantukan.
3 Q – Is Panantukan suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels?
A = Panantukan can be practiced by people of all ages and fitness levels, although it is physically demanding and may require modification for individuals with physical limitations.
4 Q – What are the physical demands of Panantukan training?
A = Panantukan training requires physical exertion and can be demanding, including exercises to improve strength, endurance, agility, and co-ordination.
5Q – What should I expect in my first Panantukan / Kali class?
A = A Kali / Panantukan class will typically start with a warm-up and stretching, followed by a review of basic techniques, such as hand strikes and footwork. The class will also include drills and exercises to improve specific skills, such as timing and reaction time.
6 Q – Is there any specific equipment or gear required for Panantukan training?
A = No specific equipment is required for Panantukan training on its own, although some schools may recommend lightweight gloves for hand protection during sparring sessions. For overall Kali classes, Sticks, knives and various other weaponry is required.
7 Q – Can Panantukan be used for self-defence in real-life situations?
A = Yes, Panantukan is designed for self-defense and survival in real-life situations, and the techniques taught in training can be applied in real-life self-defence scenarios.
8 Q – Is it necessary to have prior martial arts experience to learn Panantukan?
A = No prior martial arts experience is necessary to learn Panantukan, although prior experience in other martial arts may make the learning process easier.
9 Q – What is the importance of footwork and angles in Panantukan?
A = Footwork and angles play a crucial role in Panantukan, allowing practitioners to evade and counter-attack their opponent’s strikes. Proper footwork and angle positioning can also improve the power and effectiveness of strikes.
10 Q – Can Panantukan be practiced solo or is a partner required?
A = Both solo and partner training are important in Panantukan, with solo training focusing on drilling techniques and partner training allowing for practicing techniques in a live-action scenario. It is recommended to have a partner for sparring and live-action drills for maximum benefit.
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Certified Instructor: Gino Vallelonga
