Guro Dan teaches the 12 areas of Kali, which represent the vast range of weapons and techniques incorporated in Kali—from single stick and double sword to empty-hand techniques and flexible weapons like the malong or scarf. This diversity is what makes Kali one of the most versatile and adaptable weapon-based systems in the world.

As the veil between worlds thins at the end of this month, we also find ourselves surrounded by holidays honoring those who have transitioned, such as Samhain, Día de los Muertos , and Undas—the Philippine holiday dedicated to paying respects to our deceased loved ones and ancestors. As we honor those who have passed—warriors in their own right—I wonder: how do we honor our past selves, who, like inner warriors, did their best to navigate life?

Cooking together has always been a meaningful part of the Chrysalis Kali Collective, where we re-imagine Filipino dishes like mushroom sisig and ginisang kalabasa with hipon.

Through our Kali training, we honor the warrior spirit, and through cooking together, we bring balance with nurturing, yin energy. I love celebrating both sides of this harmony. ☯️

Wishing you all a Happy Filipino American History Month!

As we continue celebrating Filipino American History Month, it’s a perfect time to dive into the rich and complex history between the Philippines and the United States.

Tomorrow, in our Chrysalis Kali online session for members, we’ll take a deep dive into the early presence of Filipinos in the U.S., from their first landings to the significant waves of immigration that followed.

As we transition into the autumn months, being in the flow has been on my mind. In our collective, we’ve often discussed how, even though we live far from the lands of our ancestors, it’s innate within us to adapt to the places we now call home. As we decolonize or reindigenize our journeys, learning to develop a relationship with the seasons feels like an essential part of this process. 

Ever notice how triangles seem to be everywhere in Filipino Martial Arts? Logos, footwork patterns – they're everywhere.

But the triangle goes way beyond just shapes of movements. It's a powerful training tool used to explore concepts.

Many people new to Kali often mention how their brains feel “scrambled” after training. I love sharing this fascinating TED Talk titled "Cognitive Kali" by one of Guro Dan Inosanto’s students, which discusses the cognitive benefits of training in Filipino Martial Arts, especially double stick training. Learning new techniques requires significant mental energy, which naturally leads to mental fatigue – or brain scramble.

Big congrats to CKC members who also train with me at UMA!! This past Saturday they completed a 2 hour test in Kali, Jeet Kune Do, boxing, and Muay Thai, with a few rounds of sparring at the end!

To be able to support my Filipina/x sisters and community 🇵🇭 in reclaiming the power and trust in their bodies, both in training in our ancestral art of Kali AND in expanding and training in the other arts has been a great gift to me!

Think back to a moment when you felt a signal from deep within warning you of something before your mind could grasp it. Ever wonder what's behind that "gut feeling"?

That's your Soul Nerve at work.

Many of us enter the world of martial arts with aspirations to be stronger, to build confidence, to feel safer.

This Wednesday, June 12th, marks a Philippine national holiday, also known as "Independence" Day. While it's true that on this day in 1898, Emilio Aguinaldo declared the Philippines' independence from Spain, the fight for sovereignty continued. Shortly after, the Philippines entered the Philippine-American War (1899-1902) against the United States, and the struggle against colonization persisted.

According to Guro Dan Inosanto, the word "kali" is a combination of two Cebuano words: "kamot" (hand or body) and "lihok" (motion). In kali, you never stay in one place. If you do, it's only temporary. Your feet are always moving; you're never stagnant in a fight.

We'll use the star footwork pattern to explore the concept of always coming back to center. One foot will remain in the center, yet there are an infinite number of angles or directions to step into.

Being a martial artist is more than just learning physical self-defense; it's also about staying safe in any situation. A martial arts mindset can help you plan ahead, prioritize your basic needs, and establish healthy boundaries with Mother Nature.

If you’re planning on leaving the city this summer for some much-needed outdoor medicine, I’d love to share some hiking tips with you. Here are 10 essential safety tips we follow whenever we hit the trails for a day hike.

Ever notice how triangles seem to be everywhere in Filipino Martial Arts (FMA)? Logos, footwork patterns – they're all over the place!

So, what's the deal with all these triangles? 🔺🔻

Follow my family trip to Pangasinan, the birthplace of my father, a place he hasn’t returned to in over 50 years. We carry the lessons of ancestral land within us always and everywhere.

Do you have memories from your first trip to the Philippines?

✨ Become the Warrior Your Ancestors Dreamed Of ✨

Learn how to connect with your ancestors and the power in your body through the practice of Kali, Filipino Martial Arts

I've been getting ready for a trip to the Philippines 🇵🇭 next month with my entire family. The last time I visited the Philippines with my parents, I was just 6 years old. Since then, I've returned three times on my own, seeking answers to questions around home and belonging. Making those later trips as an adult helped me to understand the complex and intricate web of ancestral, cultural, colonial, and familial influences on my identity.

I'd love to offer some guidance on your training journey, whether you're just starting or have been practicing for a while. Even as someone with experience, I find these reminders helpful, especially when training feels challenging.

In my experience, there's a depth of learning that happens in the doing or in the actual training. Feeling at home in my body invokes within me a feeling of closeness to my ancestors that goes beyond any book learning. It's hard for me to explain in words, but there are evolving answers for us in the practice of being in our bodies.