In martial practice, Dos Manos refers to using two hands to wield a single weapon—like a sword or long stick—for greater force, control, and precision.

In Filipino Martial Arts, strength isn’t just force—it’s structure, stamina, and endurance. It grounds you during dynamic movements, maintains form under pressure, and sustains effort over time. Strength isn’t just something you build—it’s something you embody.

According to my instructor, Guro Dan Inosanto, there are eight key attributes, also known as the "8 S's", that shape a well-rounded martial artist.

In myths across the world, the hero’s journey often begins with a call to responsibility—a challenge or duty that requires stepping outside one’s comfort zone. Yet, in modern culture, we are often told to seek freedom, independence, and comfort—while the burden of responsibility is treated as something to avoid. But in pre-colonial cultures around the world, including the Philippines, transformation through responsibility is at the core of ancient stories.

Colonial authorities imposed restrictions, but they did not erase our warrior traditions. When the Spanish prohibited Filipinos from carrying full-sized swords or openly practicing their martial arts, our ancestors refused to let their knowledge disappear. Instead, they adapted, disguising movements in plain sight—whether through sticks, everyday tools, or even in dance.

What if the creatures from our ancestors’ stories weren’t just myths, but reflections of how they understood power, survival, and the unseen world?

With Lunar New Year coming up this week—the Year of the Snake—we drew inspiration from the kris blade in our training yesterday. The kris, with its wavy design representing a snake in motion and its straight blade symbolizing a snake at rest ready to strike, reflects the balance between movement, stillness, and power. It’s a beautiful reminder of how Filipino Martial Arts carries both symbolic and practical wisdom. 

The world needs fresh perspectives and alternative ways of being now more than ever. I like to think of us as an army of warriors—not soldiers beholden to an external authority, following blindly, but each guided by the leader within ourselves. Though we come from diverse walks of life and hold different affiliations, if we’re fighting for a better, more just world, we’re united under a shared banner of creativity and transformation.

Warrior Rising: An 8-week course to reconnect with your Filipino roots and awaken your warrior spirit through Kali, Filipino Martial Arts.

What if we approached endings with reverence instead of just release? What if we honored the past versions of ourselves for what they’ve taught us, trusting they’ve prepared us for what’s next—just as we honor our ancestors?

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.