Atienza Kali

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(Atienza Eskrima dvd trailer)

 

Source: atienzakali.com

 

ATIENZA KALI FAQ

What is the difference between AK and other Kali systems?
Atienza Kali is a Filipino weapons-based system conceptualized here in the States vs. at home on the island. Kali was taught to the Atienza Tuhons (Allain, Carl, & Darryl) by their father (Edgar “Butch” Atienza) and largely focused on multi-opponent combat; how to fight a group and how to fight in a group were some principle concepts.


Many of the differences in this system are truly seen during the transfer of knowledge. Where many traditional drills repeat with no end, AK teaches the students how to evolve their movement, many times injecting the knowledge without the students even knowing that the transfer of knowledge is being communicated. AK uses systems such as Targeting Chains and Evolutions. Targeting Chains allow student to correctly identify proper targets on the body. Repetition of this helps with muscle memory and action to turn into reaction. Once established the TC’s are then practiced in motion; this helps the student apply the movements in coordination with the blade further enhanced by performing with footwork in an hourglass formation. All of this is practiced prior to a two man evolution where the particular TC is broken down between two people. Evolutions are based off of specific fighter types. This enables a student to feel how an exchange can take place. There are multiple evolutions all with a specific purpose during a student’s course of study. Through out the course of study students will learn Mass Attack Strategies, Projectiles, Force Anchor Strategy, and Fighter types. This heavily influenced system pays tribute to those who have fought many battles.

How do I start training? 
If you wish to begin training in Atienza Kali please contact any Group Leader (http://atienzakali.com/?page_id=46 ).
Further more public classes are held in limited locations (http://atienzakali.com/?page_id=184 ). Lastly, it is also possible to have a Chief Instructor come to your destination (http://atienzakali.com/?page_id=115).

What is the purpose of the different rigs?
AK developed their various rigs as a carry & deployment system for their trainers which represents the way they used to carry their live blades. The rigs allow for simulation of different carry locations on the body. The rig also trains deployment of weapons and trains students to recognize where and when their opponent will draw weapons.


What do you cover in a seminar? 
Standard Atienza Kali seminars cover the progression of the evolution to combat, tactical superiority of weapon changes and basic mass attack exercises.

Do you offer public classes in my area? 
Public classes are limited as of now. For public class information please follow this link: (http://atienzakali.com/?page_id=184 )

What does membership entail? 
AK Membership will allow you access to the Member’s forum and a free t-shirt. Members have access to brief training video clips such as class segment of the month, technique of the week and mass attack sequence of the week. Members will also have info for training that is not available to the public.

How many AK members are there?
The AK members and practitioners has grown exponentially and numbers well over 200. Training groups have also doubled over the years. It is hard to nail down a specific number of individuals as in any system students come and go.

Is AK offered in areas overseas or outside of the U.S.? 
Yes. AK is taught through various training groups overseas in areas such as Ireland and Europe

Can women train in AK? 
Yes, women can and do train in AK. For example, Silak Dianne is a co-instructor during Tuhon Carl’s Training group Tours. In 2009 Silak Dianne will be teaching the Atienza Kali curriculum strictly to women.

Does AK offer instruction for children? 
A childrens program is currenty in the works.

What is the background of Edgar Atienza?
Edgar “Butch” Atienza was a Filipino native who was able to train with many influential Kali systems. He began training his sons and even local neighborhood people. He originally called this system Katipunan ng Kalis.

What is the relationship between AK and Sayoc?
AK and Sayoc are two different systems. Edgar Atienza was a mentor to a then young Pamana Tuhon Chris Sayoc. Pamana Tuhon Sayoc was like a big brother to the Atienza brothers. The Sayoc organization was responsible for the success of Atienza Kali introduction to the public. To this day the Atienza brothers still take lessons on how to organiza and maintain a strong organization.

What is the significance of the boar emblem? 
The Boar Emblem was derived from a specific training that Instructors participate in.

Is there a relationship between Pekiti and AK? 
Edgar Atienza was the president of Arnis Americas for a few years in the 70’s. Many FMA masters were members of this organization.
Professor Florendo Visitacion
Grandmaster Remy Presas
Master Leo Gaje
Master Matt Marinas
Grandmaster Dong Cuesta

Many systems have influenced AK. AK has grown into its own and pays tribute to those who came before. The main influence comes from Sayoc.

What are fighter types? 
AK practitioners identify opponents due to their particular styles/movements. AK identifies 12 fighter types:
1- one count
2- two count
3- deflection counter
4- attack in combinations
5- charger
6- thruster
7- redirector same level
8- redirector level change
9- centerline jumper
10- low-line attacker
11- projectiles
12- AK force anchor strategist

What is mass attack? 
Mass attack is an encounter with multiple aggressors. Mass attack strategies can be employed to counter this type of situation.

What is Sama Sama?
Sama Sama is an annual event that Pamana Tuhon Sayoc holds where Sayoc & Atienza members and specially invited individuals train, share, learn and practice.

Can an Apprentice teach AK? 
Yes, Apprentice instructors are actually required to have a training group.

How do you rank non instructors?
Non instructors are ranked as practitioners of varying levels. Some students never want to be an instructor and obtain a practitioner rank for each year they train.