Using Marital Arts To Improve Cardio Vascular Conditioning And Athletic Performance

Arnis, also known as Eskrima and Kali, is the national sport and martial art of the Philippines. The three are roughly interchangeable umbrella terms for the traditional martial arts of the Philippines (“Filipino Martial Arts,” or FMA) that emphasize weapon-based fighting with sticks, knives, bladed weapons and various improvised weapons. It is also known as Estoque (Spanishfor rapier), Estocada (Spanish for thrust or stab) and Garrote (Spanish for club). In Luzon they may go by the name of Arnis de Mano, Pananandata (use of weapons), Sinawali (Pampanga, “to weave”), Sitbatan & kalirongan (Pangasinan), Didya and Kabaroan (Ilocos region). In the Visayas and Mindanao, these martial arts have been referred to as eskrima, kali, kaliradman and pagaradman. Kuntaw and silat are separate martial arts that are also practiced in the Philippine islands.

Complementary Styles: Due to its functional style, it can be used to improve my ability in the following Martial Arts.

• Jeet Kune Do – As its ideology revolves around usefulness and flow of the martial arts therefore stick fighting is often seen in JKD, also the Kung Fu / Wing Chun basis would help the Kali practitioner easily flow and transition into the empty hand fighting if they loose their weapon.
• Dumog – The Filipino grappling / wrestling art which uses a great number of “throws” which work by locking up (usually part of the arm) and then using it like a tether to pull the center of gravity away from the feet causing the person to fall. These types of movements allow the practitioner to easily stay on their feet and throw their opponent with little effort.
• Silat – An Indonesian art which utilizes additional knee and elbow strikes along with some interesting take down maneuvers. With the Philippines being a bladed / weapon based culture, the Kali practitioner can easily appreciate the uniqueness of Silat weapons such as the Karambit (a small double edged, claw like knife) and the Sarong (a flexible sash similar to an infinity scarf).
• Boxing – Simple boxing footwork is beneficial in combination with Kali stick fighting footwork to better help the practitioner move around. For those who would like to have me as your Online Wellness Coach, check out the Products Page.

If you are interested, contact your local Arnis Eskrima Kali center to find out more.  I hope this helps you find new ways to improve your performance and wellness.  Take care.