All directions hold value ✴️
Today in our Chrysalis Kali online training session, we'll be using star pattern footwork. ✴️
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.
Footwork in Filipino Martial Arts is about achieving balance and rhythm even while striking. As you move one part of your body, the other half adapts, shifting weight and maintaining stability.
The star pattern also teaches us that all directions hold value. Stepping backward doesn't signal weakness; it can be a strategic move, especially when combined with an offensive strike.
In the star pattern, we practice committing to one direction and then changing our minds. The star pattern teaches us we can explore moving one way, come back to center, and change direction. It teaches us that our life trajectory isn’t our life sentence. We can always recenter, pivot, and step into another narrative of our choosing.
Want to join us and explore how training in Filipino Martial Arts can teach us so much about how we can move through life?
We meet LIVE tonight at 6:30pm EST / 3:30pm PST!