Kali Drills For Aikido - Autrelle Holland 2012

Aikido and Kali appear to be two very different arts on the surface, but they are actually very similar when you understand the training methods. Both are based on the proficient use of edged weapons. In Aikido, this is the sword. In Kali, it is the machete or knife. Any art based on the use of the weapon means that the attributes of timing, distance, and proper angles take precedence over strength or speed. For example, if a 200 pound man and a 100 pound woman have a fight with swords, there is no such thing as the man being stronger and having the advantage. Transferring those ideas to empty hand practice means that an aikidoka can easily cope with stronger and multiple attackers. They are also principle based arts. That means that although there are clear and definite techniques, they serve the higher purpose of illuminating principles that allow the martial artist to create techniques freely on the spot. This is called takemusu in Aikido.

Where they differ is interesting. The main weapons in Aikido are the bokken and the jo, two handed weapons. Kali uses literally anything as a weapon, but they specialize in one handed weapons, such as the machete, stick, and dagger. Often they will train with a weapon in each hand. The weapons in Aikido build power and speedy footwork, the hands function almost unilaterally, building a strong understanding of coordination of the left and right sides moving together. The weapons in Kali, especially when a weapon is used in each hand, develops bilateral coordination, building skilled simultaneous use of each hand. Miyamoto Musashi, one of Japan's most famous sword fighters, was a big advocate being able to use a weapon freely in either hand. Sokaku Takeda, master of Daito Ryu Aiki Jujutsu, was rumored to be ambidextrous. It was said that even when he used only one sword, he would freely switch between left and right hand grips. Additionally, there are several arts that play a role in traditional Aiki arts, but are omitted in modern Aikido. These arts include jutte, hanbo, tanto, tessen, and shuriken. Old martial arts placed a heavy emphasis on being able to fight with any weapon, and in all ranges, including ground grappling and multiple opponents.

Kali has a number of exercises that can easily be practiced by anyone, including aikidoka. One such exercise is called higot hubud lubud, or just hubud for short. Hubud means “to tie and untie” and refers to the way the your hands mix with the hands of an opponent in combat. Hubud is a set of drills that teach sensitivity and awareness, is practiced with the stick, knife, or empty hand; it has as many as 30 basic variations. In Aikido for example, there is a practice where the attacker gives a single strike, say yokomenuchi, from the distance of one step away. So as long as your attacker as to step in, and gives a committed strike, everything is great. However, when you attacker that is already in range to attack, or is trying to hit you with multiple, flowing strikes, this training method might not be enough. Hubud teaches you, through sensitivity and awareness, to find opportunity for your techniques, no matter what your art is.

Hubud is a back and forth practice between two partners. Both partners come together to help each other progress. It is three movements practiced in a cycle, over and over. To start hubud, your partner will face you directly, feet side by side and comfortably apart, and deliver a yokomenuchi attack with the right hand. From here, the three count drill begins. On the first count, you use your left hand to meet the strike. Notice that you meet the strike, not block it. When you do this slowly, at first it seems like you a blocking a strike, followed by another action, but in reality you are learning to let the strike flow past you. Your left hand meets the strike on the first motion. On the second motion, your right hand come up from below the strike and follows behind the strike, effectively passing the the strike pass by you. On the third motion, your left hand makes a check on the striking hand at the elbow. This continuous contact with the striking limb at all three stages is what makes hubud effective. First, you are using your hands in tandem. Left, right, then left...after that you start the cycle for your partner by striking with your right hand. By staying in constant contact with your partner throughout the drill, you learn exactly, by feeling and sensitivity, what opportunities are there in the course of a continuous flow.  The hand positions are also instructive. On the one count, you are basically in front of your partner, blocking a strike. At the two count, you become a mirror to your partner, right hand contacting right hand. This is similar to Aikido's shomenuchi. One the three count, your hands are on the outside of your partner's reach. This is where you would begin to look for opportunities for techniques. For example, while in the flow of hubud, on the one count, you might attempt shihonage or kokyunage. On the two count, you might see if iriminage or ikkyo are possible. On the three count, maybe you can try kotegaeshi or kaitennage. After that, see what techniques you can do while you are striking! That means that while your partner is doing the three count, you can still do a technique.

Hubud is a wonderful drill that is easy to learn and provides a lifetime of practice. Sensitivity is one of the few attributes in martial arts that can be practiced forever, unlike certain things like cardio or conditioning. Combining the training methods of similar arts is one way to put a fresh face on familiar techniques as well, breaking up the routine of your everyday practice.


About The Author
Name: Autrelle Holland
Location: Jacksonville, FL, US
Bio: Autrelle Holland has been studying Martial Arts since 1989, beginning with T'ang Soo Do under Song Ki Pak. In 1993, he started training in Aikido under Chris Rozett. Over the years he has continued to add to his knowledge by studying Jiu Jitsu under Thomas Asher, Wing Chun Kung Fu under Travis Taylor, and Kali under Joe Stores. Autrelle has trained with and attended seminars by a number of different instructors in various arts over the years. Most notable are Peter Bernath, Penny Bernath, Grady Lane, Thomas Huffman, Troy Ferguson, T.J. Cooper, Perry Lambert, Katrina Reti, Ward Wilson, Patricia Hendricks, Stephanie Yap, and Anthony Arnett. His current practice emphasizes the high technical skill of throwing and receiving throws, realistic application and practice of Aikido techniques, and integrated weapons practice. He continues to study Kali under the direct tutelage of Guru Sean Hurst, and is currently graded Guro Level 3 Instructor. In addition to teaching Martial Arts, he has also taught several self defense classes for the Jacksonville community. Autrelle has also given free private instruction to members of the Jacksonville's Sheriff Office.