On January 1st, I’ll be sharing an offering to help you tap into that energy—a way to begin cultivating an intentional Kali practice with the potential to blossom into something more.

Winter is a time for hibernation—a cocoon for reflection. I’m already easing into longer journaling sessions to look back on the year. For me, winter is a time to give the warrior within me a rest. A time for her to take a knee and shed her armor. A time to reflect on how she’s served me—how she’s protected me, what soft parts she’s still guarding, and how she’s grown. Has she held stronger boundaries in some areas of my life, and trusted other parts of me to lead when needed? What is my relationship with my inner warrior, and how can I care for her this winter season?

As we approach the end of the year in our online membership, I’ve been reflecting on our shared experience there as well. Our online space has given us the opportunity to dive even deeper into the themes of the Collective. I’m so grateful for the chance to connect with people from different parts of the country who are also engaged in important decolonization work within their own communities. The solidarity we’ve found through this online space has been a powerful reminder that we’re never alone on this path.

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.

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.

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. 

Let’s explore these questions together. I’d love to hear your thoughts on what decolonization means to you. Has your understanding changed over time? As you reflect on your journey to rediscover your roots, heal historical trauma, reconnect with your body, and embrace your role as a future warrior ancestor—what words or feelings arise and ring true for you?

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?