Q1.What is Filipino Martial Arts?
The Filipino Martial Arts encompasses all aspect of combat, from weaponry to empty hand techniques. It integrates all principles of positioning and zoning (long, medium, close range). Students learn to use weaponry first, before learning unarmed defensive techniques. Whereas other systems of martial arts teach weaponry to senior students after have reached a higher level. The main benefits of learning weaponry first is that it trains the practitioner to in the various ranges of fighting, as well as increasing co-ordination, timing and rhythm.
Since the principles of weaponry and unarmed combat are the same, the techniques are interchangeable. Practitioners learn to relate to any situation using the same concepts of body angling, positioning, zoning, and flowing with the opponent. Timing, footwork and skill are employed rather than pure strength. The Filipino Martial Arts is a fluid, adaptable and practical method of self-defense, and is considered to be one of the most comprehensive martial arts systems known.

Q2. What is your system called?
Kali De Leon

Q3. What are the general characteristics of your system?
There are three predominant traits in our system. Laging Una, the 'tik-bang' and the 'ligaw'. As in other FMA systems we train and fully utilize the laging una concept when fighting long range. Once in the medium range, the strategy changes slightly depending on the timing of the oncoming strike. We still prefer to strike first within this range. However, if one needs to use the stick/sword as a shield first then we use the tik bang principle. The 'tik' being the shield or check and the 'bang' being the attack. In this situation there would never be time for the opponent to counter since the 'bang' is a half beat faster.
The third characteristic is the 'ligaw' or 'flow'. The objective of our training methods is to train the students to adapt instantly to any attack, whether it's two or more consecutive strikes from various angles. This also leads to fighting multiple attackers.

Q4. How does training proceed from novice to advance?
Basics. That's the most important. Basic strikes, angles, co-ordination exercises are instilled in beginners. Once they have grasped the basic concepts and can execute the drills and techniques properly, then they can move forward. As the student's progresses, then they learn drills and application. The thing to remember is that the purpose of the teacher is to guide the students. Learning has to be a continuum. It has to be progressive. So that in the end, the martial art they studied is a unified functional system not a series of disjointed drills and fancy exercises.

Q5. What type of grading procedure do you advocate?
Our grades are based on levels. Each level is designed to;
(i) teach the student certain aspects that each specific weapon has. The drills are there to bring the student to a higher level of understanding weaponry as well as empty hand applications
(ii) teach footwork with the various angles of offence and evasion
(iii) teach the student Filipino culture through language, history, etiquette and tradition. Hopefully, the student will learn the thought process of the Filipino people.
(iv) the last process is that of instructorship.

When the candidate fully understands technique, application, culture, etc. then they qualify as candidate. At this point, the balance is about 80% attitude, and 20% technique, ability and communication skills.

We try to cover as much elements as possible. This way, the execution of the necessary skills can be performed properly.

Q6. Do practicioners of the Filipino Martial Arts spar?
Yes, as long as it doesn't deviate from the true essence of the FMA. In our academy, beginners don't spar. The intermediate students do, but with full body protection. When the students have reached an advanced level, then sparring is done with minimal protection.

Q7. What drills, techniques, training regiments do you have in your system? Why do you think it is different from other systems?
Ultimately I think that all systems are good. The end result should be the same or very similar. The difference is how the system is perceived. Training methodology is important. We try to encourage all aspects of the training model: Physical (strength, power, flexibility and endurance), Technical and Psychological. Repetition is what you'll see in my classes. Repetition of various strikes, movement, footwork, technique etc. It's a workout both physically and mentally.We break down each skill and scenario and try to perfect the necessary elements to execute the most effective technique.

Q8. What is flow? What is the sayaw?
Flow is simply the ability for an arnisador to adapt immediately to any offensive attack, whether it's two or more consecutive strikes from various angles. The true test of any FMA practitioner is being able to deal with an array of multiple attacks.
Some people are more natural than others when it comes to flow. But the flow drills and exercises are there to increase the practitioner's action/reaction potential. The flow drills are not set. The trainer should be able to break out of one drill and enter into another. Meanwhile the trainee should be able to adapt and flow into whatever drill the trainer has chosen to do.

Sayaw literally means dance. If Icompare it to boxing. I would say that it's just like shadow boxing. It teaches the student to break away from any patterns or drills. I strongly feel it assists in the creative process of the martial arts.

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