Sayoc Kali – The All Blade, All the Time Filipino Martial Arts System
Many people in the martial arts community, especially the filipino martial arts (FMA), are familiar with the Sayoc Kali motto, “All Blade, All the Time.” Bringing a world-class blade system to the public was why Sayoc Kali was created. It is our primary “niche” in the martial arts world and it what we are most well-known for.
But why the blade? And why all the time?
It comes down to culture, mindset, and methods. The blade is a tool that teaches all of these things.
Culture
“Before the blade, humans were the prey.” – Tuhon Rafael Kayanan
Why not “All Guns, All the Time”? After the blunt stone, the blade is the fundamental weapons technology that allowed humans, along with our big brains, to not only survive, but become the hunters. The blade started our move to the top of the food chain.
The gun is a higher evolution to weapons technology. But that higher order technology makes a gun less accessible than a blade. A “blade” is anything that punctures or separates. A blade can be fashioned from almost anything. Therefore, it is something that can, and should, always be with us.
Mindset
Why not “Always be Ready”? Being “ready” does seem to cover everything else including blades, doesn’t it. But what is readiness? What are you ready for? Are you ready for a fist-fight with a “drunk guy at the bar?” Or are you ready for a fight for your life against 3 armed thugs who just kicked in your door? Or do you even realize you, yourself, are orchestrating the events that are leading up to your business being shut down and your reputation ruined? Were you ready for that?
If the blade is the cultural physical cornerstone of weapons technology, it is also the metaphorical psychological cornerstone for mindset and Readiness.
The blade teaches us that life is not a fist-fight. It is a fight to the death. It teaches us that our actions have consequences and that winning is really the only option.
You can learn about the Sayoc Readiness Triangle from a qualified instructor.
Method
Why not “All Training, All the Time?” What are you training for? What are you trying to accomplish?
If the blade was the fundamental weapon, it was also the fundamental tool that allowed humans to do things faster, to become more productive. It allowed us to fashion different tools, specific to different jobs. It freed our minds to discover a better future.
NEXT: Sayoc Blade Protocols –>