Discerning the difference between krav maga and kali can be challenging. Both martial arts systems utilize quick, explosive punches and parries to punish and redirect armed and unarmed assailants. Both systems stress closing in on an assailant and bringing the elbows, knees and even the head into the fray as weapons. Both systems have developed complex attack and defense protocols using the knife. The two arts diverge in how the knives are used. Beyond the knife, krav maga practitioners are trained to use a range of improvised weapons, including chairs, bottles and even pool cues. Kail practitioners are proud to draw from a range of historical weapons, specifically the rattan cane and the serpentine blade, otherwise known as the "kris." The weapons are the telltale accoutrements that can inform the spectator as to which martial art is being performed.
Armed Combat or Practice
Step 1
Observe the practitioners carefully from a safe distance.
Step 2
Make a note on the weapons being used, such as a kris or rattan cane.
Step 3
Note how the practitioners are wielding their knives, if they have knives. Kali practitioners tend to hold their knives in a downward stabbing position, with the back of the knife in line with their forearm, the blade facing the opponent. Krav maga practitioners hold their knives with a more conventional grip -- the point of the blade facing the opponent.
Step 4
Observe how the knife is used when attacking. Kali stresses slashing techniques, followed by stabbing techniques. Krav maga tends to favor the stab over the slash.
Step 5
Count the number of techniques used before the opponent is either disarmed or dispatched. Kali practitioners generally use two to three feints, parries or traps to bypass an opponent's defenses. Krav maga practitioners are trained to rely less on feints and more on direct attacks, even if that means attacking the opponent's attacking arm.
Unarmed Combat or Practice
Step 1
Observe the combatants from a safe distance.
Step 2
Note how the combatants react after a punch is thrown at them. A Kali practitioner seeks to parry and trap his opponent, possibly leveraging a knee strike to unbalance the foe. A Krav maga practitioner will seek to put down his opponent using the fewest techniques in the least amount of time.
Step 3
Watch how the combatants maneuver for a takedown. Kali practitioners generally sweep the back of an opponent's leg or use a joint lock to bring someone down. Krav maga practitioners use unconventional throws and takedowns, in some instances grabbing an opponent by the waist and dropping him to the floor.
Step 4
Check the combatant's reaction once his opponent is down. Kali practitioners will not generally attack an opponent once he has hit the ground, as a matter of honor. A krav maga practitioner is trained to follow up on all downed opponents. This typically consists of a series of kicks to the opponent's head or groin, or a possible joint break.
Tips and Warnings
- Kali is an archaic term. Most practitioners of Filipino martial arts call the art eskrima or arnis. Both arts stress simplicity and the minimal expenditure of energy. Only krav maga stresses the axiom: "Whatever works faster."
- Always show proper respect for the practitioners and their training hall or studio.
Things You'll Need
- 1 pen or pencil
- 1 journal or notepad
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