Kali Fipilino or Kalis, known for its methodical approach to weapon combat, uses a variety of tools that are essential to its practice. Next, we will explore the main weapons of Kali or Filipino eskrima and their importance in training and in particular self-defense.
The staff is the most emblematic weapon of the Filipino Kali.
It generally measures between 26 and 36 inches and is made of wood, although materials such as rattan can also be used. Staff training not only improves striking skills, but also teaches the use of distance and timing, fundamental skills in combat.
The combat stick was an important instrument during the Middle Ages, especially as a preparation for hand-to-hand combat. A sample of this legacy can be found in different variations of weapons, such as in Spain, where the use of the club or the sword was used. baton, also in Japan, where the use of the Tambō was used as a police weapon.
Dagger (Bolo o Kris)
Daggers, like the bolo and kris, are short weapons used in close combat situations:
The bolo, a broad-bladed knife, is popular in the Philippines and is used for both defense and everyday tasks.
The kris, with its wavy blade, is not only a combat tool, but also a cultural symbol. Handling these weapons helps practitioners develop precision and control in their movements.
The main difference between daggers and knives is mainly identified in their design and maneuverability in combat, the daggers in their effect are provided with more pointed double-edged blades and more elaborate decorative finishes, just as it would be a sword.
Knife (Puni o Panga)
The knife is another common weapon in Kali. Its use in training allows practitioners to become familiar with stabbing and disarming techniques.
Knife handling also teaches the importance of distance and positioning, as well as fostering an active defense mentality.
Although Filipino Kali is not primarily noted for elegance or beauty of movements, the exercises and techniques of this martial art focus on the crude handling of life-or-death combat situations, where decisive and devastating movements are prioritized.
Saber (Gatcruz)
The saber is less common than other weapons, but is used in some Kali schools. Its curved shape and length allow for wide cuts and effective disarming techniques.
Training with the saber helps practitioners improve their fluidity and adaptation in combat situations.
The swords of medieval Spanish times, such as the “rapiera” and the “espada rapera”, shared a design with long, straight or slightly curved blades, which were used for both cuts and thrusts. The Philippine saber also reflects this duality of function: cuts and thrusts.
Improvised Weapons
One of the philosophies of Kali is that any object can become a weapon. During training, practitioners are encouraged to use everyday objects, such as umbrellas or chairs, to simulate self-defense situations.
This encourages creativity and adaptability, crucial skills in real combat situations, situations of which can happen unexpectedly and without being armed.
The weapons of the Filipino Kali are more than just combat tools; They are vehicles for learning and personal development. Each weapon offers a new perspective and skills that practitioners can apply both in academia and in daily life.
If you are interested in learning more about these weapons and how to handle them, we invite you to our Kalis classes in Barcelona!
