Kali is the ancient martial art of the Philippines dating to before Majaphait empire which dominated South East Asia during the 5th and 6th centuries AD. Kali has many similarities with other Malay martial arts, notably Silat and Kuntao. Kali development in the Philippines was influenced by the conquest of the spanish who prohibited the carrying of weapons. This in turn led to the development of of the stick fighting element where the bladed arts were trained in secret, using the stick and where possible the blade.

Though known as a stick fighting art, Kali has a very highly developed open hand system often called Pangamut. Pangamut has a unique boxing/kick boxing aspect with all the dirty tricks thrown in. It includes limb immobilization and body manipulation and unique hand skills, making it a highly effective combat art.

Kali's other subsystems include grappling skills (Dumog), single and double stick skills and blade training including knife defense. The more esoteric elements, like flexible and projectile weapons, are also taught.

The once secret art of Kali is unique in its emphasis on fluidity and improvisation and above all, practicality. It is these aspects which make it an effective and intellectually stimulating art.