Kali/Escrima

Kali is an ancient form of martial art of Indonesia and the Philippines.  Before Spanish colonization, the Philippine area was part of the old Indonesian empires.  It is traced back to the Sri Vishayan Empire in Sumatra in the 5th century with Hindu-Malayan influence by Arab missionaries.

One theory reveals that the name Kali come from Kalis, a bladed weapon; and the letter “s” was eventually dropped.  Another theory leads us to believe that Kali came from the names of the first syllable of Kamut (hand) and the first syllable of Lihok (movements).  The names of Escrima and Arnis came into existence during the Spanish colonization period.  Escrima came from the French word Eskrima, meaning to “fence” or “skirmish” and Arnis came from the Spanish word “Arnis de Mano” meaning to “Harness the Hands”.  Ancient Kali includes fighting techniques of empty hands, kicking, bladed weapons, hard sticks, rattan sticks, hard wooden weapons that are shaped like long side blades, lances and staffs, bows and arrows and explosive projectile weapons from guns to cannons.

Kali Classes at ANK are for anyone 12 and up.  

Kali/Escrima meets Tuesdays at 7:00 pm