kali as a method of self defense?

Answer 1

Most people think the FMA are stick fighting arts only. This is a common misconception because the rattan sticks are one of the primary tools used in training. They do use the sticks for combat, but that is not all there is to the arts. The FMA are equally based in weapon skills and empty hand skills
(such as kicking, punching, trapping, and grappling). The FMA cover all the fighting ranges, defending against armed and unarmed attacks with whatever is available. What is available maybe the rattan sticks or it could be other types of weapons or just the fighter's empty hand skills. The FMA
teach the interrelationship between empty hand skills and weapons. Therefore the FMA should be considered a complete martial arts system that develops many different types of skills for combat, not just simply a stick fighting art.

Keep in mind that there are also other FMA that do not involve the use of stick fighting as a training method. Dumog, Sikaran, and Panantukan are examples of FMA that are based on empty hand skills only.

Answer 2

Well, I guess you can consider it as a method of self defense, though from personal experience, it's more of a method of aggression since most of the techniques are fatal and designed to maim or kill. Most of Kali attacks are taught with a bladed weapon in mind and we only use rattan sticks during practice to avoid injuries(a classmate once got his wrist slashed while practicing with a live blade) and basically treat the rattan stick the way a bokken or shinai is used in Japanese Kendo, only as a training tool used in training but not outside. I'm talking about Kali and not Arnis or Eskrima of course, as those two emphasize the use of rattan sticks more. I've studied under Maestro Nene Tortal and I've always gotten the feeling that if i ever use any of the things he taught, i'd end up in jail, which is why I prefer to use my Aikido training more in altercations and will probably only use Kali as a last resort (although having to carry a 13 inch Kalis or a jungle knife strapped to your back under your jacket like I used to when i was still in my youth and stupidly brash, will definitely not be considered as self defense by any cop) Still, i'd have to say the best and easiest to learn proven self defense is the hundred meter dash.

Answer 3

There are currently three types of Kali. One is an exhibition style which has largely non-functional movements. A second type is called sports kali but it has limitations which prevent a champion from being a true street fighter. Combat kali is the type that allows its practitioners to defend themselves.
An advantage of Kali is the seamless integration of its techniques. From using a dagger to a forty-inch pole to bare hands, the Kali practitioner employs the same movements with only minor modifications. In other martial arts, the techniques vary so widely from weapon to weapon, and from weapon to bare hands that one gets the impression of an arbitrary collection of several styles under one system. In contrast, the Kali practitioner can pick up any weapon at hand and use it effectively even though it may be the first time he has handled the weapon, because of the tight coupling of his techniques. But Kali is more than fighting. It is the education in motion.

Answer 4

Good question. It is a great form of martial art. Self-Defense? I guess that depends on your teacher. It's hard, very hard to find a reputable teacher for Kali. Applying it as a self-defense "style". . .that is primarily up to the "user" of the art. There are great things you can learn from Kali to help you in defending yourself. I cannot say 100% of it is useable. . .as with any other "style".

Answer 5

It's very good, but only if the instructor can show you how a technique using a blade or stick can transfer to empty hands.