Kali Double Stick Training

Is it necessary?

Over the years I've heard many comments that double stick training is obsolete. "You'll never be carrying two sticks when someone attacks you, and you'll never be attacked by someone with two sticks, so why bother", I've been told. Many Filipino martial Arts will neglect or outright ignore double stick training. However it would be wise for the modern practitioner to include this type of training no matter what style they practice. It is necessary in developing empty hand skills and for overall mastery of the Filipino Martial Arts.

Sifu Jon Rister demonstrating a double stick technique with sifu Risto Hietala.

I've also been told: "I Don't need to train with double stick, i train empty hand, both left and right leads". Or "I only train with knives". Training empty hand skills on both the right and left leads will not give you the same benefits as double stick. If you train with knives, then double stick training will allow you to develop skills that prevent you from cutting yourself. Double stick training will also help you develop you single stick skills as well.

Siniwali or dubli baston exercises provide the practitioner with drills and exercises that develop certain neuromuscular connections that aid in left and right brain communication, muscle memory, and independent coordination. This allows the practitioner to operate to achieve high levels of skill, and perform multiple tasks without undo thought. These skills are developed through multi level, angle striking drills while moving in rhythm with training partner and the ability to break rhythm at will.

Beyond the physical skills, coordination, neuromuscular benefits of double stick training, is another more intangible reward to the practitioner. The gift of 'unconscious action' is the ultimate benefit of double stick training. Almost all forms of weapons training will develop this, however I have noticed all my students who practice the double stick drills I will present to you here have increased skill levels and developed at a much faster rate.

This 'unconscious action' happens only when the practitioner is completely focused on the activity they are involved in that all thought is lost. They are acting, reacting and flowing in complete harmony. They achieve levels of conscious and unconscious development and skill. It reaches to a level where 'I am no longer doing this, but it 's happening through me'. This is the main goal of all exercises and drills. In the end they are merely physical and mental puzzles for you to enjoy while you develop your inner spirit.

-Sifu/Guro Jon Rister

Sifu/Guro Jon Rister is a practicing instructor at the Wu Hsin Kuen Martial Arts Academy in Irving Texas. He has over 15 years experience teaching and has an affiliate school in Finland. He currently is continuing his studies under Sifu Francis Fong and Guro Dan Inosanto.