As a Lvl 4 Associate Instructor under Guru Dan Inosanto in the Inosanto Intl Martial Arts Instructors Assoc., and as a Apprentice Instructor under Sifu Mike O’Melia of Cornerstone Martial Arts James can provide instruction in the art and science of:

  • The Filipino Martial Arts – Kali-Eskrima-Kuntao-Silat-Panantukan-Dumog-Arnis
  • Jeet Kune Do
  • Lee Jun Fan Gung Fu

   Filipino Martial Arts-Kali-Eskrima

The Filipino Martial Arts are deceptively simple, while still being a comprehensive blend of styles and systems originating in the Philippines and although weapon based, the empty hands skills are the foundation of a long and venerable tradition that has lasted the test of time.

The Filipino martial arts taught by James in the 5 Rings Martial Art Program is based on the Inosanto blend, drawing from 26 primary sources.

Magulang Na Guro Dan Inosanto has generously passed on his knowledge from the amazing people that he spent his life training under. James will continue to pass on the knowledge by helping his students in 12 main categories, including,

  • single stick
  • double stick
  • stick & dagger
  • double dagger
  • panatukan (Filipino boxing)
  • Sikaran (Filipino kicking methods)
  • Kuntao & Silat
  • Edged weapons
  • Dumog (grappling techinques)
  • Takedowns, throws and control tactics

The Martial Traditions of the Philippines have been In the US since the 1500′s, and contain something that will benefit everyone, young or old, no matter their physical ability. As a self-defense method, the Filipino Martial methods are uniquely effective for both “group attack” and single opponent encounters.

The training methods employed develop and heighten peoples awareness of their surroundings and enables them to use their environment as tools of defense and offense. Everyday objects, umbrellas, hand bags, pens, books, scarfs, etc., become effective means of self-defense in the hands of an educated and proficient person. Being equally capable of using the left or right hand to execute techniques develops coordination of the body and mind. The training methods enable fluid, uninterrupted “flow” of techniques that develop a students natural abilities while improving on their timing, speed, awareness, balance, agility, and inspiring the confidence to walk fearlessly through their days.

James is also a Certified Trainer of Empty hands and Knife techniques of the Pekiti Tirsia Intl System of Kali under Tuhon William McGrath and can give “cutting edge” strategies for dealing with edged weapons that were born on the battlefields and have survived because of their effectiveness.

“Pekiti-Tirsia is a Filipino Martial Art developed by the Tortal family of Negros, an island in the central Visayan region of the Philippines and brought to the U.S. in 1972 by Grand Master Leo Tortal Gaje. In the Illongo dialect of Visayan, Pekiti-Tirsia literally means Close-Thirds; in the west we would say Close-Quarters; or as Grand Master Gaje likes to paraphrase it you cut him up small, up close

Pekiti-Tirsia International System of Kali is composed of 5 main weapons categories:

  • Solo – Single stick, sword or spear.

  • Doble – Double stick or sword.

  • Espada y Daga – Sword and Dagger.

  • Daga y Daga – Knife to Knife (both single and double).

  • Mano y Mano – Hand to Hand.

Pekiti-Tirsia International is based on 3 principles:

  • 3 Ranges – You are taught Close Range first as this is the most dangerous and difficult to master; then Medium, and finally Long.

  • 3 Levels – Along with every attack you are taught several counters to that attack, as well as several re-counters to each counter. You develop the ability to think at least 3 levels ahead in a fight.

  • 3 Opponents – You are taught to be prepared to fight at least 3 opponents; therefore, you don’t spend too much time on any one opponent.

“In the field of strategic knife defense, the Pekiti-Tirsia System of Kali is one of the most progressive, practical and sophisticated systems of tactical knife self-defense and edged weapon awareness that I have encountered.” Guro Dan Inosanto

“Leo Gaje, his art is based on the blade and may just have more street realism then any other.” Inside Kung Fu magazine, February 1981″

For more information regarding the 5 Rings Martial Program contact James using the contact form at the bottom of the page and find out how he can help you by developing a program for your needs or by bringing him to your facility for a demonstration or seminar.