Filipino Martial Art of Kali

By Tracy Warrener Van Kruistum

One of the most fascinating Martial Arts Weapon Systems to watch is the Filipino Martial Art known as ‘Kali’, also known as Eskrima and Arnis. Developed by local tribes of the Philippines to protect themselves from the explorers and other people who may bring harm to the tribe. The exact history of this beautiful, but deadly Martial Art is difficult to pin point exactly. This is mostly due to the times, improper records and lack of documentation of its history. However many believe that this weapon and empty handed martial art developed from earlier fighting styles from China and India. There is even some influence from the Spanish in the 1500’s, who came to explore this land.

Kali practitioners are trained to use both weapons and empty handed techniques. The weapons which are the focus of this art are; single stick, double stick, spear, dagger, knives, and sword. The primary focus of Kali is to use a smooth transition of movement of self defence from weapons to empty handed combat. The theory behind this is that one can never be sure that their weapons will not be taken, or lost during a fight and one must be as strong a fighter with or without a weapon. The goal of Kali is to inflict strong and deadly damage to an opponent as quick as possible.

Another fact about Kali’s roots was that during World War II , American servicemen were known to study this art as well. Many Special Forces Units have studied this art all over the world. In 2009, Arnis was recognized as the National Sport of the Philippines. Since then it has gained popularity as a growing martial art world wide. It has been the highlight of many great martial art films such as Teen Age Mutant Ninja Turtles and The Perfect Weapon just to name a couple. The lightening fast movements that often lead to deadly force make it a great martial art to watch and to learn. It is a great blend of an empty handed and weapon based martial art.

Tracy Warrener has been fortunate to have been raised within the Martial Arts since the age of 4 years old and is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Goju Ryu Karate. She has had the opportunity to study with some amazing Martial Artists. Sensei Richard Kim, Sensei Peter Urban, Professor Don Jacob, Sensei Jim Wilson, Professor Wally Jay, just to name several. Of course her main Sensei is her father, Sensei Don Warrener. Throughout the 40 plus years of her involvement in the Martial Arts, she has worked her way from being a student of the martial arts to a Martial Arts Sensei ,teaching hundreds of students. She has ran and managed martial arts schools teaching students of all ages, worked within the community teaching at fitness centres, schools, businesses and Women’s Shelters, the benefits of Karate. One the causes close to her heart is teaching and empowering young girls and women the importance of self defence and awareness. Her program called Look Strong! Act Strong! Be Strong! focuses on easy self defence techniques and mind self defence techniques. In 2013 she was awarded The Silver Lifetime Achievement Award in the Masters of the Martial Arts Hall of Fame in California for her contribution to Women in the Martial Arts. She is also a Certified Reflexologist and Reiki Master. She has starred in three of her own DVDs produced by Rising Sun Productions on Reiki, Reflexology and her Look Strong ,Act Strong ,Be Strong Self Defence Program. tracy.warrenerentertainment@gmail.com