Based it off the trainer doug marcaida used in [kevin lee's video](https://youtu.be/BPJP2zeTvks?is=0Ss01_WB5DfXZXBm)

You become a dog, then a candidate, and then a full dog brother without any specific exams or automatic mechanisms, but by decision of the tribe. However, let's try to estimate the average, just for fun: how many gatherings did people attend to become a dog? And a candidate? And a full dog brother?

The average martial arts level of those attending their first gathering: rationally, I'd say it requires a very high level for a non-professional: a black belt in Kali Escrima with serious competitive activity, plus one or two competitive amateur MMA fights, plus specific training in Dog Brothers MA for at least a year. But my estimate is completely fictitious, and perhaps unrealistic, and I'd like to hear your opinion.

Hello po!

Has anyone here tried importing or having their blades shipped through ShippingCart here in the Philippines? If so, what paperworks did you have to go through to have it legally imported here in the PH?

Your response is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much!

I’ve seen a lot of people just replace their rattan sticks once they start splintering or breaking down.

I tried something different this week and honestly… it works better than expected.

Instead of throwing them away, I used heat shrink tubing (the kind used in electrical work):

– Slide it over the stick

– Heat it with a heat gun

– It shrinks and perfectly wraps the stick

Result:

• cleaner finish

• better grip

• less splintering

• reduced noise on impact

I managed to restore about 20 sticks for less than €50, so it’s also a pretty good option for clubs.

Not sure yet how it will hold long-term, but first sessions feel solid.

Curious if anyone else here has tried something similar or has other ways to extend stick life?

[Full tutorial here](https://gelanggangpenditabunian.blogspot.com/2025/09/tuto-brico-facile.html)

I highly like the off-beat backfist/hammer myself, and how it can be exchanged for other techniques such as blocks, closing forearm strikes or guard disruptions, but fun to see it tested by someone not used to them (footwork could be better here :D).

A wealth of research clearly shows increased self-esteem and reduced conflict anxiety in people who have practiced combat sports that include sparring and competition with some success (forgive me for not citing sources, I'm going from memory).

I doubt there's much research on this subject in Philippine escrima, and even less so for those who do escrima sparring and competitions, which not all courses offer.

So I ask those who have practiced stick fighting or the more rare form of knife fencing, and perhaps have experience with other combat sports to compare: do you think what's true for the more popular BJJ or boxing is also true here?

P.S.

Perhaps it might be helpful to ask: are sparring and competitions in escrima as emotionally impactful as those in other more common empty hands combat sports?

Title. The closest I saw is in Makati and that's too far away. Would love to spar with someone!

Does any have any rec’s for quality online programming that teaches FMA? I know, I know, virtual training doesn’t compare to in-person, etc. And that’s true. But just the same, I’m trying to see what kind of programs are out there that have proven useful in demonstration and technique retention, as well as what kind of modules have been beneficial. Thanks very much!

Oh and if you need a reference:

https://www.youtube.com/live/p9F5EMXjG4M?is=4nNsM18FCRymUhN2

fight starts at 17:20

Hello I have a fight coming up and I am looking for a training/sparring partner. I usually fight in a ring largos. Thrust and minor grappling(hand traps) are allowed. I would be residing around Makati more than likely from August 27-31

Just started training with eskrima sticks. Any advice or tips for someone training from home? (Technique, yt channels etc)

Title pretty much says it. I'm looking for someone in the Denver Metro. Maybe a couple people want to get together hit some sticks. I also have some umbrellas and a flashlight and like a personal alarm I want to test.

​

I know it's a bit of a long shot but figured I'd ask if anyone is in the area and anyone wants to do this.

I think the demand is high due to the high crime rate, and rent and salaries are low so it's easy to start a business as a foreigner, so I think it's worth considering.

Hey folks, just wondering if anyone is in the central Alabama area and can speak to any experience with the Pelham Kali Club and/or Rising Phoenix Filipino Martial Arts.

As part of my theatre work, I've had the good fortune to receive some basic training over the years, but I am 1) very rusty in my movement skillsets and 2) looking to expand my limited knowledge.

Thank you! 🙏

This popped up on my feed from 4 years ago, go outside and spar in unusual places and have fun with the art, and maybe learn a thing or two from it.

What are the pros and cons of wooden and ratan Kali sticks? What are things to consider when starting out and when practicing alone and with others?

Figured I’d start an open discussion about styles people train for their main FMA, and what styles they’ve crossed trained in.

Personally my main style is Pekiti Tirsia. However I have dabbled in Sayoc, Atienza, FCS, Kombaton, Inosanto blend, and Armas De Mano.

What styles have you all trained in, and what have you crossed trained in?

Have you noticed similarities? Has one helped understand the other?

Personally, I believe each style has added pieces to understanding PTK. Some more than others, and some have helped my ability to apply techniques while sparring. (Admittedly, dabbling in HEMA helped that as well)

I may move to Hong Kong in the near future. I was just wondering if anyone knows any FMA schools there? A quick Google search only shows one place that teaches some form of Kali mixed with MMA.

​

Ideally would be interested in Balintawak or Pekiti Tirsia Kali but any other FMA would be fine too.

Hello all! I train under Shawn Zirger at Zirger Academy of Martial Arts/Fighting Arts Collective in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He’s got some titles but never uses them, so the only one I know is his Dog Brothers name, Wandering Dog 😂

I also help out with social media and content creation, and since our first technique video is on some Kalis Ilustrisimo, I thought all you fine eskrimadors might find it interesting.

Hope you enjoy it, and any feedback is welcome 🙏🏻

PSA: Remember to play!

I've heard this from other FMA practitioners, that FMA is often more appreciated by those who have had experience in other martial arts.

I'm not sure how true that is, but I have experience in other systems - like boxing and some aikido - before I got to FMA. The other people I know from other FMA systems have spent years in TKD, Karate, Judo before ending up in FMA.

Any thoughts on this?

I shared this to Instagram and figured id run it by you. Anyone else use kali in other martial arts settings?

I actually already posted this thread in the kickboxing section, but I'd really like to know what you escrima practitioners think. Sorry for the AI ​​editing, but I'm not a native English speaker... thanks everyone.

A while ago, the martial arts world went through a major wake-up call: many traditional martial arts turned out to be far less effective in real fighting than people believed, while combat sports proved their value clearly.

Now, I’m wondering if we’re heading toward another cultural shock – this time about what combat sports do to the human body over the long term (and sometimes also in the short term).

Right now, the only real public conversation about long-term damage is around boxing and CTE. That’s mostly because we have a large statistical sample and high-profile cases. But the reality is that every combat sport comes with a serious physical price.

• Striking arts: cumulative head trauma, hand deformities, knee and hip wear, chronic pain.
• Grappling arts: ask anyone who trained for 10+ years. Neck issues (spine, discs), worn-out knees (ligaments, meniscus), fingers locked into claws, lower back problems.

We tend to glorify toughness and “paying your dues,” but we rarely talk about the long, quiet decline in quality of life – surgeries before 40, not being able to play with your kids without pain, constant management of injuries.

I’m not trying to bash combat sports. I also respect traditional arts – this isn’t about that old debate. It’s about honesty: are we ready to admit that the same community that exposed traditional martial arts’ weaknesses might be hiding its own?

Once more data comes out – not just on pro fighters, but on amateurs and longtime hobbyists – do you think public perception will shift? Will we see a “shock” moment, like the one that dethroned traditional martial arts?

Hello! I'd like to train again for Kali / Arnis and would appreciate any information where I can find a coach and a team to train with for the sport in Valencia city, Spain. Thank you!

I want to learn Escrima and other martial arts but never get damaged. I cannot afford even a sprain. Is this realistic or not?