Kali, the Filipino weapons form is largely recognized by the public as stick fighting. This system emerged from a full-fledged blade weapons system after Spanish colonists of the Philippines outlawed native ownership of swords. To carry on their traditions and sidestep the laws of the settlers, the native populations of the islands replaced their swords with sticks and the modern interpretations of this ancient fighting system evolved from there. Unlike most systems of martial arts, which are largely empty-hand systems that progress to weapons forms, students of Kali, also known as Escrima, begin with weapons forms and find their way their to Kali’s empty hand forms.
The most basic and common weapons of Kali are a pair of rattan sticks used in intricate systems of striking, blocking, parrying and disarmament. Also taught are the many bladed weapons of Kali. However, in the system of Kali, the weapon is merely an extension of the body and the principles of this system can be applied to any weapon, be it traditional or improvised.
The system of Kali taught at the Guy Chase Academy is handed down from the legendary Villabrille/Largusa system. Flora Villabrille, one of the system’s founder (along with Ben Largusa) was best known in The Philippines as the undefeated champion of over 100 death match duels.
