The Arts We Teach

Understanding that no art is in and of itself complete, we teach and coach in several arts that we have found work well together. This approach allows students to not only focus on different material as their training needs dictate, but also to allow them to become more well rounded in their skills giving them confidence and an understanding of multiple ranges of combat and weaponry awareness.

Kali (a.k.a. Escrima, Arnis)
Kali, the martial art most closely associated with the Philippines, is one of the most complete, efficient, and sophisticated arts currently practiced today. It encompasses both empty handed training as well as weaponry from the very beginning, as the concepts and principles are highly fluid between these two areas.

Armed or unarmed, the student learns to relate to all situations using the same concepts of body angling, positioning and flowing. Known mainly for its use of weapons, Kali develops attributes such as speed, agility, timing, body mechanics, and left and right side neuromuscular coordination.

The family system at the gym's core is the Inosanto / LaCoste blend. This is passed down to us through the late Sifu Terry Gibson and Guro Dan Inosanto. It is based on Guro's years of study in Filipino Martial Arts and the unique influence his teacher Guro John LaCoste had on his training.

Silat
Much like Kali or Escrima is now used as a general reference to the Filipino Martial Arts, Pentjak Silat or Pencak Silat is more often than not used to reference the fighting arts of Indonesia in general. In truth there has been a great exchange of material between the two areas and they are considered 'sister arts' by some.

Pencak Silat is an exceptional art, especially when paired with its sister art Kali. It includes an array of sweeps, throws, locks, and breaks that used at the correct time in combat can have devastating impact. Its hands on manipulation of an opponent's body mass has few peers in the martial arts world. Silat also includes many effective weapon training methods as well, including edged and flexible weapons to name just a few.

Our Pencak Silat lineage is derived from three principle sources, Sifu Terry Gibson, Guro Dan Inosanto, and the late Herman Suwanda.

Muay Thai (Thai Boxing)
Muay Thai, the national sport of Thailand, is one of the most rugged and durable martial arts you can add to your training. Sometimes known as 'the art of the eight limbs' due to its using the arms, legs, elbows, and knees, Muay Thai is thought of most often as a competition ring art or sport. There is so much more to understand however, that applies directly to the street and self-defense situations.

The training methods of Muay Thai are some of the most effective methods in the world. The use of "Thai Pads" and focus mitts allow the fighter to develop power, focus, distance, and correct defensive movements.

In Thai Boxing speed and power are generated with proper form and body mechanics and are drilled over and over again until reflexive. With a focus on impact training on a variety of training tools and interaction with coaches and training partners the Thai Boxer is equipped to fight at most ranges with an intensity most people have never experienced.

Our training is this art derived from several sources including Sifu Terry Gibson, Ajarn Chai Sirisute, Guro Dan Inosanto, and Derek's personal experiences in Thailand.