The Filipino Martial Arts The Filipino Martial Art (otherwise known as Kali, Eskrima or Arnis) are a complete and sophisticated system. They are based on weaponry, but also contains a very effective empty hand module. The history of Kali can be traced back to 1521, when the art was used by the Filipino’s to repel invasion by various Europeans – notably the Spanish.

Students are taught single stick drills, double stick drills, and knife defence. Drills and techniques taught in a fluid, non-restrictive manner allow students to enhance their natural attributes and improve their sense of timing, speed, awareness, reactions, balance, agility and confidence. Though known as the art of stickfighting, Eskrima has a highly developed empty hand system – called Pangamut. Pangamut contains a unique kickboxing program called Panantukan, and a Grappling program called Dumog. This formerly secret martial art is unique in its emphasis on flow and improvisation. It is this aspect which makes it so effective and intellectually stimulating to learn. This is taught by Tony Willis who is a student of Guro Krishna Godhania who is recognised as being one of the best teachers of this art in the UK and Europe. He is a columnist for Combat and Martial Arts Illustrated magazine. He is also the Chief Instructor of the Institute of Filipino Martial Arts – which is widely recognised as the governing body for these arts in the UK.

Tony Willis would like to take this opportunity to thank Guro Krishna Godhania and his wife for all their help, respect and time that they have offered.