Learn effective self defense!

Martial Arts: Kali (Escrima)

Kali, Escrima and Arnis are all essentially the same martial art, all originating from different areas of the Philippines. All of these utilise weapons such as sticks, knives, and swords. The typical Kali/Escrima weapon is the Escrima sticks. Techniques without weapons also taught include kicking, striking and grappling.

Kali EscrimaKali was originally used as a method of fighting off the invading Spanish. Kali is now widely practiced both in the Philippines and abroad.

Origin of Kali: Philippines

Popularised by: Dan Inosanto, Escrima Master and friend and student of Bruce Lee


Dan Inosanto Kali, Escrima

29 Responses to “Kali”

  1. Damon Says:

    I have to say the trianguler stepping patterns are a valuable techniques to remember when training with ones self or sparring.

  2. Cali Says:

    Hey, that martial art is named after me.

  3. sadpuppy Says:

    Martial Arts - Arnis/Eskrima/Kali Classes Looking for a an effective form of self defense that has an eye on the streets? Want to learn a system th […] more

  4. Gabriel Says:

    KALI TRES ESTRELLAS was founded in Madrid by Master Villanueva in 1994. Is a synthesis of Felipe Mercado´s JKD-Kali with Rapid Arnis, and Larga Ma […] more

  5. Joseph Douglas Says:

    Kali, Escrima, and Arnis are the same thing? Well many teachers today tend to say that and the terms are often interchanged. However, I’ve train […] more

  6. Mohandas.v.v Says:

    good i an Indian , would like to learn kali

  7. anonymous Says:

    Attention all Martial Artists! Do not forget the discipline of being a MA. Always* be respectful of other martial arts even if you personally do not l […] more

  8. cameron Says:

    arent butterfly knives/balisongs/bagantas used in kali?

  9. Danny Guba Doce Pares Says:

    Classes in Chatham, Kent and Shepherds Bush, London. Please see website www.dgdocepares.co.uk for further details. Thank you, Danny Guba Doce Pare […] more

  10. "Swede" Says:

    I learned a partial amount of Kali from a platoon mate in the Marines. I’ve developed what I learned and have to say it has integrated itself in to my […] more

  11. artful dodger Says:

    Does any one know where I could get a copy of the 64 patterns of kali?

  12. chris Says:

    I am interested where I can begin to learn this art for self defense

  13. mike Says:

    could anyone give me any information on this martial art or where you can learn it in southwest england

  14. glad Says:

    im really glad that the kali part of the board isnt people fighting and trash-talking other martial arts i love this art and im happy that other peopl […] more

  15. Nicholas Peters Says:

    Hi, my name is Nicholas Peters. I live in New York City. I would like to know if you know any New York locations that teach Kali styled martial arts? […] more

  16. Benny Says:

    I’ve seen escrima stick fights before, and those are really intense. Kali seems less ceremonial and more realistic. Now, some of the concepts are ki […] more

  17. glad Says:

    uh yea its not too far off, I mean how im taught, the movements from empty hand to knife to stick are similar to each other. im assuming that was mean […] more

  18. The Pelican Says:

    What Martial Arts do Bourne usa in the Bourne Identity?

  19. Charlie Says:

    Hi, I live in the St. Louis area and I was wondering if there were any instructors in my area that specialize in Kali/Escrima. I am a big fan of the […] more

  20. i think Says:

    I think he uses Jkd im not positive though.

  21. Roderic Says:

    Hello all, I am a military academy student and I am very interested in Kali. I wish only to attempt to expand my knowledge on self defense and self aw […] more

  22. Rory Says:

    Hello all, I am a military academy student and I am very interested in Kali. I wish only to attempt to expand my knowledge on self defense and self aw […] more

  23. Rory Says:

    Hello all, I am a military academy student and I am very interested in Kali. I wish only to attempt to expand my knowledge on self defense and self aw […] more

  24. David Says:

    I would like to know the best way of obtaining this art in the Portland, OR area. To answer Pelican’s question on Nov 8 2007, Bourne’s art was Kali, […] more

  25. Ric Pompey Says:

    I’m interested in learning Kali Martial Arts. Are there any classes being given in the Catonsville/ Baltimore Maryland area?

  26. cgn Ted Says:

    For Escrima in PDX, check with West Coast Martial Arts (Dan Haney) in Hillsboro, Or. (503)642-1500

  27. Reymar Says:

    I was born in Cebu City, Philippines and started to learn La Punti Abaniko kali Arnis when I was still a kid and still doing self practice. Kali is ka […] more

  28. tim Says:

    charlie, check out apex training center in st. louis. http://www.apextrainingcenter.com/

  29. Jonathan Smith Says:

    Pankration is the Greek form of martial art. It is said to be the first true mixed martial art. It imposes strikes, takedowns, joint locks, and submis […] more

Contribute!

If you are an exponent of Kali (or should we have by accident or ignorance omitted your martial arts style elsewhere on this site), we invite you to send us a little paragraph or two that highlight certain aspects of Kali, including history, current grand-masters, special features or techniques, strengths and weaknesses, and similarities and differences to related martial arts. Please contribute by using the form below.