Ángkan Felices Kaliradman

Angkán Felices Kaliradman is a combat system from the Philippines and therefore belongs in the category of Filipino Martial Arts (FMA). The word "Kali" or "Kaliradman" comes from the Malay. You might also have heard other terms such as "Escrima" and "Arnis", which are probably derived from the Spanish, to describe something similar to Kaliradman. Angkán Felices Kaliradman means " Kaliradman of the Felices family". It is a system which can look back on centuries of tradition. Before the arrival of the Spaniards - before the inhabitants of the Philippines became "Filipinos" - Kaliradman was used for intertribal warfare. Later it was used against both the Spanish invaders who were battled with sticks, swords and knives, and against the American colonials.

For more indepth information about FMA in general please see what Wikipedia has to say.

It is said that the US Marines have their nickname "leather necks" thanks to the Filipinos. In an attempt to protect themselves from philippine swords, the Marines bound their necks with leather scarves.

Over the years Kaliradman has developed into a comprehensive fighting system, which can be carried out with sticks (long or short), swords, knives or mano-mano (empty hands).

In the Philippines - where it is still taught at all - it is traditional for children to start learning Kaliradman with real swords and knives (Balisong). The order of learning first with swords and knives, then with sticks and finally how to fight "mano-mano" - with empty hands, is peculiar to Kaliradman. Bearing in mind that we are in Western Europe where you can never be too careful or too aware of Health and Safety, we start off in BODYSHOCK with only sticks. Our advanced students are later taught how to use swords and knives.

Who can do Angkán Felices Kaliradman?

Thanks to the use of weapons - the sticks - Angkán Felices Kaliradman is suitable for men, women and children. The sticks tend to even things out a bit. Believe us, a two-year old swinging a stick can instil fear in a grown man (we KNOW what we're talking about!!). When learning Kaliradman you need to rely less on strength and more on precise, controlled movements. Or do fancy the idea of your training partner swinging his/her sticks around like a manic windmill? We have discovered that Angkán Felices Kaliradman is very popular with children because it has an element of real excitement to it and the wonderful sound of sticks clacking.

What do I need to join in Angkán Felices Kaliradman training?

Just comfortably fitting clothes, no shoes. Once you know you want to stay with it, you can get your own sticks and uniform (traditional Philippine dress, which of course isn't a dress, but a skirt!!).

There is no need to buy protective gear such as a helmet or body armour unless you're a big wuss. If you're really unsure you could invest in a pair of cricket or ice hockey gloves, but we guarantee you'll learn fastest without the protection. A certain vulnerabliity tends to speed up one's reaction time, to put it mildly.

What about competitions and tournaments?

BODYSHOCK takes any opportunity to attend tournaments. However, these are few and far between in Germany and quite often tend to devolve into duracell bunny-type whacking contests (due to ALL THE PROTECTION). We have participated very successfully in tournaments by performing sayaw (Kaliradman forms).

Do I have to fight?

Of course...nooot! That's for everyone to decide for him/herself!

When is Felices Kaliradman training in BODYSHOCK?

  • Monday from 7:30 pm until 9:00 pm

  • Wednesday from 7:30 pm until 9:00 pm

  • Thursday from 4:15 pm until 5:15 pm (Children's Class)

See our Class Schedule!

What exactly are the benefits of doing Angkán Felices Kaliradman Training?

It will help

  • teach you how to behave around an armed person

  • reduce your fear of an opponent or aggressor, whether he is armed or not

  • teach you to respect weapons

  • open your eyes to another culture and another way of thinking

  • will dramatically improve your hand-eye coordination

  • increase your reaction time, speed and agility

  • make you fit

  • you have fun and therefore relax after a hard day's work

How about children ?

On Thursdays we offer a Children's Class which incorporates many aspects of Angkàn Felices Kaliradman. The class is from 4:15 pm until 5:15 pm. We have sticks to lend children who are interested. We will expect a lot from your child which tends to be a self-fulfilling prophecy. Your child will be challenged but we guarantee s/he'll have lots of fun, too. Most children who try it out because they really want to stay.

Anything else?

Nah. Just come along to a free tryout or two and see if it's all we claim it is. Please fill in this Free Tryout Form and bring it along with you to BODYSHOCK.