When we talk about self defense there are many considerations, sayings and opinions. This post is not really addressing all that except what considerations to deal with in the Kali Sikaran training program.
First of all is rule number one "don't get hit" by positioning and getting out of the line of power. Preferably by good awareness, footwork and maybe some blocking empty handed or with an object. Doesn't have to be a stick, could be a bag or some kind of everyday object.
Secondly you want to be really good in managing the three different ranges. That means that you want to respond properly according to the range and the circumstances.
In self defense we are always number two since the one that begins are the attacker. And yes, sometimes the safest strategy is to start first but now we might save that topic for another post.
Another consideration is also that the defender most likely will be smaller and weaker since most scumbags are cowards. They are looking for easy targets with least resistance. That's why it's so important to be able to use any kind of object to equalize the odds. That could be your cellphone, bag or a chair. Whatever object that gives you more reach, striking power or cover.
In this video we share some examples of exercises in different ranges with an umbrella.
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Updated: Jun 13, 2022
The length of a Kali Stick (Eskrima and Arnis as well) is depending on many factors. There are some standards out there (about 26") that you will see when shopping in stores or at webshops.
More important than the actual length on the Kali Stick is that you understand the different ranges and how they can be dominated or mastered. When working or practising with a "regular" kali, arnis or escrima stick they are normally divided and later on merged into three different distances. Long range (Largo Mano), Medium range (Medio) and Short range (close quarter).
In this video we'll share some of the different aspect of these ranges.
The main objective here is to manage and be able to use the right measures according to circumstances and the situation. In Kali Sikaran that is normally practised in three different ranges in the weapon blocks and four within the empty hand ranges.
And even more important then just understanding the different ranges is how to switch fluently in between to be allrounder and functional no matter what. That is how the Kali Sikaran is designed to develop that skill more and more over time.
Kali Sikaran - Selfdefence with Confidence
Kali Empty hands in Kali Sikaran have many similarities to Kali Sticks and Kali Knife principles. One example is stickfighting in Kali Sticks where the practitioner has to learn the different ranges such as Largo Mano (long range), Solo Baston (medium range), Punio and Locks (close range). To be a well rounded stick fighter you have to manage all the distances and switch effortlessly between them all.
Same thing goes for Kali Empty Hands where you want to manage long range, medium range and close range depending on circumstances and the situation. In Panantukan (Filipino boxing also known as dirty boxing) you want to stay predominantly in “mark range” where you can line up and deliver full power punches whenever possible. In Kadena de Mano it's all about the centerline and how to dominate the centerline, monitor the opponent and throw short punches and elbows as fast and effective as possible. In Dumog (lock and grappling range) there’s more focus on controlling and manipulating the opponent into a disadvantage position for different follow ups or to submission in standing positions or on the ground.
When we talk about Panantukan and Kadena de Mano there’s not too many techniques, generally speaking. But to truly understand and be functional with these techniques you have to do a lot more than just learn the actual technique. You have to put them in combinations and practice in various drills and eventually spar with them. It’s like a minute to learn and a lifetime to master! When the student starts to learn some combinations and some drills it quickly becomes overwhelming and confusing. There’s a lot of confusing stuff out there, especially in Kali because it's such a huge system. That’s one of the reasons we have put a lot of emphasis on structure and methodology in the Kali Sikaran programs to make all of this less confusing.
In Dumog there’s even more sensitivity and time to spend before getting functional with the different techniques. That’s one of the reasons why the Dumog module is less emphasized in the first phases in the Kali Sikaran programs. And from a self defense perspective it's prioritized to stay on your feet (as much as possible) and be able to choose if you can leave in a safe way or stay at a safe distance to have enough reaction time for necessary measures. But sometimes it’s not possible due to the situation and circumstances and the only possible solution is Dumog. Just remember that it's a means to an end and not necessarily the end goal out of a Kali Sikaran perspective.
And after learning a few or many of these techniques and combinations in Panantukan, Kadena de Mano and Dumog you want to be able to flow between the different ranges just the same way as in stick fighting. One way of doing that is to practise and learn with a drill, can be a very fixed drill or a more open format depending on the experience of the practitioner.
Here’s an example video of how Panantukan, Kadena de Mano and Dumog can be mixed and practiced together in a drill.