How to Practice Kali (Sundang Majapahit)
How to Practice Kali (Sundang Majapahit)
Blog Article
Kali, a martial art from the Philippines, has various variants and techniques used in combat with weapons and bare hands. One of the weapons used in Kali is Sundang Majapahit, a traditional weapon from the archipelago that has the characteristic shape of a sword or long knife. Sundang Majapahit is used with a fast and precise movement approach, similar to the philosophy and techniques in Kali.
Here are the steps and tips for practicing the ability to use Sundang Majapahit in the Kali style:
1. Warming up and Flexibility
Warming up is very important before starting training to avoid injury. Focus warming up on the wrists, shoulders, arms, and upper body because these parts of the body are most often used in movements with weapons. Some forms of warming up that can be done: Slot Raffi Ahmad 77
Wrist rotation
Shoulder rotation
Arm and back stretches
Agility and body mobility exercises also help maximize the effectiveness of Kali techniques.
2. Mastering the Sundang Grip
How to hold the Sundang is very important. Hold the weapon with a firm but flexible grip, allowing the wrist to move freely. There are two common grip styles:
Standard Grip: Hold the Sundang with the blade facing outward, the tip of the weapon directed towards the opponent.
Reverse Grip: Hold with the blade facing down, often used for close-range combat.
Try to practice these grips alternately to get used to the tactical changes during combat.
3. Basic Attack Practice
Here are some basic attack techniques that need to be mastered:
Angulo Uno (Upward Attack): Swing from the upper right to the lower left, attacking the opponent's head or shoulders.
Angulo Dos (Diagonal Attack): Swing from the upper left to the lower right, similar to the first attack but the direction of the attack is opposite.
Angulo Tres (Horizontal Attack): Swing horizontally from right to left, targeting the middle of the body.
Angulo Cuatro (Counter Attack): Swing from left to right, usually to counter an opponent's counterattack.
Practice these moves at a gradually increasing speed, starting slow to ensure proper technique, then increasing the intensity over time.
4. Defense Drills
Once you have mastered the attack techniques, the next step is to practice defense. There are several basic blocking techniques that can be learned:
Outside Block: Block an attack from the side by swinging the weapon outward, preventing the opponent's attack from entering.
Inside Block: Move inward to block an attack coming from the side or above.
Deflection: Use the angle of the weapon to deflect an opponent's attack, rather than to block it directly. This allows for a quicker response.
This drill is done with a partner or shadow fighting, which is visualizing an opponent's attack and practicing defensive moves without a real opponent.
5. Combination Movements
Once you have mastered the basics of attack and defense, practice combination movements. Try combining an Angulo Uno attack with an outside block, or an Angulo Tres attack with a deflection. This drill helps improve the flow of movement and fluidity in combat.
6. Sparring Drills
Sparring is a great way to test techniques in a simulated combat situation. Start with light sparring and use body armor and safe weapons such as sticks or wooden swords. Focus on technique, reflexes, and quick decision making.
7. Footwork Exercises
Kali does not only rely on the hands, but also dynamic footwork. Footwork exercises aim to position the body correctly so that it can attack or defend more effectively. Basic footwork techniques that can be learned include:
Triangle Step: Practice moving forward and backward in a triangle pattern to avoid attacks and find gaps.
Slide Step: Fast footwork to change positions horizontally without losing balance.
8. Consistency and Repetition
Training with consistency and repetition is very important in self-defense. Repeat each technique until it becomes a natural reflex. Practice basic techniques regularly to maintain speed, strength, and accuracy.
9. Mentality and Focus
Martial arts training such as Kali requires focus and mental calm. In every training session, make sure you are always ready and calm. Visualize the battle, feel the movements, and develop intuition in reading your opponent's attacks.
Conclusion
Kali training with Sundang Majapahit weapons requires an understanding of basic techniques, consistent practice, and the development of intuition in fighting. By following the steps above, you can improve your ability to fight with weapons, both for self-defense and traditional arts purposes.