Kali Classes

What is Kali and what are the Filipino Martial Arts (FMA)?

Kali is the ancient name of the original, indigenous martial art of the Philippines. It is the root art; all other indigenous Filipino arts derive their origins from Kali.

The Filipino martial arts are as varied as the islands they originate from, but most hold certain principles in common.

Generally, most FMA systems teach some form of a weapons curriculum, which is taught first and some form of an empty hands curriculum, which is taught second and is directly derived from the weapons training. The reason that most FMA systems teach their weapons program first, then their empty hands training second is in direct response to the numerous invasions that Filipino people have had to deal with throughout their long history.

The ancient Filipinos needed their warriors proficient with a sword, shield, spear, blow gun, fire hardened rattan sticks, etc. in order to counter the constant threat of invasion. As each warrior was always armed, the empty hands skills were a supplement to his weapons training, should they be disarmed in combat. This teaching ideology still survives in today’s, modern FMA training.

What you will be learning at Kali Burlington:

At Kali Burlington we practice a system of FMA known as Kali De Leon (KDL), which is a composite FMA system, drawing inspiration from various sources.

Kali De Leon Methodology encompasses all aspects of combat, from weaponry to empty hand techniques. It integrates principles of positioning and zoning which include long, medium and close quarter ranges.

KDL is predominantly based on the creative but disciplined use of various weapons.

At Kali Burlington we teach:

What benefits can be learned from Kali-FMA training?

What you will gain from training in Kali is a greater self-awareness and self-confidence, that comes with improved, fitness, balance and real world self defense skills.

FMA’s in general and KDL training methodology in particular, has been tested and proven to still be current to today’s needs, with regards to impact and edged weapons confrontations.

FMA skills are currently still being taught to military personal, such as elements of U.S. and Filipino Marines, through joint training operations like the Balikatan training exercises that take place yearly in the Philippines.

Kali De Leon methodologies have been taught to military, Law enforcement and correctional services personnel in the U.S., Canada and the Philippines.

(Visit *www.kalideleon.com for more info and photos of Kali De Leon in action.)

Who created Kali De Leon?

Guro Jun has developed a curriculum for Kali De Leon that is at once innovative yet disciplined, progressive yet based in tradition, and at all times functional.

For further information on Kali De Leon methodology, its founder Guro Jun De Leon, or any of its instructors visit, *www.kalideleon.com .

Profile on Kali Burlington instructor Burton “Baet” de Castro Sousa:

Kuya Burton ("Older Brother" Burton) has been involved in the Martial Arts since 1985 and has been studying Kali De Leon a Filipino Martial Art, directly under the systems founder Guro Jun De Leon since for over a decade. Kuya Burton is able to synthesize what he has learned from Guro Jun with his own hard earned insights. Kuya Burton is an eloquent and cogent communicator who is able to break down seemingly complex movements into simple and easy to learn patterns. Kuya Burton was the first KDL student to earn his 10th level, Apprentice Instructor Black Sarong, status in KDL’s student grading system.

In addition to KDL training, Kuya Burton holds the following instructor certifications:

Kuya Burton has also had the privilege of training with many great instructors over the years such as Sifu Larry Hartsell and Grand Tuhon Leo Gaje through seminars.