Clare Din | Aikido

Kali is a traditional Filipino martial art that focuses on weapons-based fighting, especially sticks, knives, and bladed weapons. Also known as Eskrima or Arnis, Kali emphasizes:

Fluid striking patterns
Footwork and angles
Disarms and counterattacks
Transition between weapons and empty-hand techniques

Unlike many martial arts that start empty-handed, Kali often begins with weapons training first, teaching timing, distance, and coordination that transfer directly to hand-to-hand combat. It is practical, fast, and adaptable, and has influenced modern self-defense systems and military training around the world.

Rankings Earned
White Stripe Level 0	Yellow Stripe Level 1	Orange Stripe Level 2	Green Stripe Level 3	Blue Stripe Level 4	Brown Stripe Level 5	Black Stripe Level 6
January 13, 2026	pending

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kali?
Kali is the national martial art of the Philippines, focusing on weapons-based fighting, including rattan sticks, knives, and bladed weapons, alongside empty-hand techniques. It is a highly practical, fluid system known for speed, coordination, and adaptability, often used in close-quarters combat and self-defense scenarios. Dan Inosanto popularized Kali in Bruce Lee's Game of Death.

Which version of Kali are your practicing?
I am training in Adam Gerrald's Eight Angle Kali, a system based on Sayoc, Atienza, and Pekiti Tersia Kali.

What is Yakan and Lakan?
Yakan is a beginner rank and signifies "student." Lakan is an intermediate/advanced rank, starts at Level 4, and is the first step towards being an instructor. Once Black Stripe is achieved, you become a Guro, or certified instructor. In other martial arts, this is a Sensei.