Skip to content
Diamond Fights · Sat Oct 24, 3 PM · Details
DiamondheartDIAMONDHEARTSTRIKING & GRAPPLING
Free Trial

Home / Events / Kali/Escrima Workshop

Two students cross sticks in a Kali drill inside the cage at Diamondheart in Bushwick, Brooklyn

Beyond Muay Thai Striking Workshops

Introduction to Kali/Escrima Workshop

The Filipino art of angles, timing, and movement

When: Saturday, October 3, 12 PM to 2 PM

What: A two-hour introduction to Kali/Escrima

Cost: $25 Members | $35 Non-Members

Where:Diamondheart Striking & Grappling
67 Ingraham St, Brooklyn, NY 11237

We're excited to host an Introduction to Kali/Escrima Workshop on Saturday, October 3 from 12 PM to 2 PM at Diamondheart!

Kali is a Filipino martial art that uses sticks to teach movement, timing, and angles. The sticks are just the vehicle. What you're really learning is how to move, how to find openings, and how to react faster under pressure.

In this workshop we'll cover fundamental footwork, striking patterns, sensitivity drills, partner flow drills, and basic stick disarms. You'll see how training with a stick sharpens coordination and awareness in ways that carry directly into Muay Thai.

This is not a choreography class or a history lesson. Expect to move, work with partners, and get hands-on experience with the concepts that make Kali such an effective training method.

Beginner-friendly and open to anyone curious about Filipino Martial Arts. Sticks will be provided, but feel free to bring your own.

Led by Coach Tony Chong. A Brooklyn native, Tony started training at 15 in Buddha Hand Wing Chun under Sifu Henry Leung and has since trained across Wushu, Kyusho Jitsu, Jeet Kune Do, Kali, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Years as a professional instructor and trainer at martial arts academies and studios built the eye for detail he brings to Kali: he teaches the stick first, because it makes angles, timing, and distance easy to see, then shows you the same movement empty-handed and inside your Muay Thai.

Space is limited. Come learn something new, move a little, and hit stuff with us.

DM @diamondheart_sg or @mistertony_hits_n_hugs for sign-up info or additional questions.

DM to Sign UpGet Directions

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Kali?

Kali is a Filipino martial art that uses sticks as a training tool to develop timing, coordination, footwork, and striking angles. The principles learned with a stick transfer directly to empty-hand striking, helping practitioners move more efficiently and react more effectively under pressure.

2. What will we learn in the workshop?

Participants will be introduced to fundamental Kali concepts including:

  • Footwork and movement patterns
  • Striking angles and targeting
  • Timing and distance management
  • Sensitivity and reaction drills
  • Basic partner flow drills
  • Defensive movements and entries
  • Introductory stick disarms
  • How Kali concepts apply to Muay Thai and other striking arts

3. Does Kali help my Muay Thai?

Kali develops footwork, hand speed, timing, coordination, and angle recognition. Training with sticks makes these concepts easier to see and feel, helping you find new openings for punches, elbows, knees, and kicks. Many practitioners find that Kali improves their movement, rhythm, and overall fight IQ.

That's exactly why it's part of the Beyond Muay Thai workshop series.

4. Do we actually train with weapons?

You'll use training sticks from the beginning of the workshop. Kali teaches movement and striking concepts through the stick first because it makes angles, timing, and distance easier to understand. The same principles can then be applied directly to empty-hand training.

5. What equipment do I need?

Sticks will be provided, so you don't need to buy anything to take part. Please bring:

  • Athletic clothing suitable for movement and partner drills
  • Water and any training gear you normally use
  • Your own Kali sticks if you have them (optional; two 26-28 inch sticks, see the gear list)

No prior Kali experience is necessary. All levels are welcome.

Gear list