Sweat, work and a dance of defense takes place every Saturday at 4:15 p.m. from Nov. 1 to Dec. 20 under instructor Patrick Folker, a practitioner of Kali.
Folker teaches Kali, a Filipino form of martial art and self-defense, at the SOKY Center to help share the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits with the community. This form of self-defense focuses on disarming aggressors with weapons, changing a life-threatening, physical conflict to an open hand exchange.
“I see it as very practical,” Folker said. “Now, granted, some of the stuff that we do is very flamboyant and very flashy…but that’s because of the history behind it.”
Folker said Kali was originally developed in secret by the Filipino natives who were being colonized by the Spanish. All forms of martial art were banned by the Spanish at the time, so practitioners integrated martial art techniques into traditional dances and cultural performances in a seemingly harmless form.
However, in the scenario of an armed conflict, practitioners of Kali don’t just train with their hands alone.
“I don’t carry any weapons on me, but I could find a weapon, I could find a bottle, I could find a stick, I could find a rock…all of that applies to what we do,” Folker said.
To Folker, training with escrima sticks – a conventional wooden rod – in a range of differing sizes can prepare one to utilize their environment in defense of oneself. Whether there may be a bottle, rock, or stick available nearby, training with escrima prepares one to use anything as an object of self-defense.
While Kali emphasized physical technique, Kali also explores themes of spirituality and mental health in a physical way.
Folker said martial arts gives practitioners a space to have that physical contact, exercise, and work with their friends; even getting out of the ring from a fight, you get to laugh and shake hands afterwards.
“It’s just good to get out there, challenge yourself and have an avenue for play and physical creativity.” Todd Noffsinger, an attendee, said
The SOKY Center also offers other activities to participate with the community such as salsa, yoga and improv classes.
