Kalisadors Club

ARNIS, ESKRIMA, KALI NEWCASTLE

OUR MISSION

We offer training in the Filipino Martial Arts to provide opportunities for ordinary people to develop extraordinary skill with sticks and blades.

OUR AFFILIATIONS

AFFILIATED

RECOGNISED BY

LANGUAGE NOTE

There are over 120 different language groups in the Philippines. Most are Malayo-Polynesian, while some are Chavacano (Spanish-influenced creoles). Tagalog, officially known as Filipino, is the national language (along with English). In the Filipino Martial Arts it is common for ex-pat Filipinos and non-Filipino speakers to use phonetic spellings or to draw from different languages, making terminology confusing. As the arts we teach are predominantly from the Visayan region of the Philippines, we aim to use Cebuano terminology as much as possible on this website, with spellings based on the Binisaya dictionary, so meanings can be independently tracked and verified.

ABOUT US

We are a not-for-profit martial arts club, specialising in the teaching of the Filipino Martial Arts (FMA). All income generated from student fees goes into hall hire, equipment maintenance, and club promotion. Instructors offer their services without any financial remuneration. We teach because we love FMA, and want to share our passion with you too.

OUR CURRICULUM

BOOK IN FOR A TRIAL LESSON

Use the form to book in for a free trial class at the Kalisador's Club. 

For your trial class, just come along in a t-shirt and shorts, tracksuit pants or tights. We wear all black so fitting in is easy. Shoes are optional. All equipment is provided.

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Please specify the date you want to come in for your trial class on the form.This will let the Instructor know to expect you.

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The core of our regular classes is the Eskrima system known as De Campo 1-2-3 Original. However, regular classes also cycle through aspects of our Kali Mano (bladed hand) edged weapon self-defence program. 

DE CAMPO 1-2-3 ORIGINAL

OUR CORE STICK-FIGHTING PROGRAM

A stick fight should be over in three seconds,

beyond that, be careful.

GM JOSE DIAZ CABALLERO

Our club specialises in De Campo 1-2-3 Original, the premier Largo Mano system of Eskrima, developed by Jose Diaz Caballero as his "original" system in 1925, at the age of 18. Ahead of his time, Caballero set out his system in a written "lesson plan" that still exists today. Caballero was to become famous as the Juego Todo champion of his time. Held during town fiestas, the Juego Todo was an all-out stick fight without protective equipment, where the only armour was the arnis stick in your hand.

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The De Campo 1-2-3 Original system focuses on what might be called "high percentage techniques." As a Largo Mano system it focuses on "defanging the snake" by evading the opponent's attack while counter striking their weapon hand, and then entering with a barrage of powerful and lightning fast combinations in order to end the exchange. Using the 1-2-3 tactical formulae of fake, counter, strike, the De Campo stylist aims to blend strikes so seamlessly that three strikes may appear as one. 

1. SKILL BUILDING

The foundation stage of a De Campo lesson involves lots of repetition of striking combinations so they enter into "muscle memory". Footwork and striking blend in powerful ways. Techniques are practiced slowly and smoothly during the orientation phase (6 reps) and then at high speed during the combative phase (7th rep), following the maxim "Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast". As the practitioner develops skill, this phase may include repetition of the entire curriculum, combined with the art's signature footwork methods.

2. ATTRIBUTE DEVELOPMENT

The second stage of a De Campo lesson involves drills designed to develop a range of combative attributes including:

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• strength, power, and endurance;

• speed and timing (incl. broken rhythm);

• blending (bounce-flow mechanics);

• mobility, agility, and distancing;

• targeting, accuracy and precision;

• deception (faking and baiting).

3. PRESSURE TESTING

The final phase of a De Campo lesson involves pressure testing your capabilities while wearing protective equipment, from isolation drills designed to work upon a particular combative concept, through Hagad Hubad (hand-hunting), to Juego Combate ("play combat" or free sparring), understood as essential to skill, attribute and tactical development. Beginners may elect to spar with pool noodles as a way to build combat fitness and tactical perception, but as they progress padded sticks with a rattan core are the preferred sparring tool.

PRIMARY

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• GROUP 1: ABECEDARIO

• GROUP 2: DE ALFAVITO

• GROUP 3: HORIZONTAL

• GROUP 4: SERRADA

• GROUP 5: ABIERTA

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ELEMENTARY

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• GROUP 6: DE CAMPO ORIGINAL

• GROUP 7: REDONDO Y REDONDO

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MIXING PRIMARY & ELEMENTARY

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• MIXING ABECEDARIO with GROUPS 6 & 7

• MIXING DE ALFAVITO with GROUPS 6 & 7

• MIXING HORIZONTAL with GROUPS 6 & 7

• MIXING SERRADA with GROUPS 6 & 7

• MIXING ABIERTA with GROUPS 6 & 7

HIGH SCHOOL

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• GROUP 8: DOS MANOS DOS LARGOS

• GROUP 9: DE CADENA DE CUERDAS

• GROUP 10: HAGAD HUBAD ORIGINAL

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MIXING PRIMARY & HIGH SCHOOL

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• MIXING ABECEDARIO with GROUPS 8 & 9

• MIXING DE ALFAVITO with GROUPS 8 & 9

• MIXING HORIZONTAL with GROUPS 8 & 9

• MIXING SERRADA with GROUPS 8 & 9

• MIXING ABIERTA with GROUPS 8 & 9

COLLEGE

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GROUP 11: THE 7 SPECIALS

1. ​DIRECT CHOP SERRADA

2. DIRECT CHOP ABIERTA

3. LEVEL

4. SERRADA

5. ABIERTA

6. KULOB ABIERTA

7. ABANIKO

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COMBINATIONS

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12  123  1234 1234567

23 234 2345 

34 345 3456 

45 456 4567

56 567

67

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"POSTGRADUATE" SPECIALISATION

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At higher levels, the worthy De Campo practitioner is introduced to GM Jose Caballero's Specialisation program (the equivalent of "postgraduate" study in the system). The specialisation program includes advanced striking combinations, a greater focus on Paspas (rapid) the art's signature footwork, combat strategy including the concept of Praksyon (fractional timing) so that you both "hit first, and hit last" (GM Jose Caballero), Kadlit (literally "striking a match") the basis of the art's signature three-strikes as one methodology, and bladework using the Pinuti (a cutlass type sword).

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT DE CAMPO 123 ORIGINAL

Visit the De Campo 1-2-3 Original website below to gain access to a complete video series offering the full curriculum, featuring our teacher, Maestro Paolo Pagaling, and the head master of the system and grandson of the founder, Master Jomalin Caballero. Our deepest appreciation to them both for preserving and sharing this art.

KALI MANO

Our Corto Mano (Close Quarters)

Stick & Blade Program

Our Kali Mano  curriculum is an evolving, eclectic, modular, and concept-based approach to training Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), that has grown out of our continual research into FMA methods and tactics. It draws upon methods from, and registers the influence of, a range of Visayan styles of Filipino Martial Arts, focusing on Corto Mano (close quarters) combat; and incorporates strategy derived from both Filipino and Japanese martial traditions.

SINAWALI

Weaving Method

Originally the fighting method of the Macabebe merchants of Pampanga, who would cart cloth over their backs using two sticks, the Sinawali method is effective as both a double stick fighting method, and as a way of training the brain to see and adapt to new movement patterns. In order to activate the adaptive mental and physical aspect of stick weaving, the following training methods are used as "warm ups" in Kali Mano classes:

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• Mirrored Patterns

• Advancing, Retreating, Circling

• Standing vs Kneeling

• Chaning Patterns

• Single vs Double Stick

• Reverse (Scabbard) vs Standard (Sword) Grip

• Simultaneous Sword & Scabbard Grips

• Both Sides in Scabbard Grip

• Switching Starting Chambers (Open to Closed, Closed to Open)

• Starting on Non-Dominant Side

• Accelerating and Breaking

• Uninterrupted Following

• Random Movement Under Pressure

Mirrored Sinawali patterns in Standard and scabbard grip

Chaining Sinawali patterns performed in acceleration mode

TRAINING MODES

Training in Kali Mano is based around both Baston (stick) and Baraw (dagger), developed across five training modes:

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NUMERADO

By the Numbers

Systematic defence against

nominated angles of attack, including follow up with

Amara (finishing flourishes)

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SOMBRADA

Shading

Give and take,

counter for counter flow

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PALAKAW

Working Method

Feeder-Responder

defence and counter against

a restricted set of attacks

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KURIDAS

All Inclusive

Feeder-Responder defence

against a non-cooperative opponent who maintains pressure until subdued

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JUEGO COMBATE

Play Combat

Free sparring incorporating armed and unarmed methods across a range of scenarios

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BARAW | Dagger (Weapon to Weapon) Series Example

This video series highlights aspects of the training mode progression in developing proficiency with the Baraw (dagger).

The first clip focuses on (#2) Sombrada drills, and the second clip on (#5) free sparring application.

COMBATIVE MODALITIES

Training in Kali Mano is organised around three specific combative possibilities: (1) You and your opponent have weapons; (2) Only your opponent has a weapon; (3) Neither you nor your opponent are armed.

DOS MANOS LARGOS

Our Two-Handed Long Stick

(Staff or Longsword) Program

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Our Dos Manos Largos curriculum focuses on the use of longer weapons that require two hands to wield, blending Filipino Sungkod (staff) and Bangkaw (spear), Classical Japanese Bo (Staff) of the Kukishin Ryu, and European longsword methods (particularly those of the Spanish Montante). Centrifugal force is maximised by swinging the weapon like a sword or bat at long-range, and manipulating the weapon like a boat oar, bayonet, or spear in close range. This is a particular useful weapon when facing multiple opponents.

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• GROUP 1: SUNGKOD | Staff Grip​ (Sliding Method)

• GROUP 2: KAMPILAN | Broadsword Grip (Slashing Method)

• GROUP 3: BANGKAW | Spear Grip (Lancing Method)

• GROUP 4: BUGSAY | Boat Oar Grip (Paddling Method)

SENIOR INSTRUCTOR

Robert 'Espada' Parkes

Our club is registered with the Martial Arts Industry Association as a member organisation of Kung Fu Wushu Australia Limited (Member No. A2114). As such we uphold and are bound by the following codes:

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• Child Safety Policies & Procedures;

• Instructor's Code of Ethics;

• Code of Practice for Martial Arts Centres and Instructors.

Dr Robert 'Espada' Parkes (BEd Hons Sydney, PhD Newcastle) is the Founder and Head Instructor of the Kalisadors Club. He is an accredited martial arts instructor (MAIA / KWA Accreditation No. A00606) who shares his knowledge and expertise with generosity and humour. A published author, editor, historian, and teacher educator, Robert holds the position of  Associate Professor  at the University of Newcastle, and is currently Acting Head of the School of Education (one of the largest teacher education providers in Australia). 

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This year (2020) marks 40 years since Robert first began training in the martial arts. He began his martial arts training in 1980 at the age of 14 and opened his first martial arts school at the age of 18, while still in high school. During this early phase of his martial arts career, he studied and gained teaching credentials in Wing Chun and Non-Classical Kung-Fu; and gained his first and for a long time his most influential exposure to Filipino Martial Arts, through seminars with Guro Dan Inosanto, that resulted in the incorporation of Filipino Martial Arts as the weapon curriculum during his Non-Classical Kung-Fu studies.

In his twenties Robert studied and taught Bujinkan Kobudo (also known as Ninjutsu and/or Ninpo Taijutsu), gaining the rank of 5th Degree Black Belt and title of Shidoshi (teacher of the warrior ways) in 1992, from Grandmaster Masaaki Hatsumi. During the 1990s Robert also gained a trainer qualification in Modern Arnis (GM Ernesto Presas lineage, later to be called Kombatan) through the Arjuken Martial Arts Association headed in Australia by Chris Traish.

Since 2015 Robert has also been studying the Afro-Brazilian martial art of Capoeira. His nickname 'Espada' (sword) was given to him by Mestre Borracha, head of Capoeira Aruanda, after seeing him playing with a Kali training sword. In 2019 he travelled to the Phillipines with his daughter, Rebekah 'Serenata' Parkes, to study De Campo 1-2-3 Original, the famous, but little known, system of Eskrima of the Caballero family of Toledo, under the wonderful and insightful guidance of Maestro Paolo Pagaling.

CLASS TIMES & LOCATIONS

SATURDAYS 10:00 - 12:00 PM

Scheduled time includes 30 minute optional free practice session after 90 minute class.

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THE UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE

Callaghan NSW 2308

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We train at the Basketball Courts located between the CBA Building and the Hunter Union Building otherwise known as the Bar-on-the-Hill.

Download Map (Ref: G11).

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COMING BY CAR

If arriving by car, parking is free in the university grounds on weekends.

COMING BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT

There are many bus services that will drop you off on campus, and Warabrook Station is only a short walk away.

WEDNESDAYS 6:30 - 8:30 PM

Scheduled time includes 30 minute optional free practice session after 90 minute class.

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MAYFIELD WEST PUBLIC SCHOOL

7 Gregson Avenue

Mayfield West NSW 2304

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We are located in the School Hall of the Mayfield West Public School. Enter via the front gate that is on the left side of the pedestrian crossing, if facing the school.

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COMING BY CAR

If arriving by car, there is plenty of street parking out front of the school.

COMING BY BUS

The 47 bus stops right at the door.

MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS

Whether you're looking for a long-term training program or a quick introduction to a new martial art, our credit system offers flexible payment options that put your needs first. Our credits can be used for any regular timetabled class, and as we operate in partnership with Capoeira Aruanda (Team Quebra & Serenata) as part of the Novo Flow Community, our 10 Class & Ultimate Pass credits can be used for their classes too. Our Month Pass is a "single art" pass that offers a discount for someone only studying Kali within our community.

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CONNECT WITH US ON

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR ART & COMMUNITY

Following our Facebook page will provide you with insights into what is important to our community, including FMA training tips and clips, and insights into FMA history and culture.

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BE FIRST TO HEAR ABOUT UP-COMING EVENTS, WORKSHOPS, OR SPECIAL OFFERS

We use our Facebook page to keep our community aware of special events, seminars, or workshops we are hosting. We also use our Facebook page to announce special offers to current or future members of our community.

CHAT WITH US

Connecting with us on Facebook will also make it easy to chat with us, and to learn more about what FMA and our community has to offer.

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