Kali comfort range

[medic]

I read that you train in all three ranges in your style of Kali. Are the Albo practitioners more comfortable in one of these ranges, ie Balintawak is Corto.

[KaliGman]

Albo Kali Silat trains in all ranges and emphasizes fighting in the vertical plane as well. Combat is fluid, and you cannot always dictate range. Terrain, weaponry involved, skill level of the opponent, art/techniques utilized by the opponent, and other factors can determine what range you may be in during some or all of the engagement. For example, if you face a man armed with a tire iron and you have a Surefire flashlight that you are using as a palm stick, the opponent may launch an unprovoked and surprise attack in medio range (for his weapon) while you are in largo range (for your weapon) during this initial stage of the engagement.

We work all ranges. Of course, most practitioners develop a "favorite" range. I insist on work in all ranges, though, as the art involves the ability to fight no matter how you are attacked. Corto fighting, grappling with and without weapons, etc. is all in the system. So is some largo "long range sniping" work with the baston, the blade, and the empty hand. A very skilled practitoner of any FMA will be able to dictate range, most of the time, in most conflicts, unless facing an equally skilled opponent or suffering from a damaged limb or working in slippery terrain (or in heavy body armor--SWAT armor and gear wears you down after awhile and restricts movement). I have no problem with systems that focus on one specific range. Many, many FMA students and teachers can make that work for them most of the time. It is just not the way we do it in Albo Kali Silat. We have a way, not the way of being effective in combat. I know our system works well, in the training academy and, more importantly, on the street. Is it the best system for everyone? No, I really don't believe that one system can be all things to all people. As we say, your mileage may vary.

[PG Michael B]

Excellent analysis on range kuya. I feel the same way. Some covet and perform best at a certain range but what I have found over my years and having survived far to many nasty encounters is this:...It never goes down like the training reflects..it is nasty and comes out spitting venom. We as practitioners cannot determine what is coming. Life throws so many variables at us that it is unexplainable at best. BaHad Zu'Bu like Albo Kali/Silat believes that a player must be well versed in all five ranges:

1. largo
2. corto
3. medio
4. grapple
5. projectile



To be over prepared as opposed to under is the smart choice...Under is a place that leads to Q & O's and a wooden box ~ MOI

[gagimilo]

In my view, one's favorite range should always be the one that the opponent is least comfortable in. Of course, if there is any choice... One thing that comes to mind in regards of having a favorite range, is that sooo many people spend the majority of their training in that one, because it's most fun for them, without doubt.
I, on the other hand, try to really stress in my training the things that I am the least comfortable with, since that is certainly where my weaknesses are most probable to show.

[medic]

Thanks for the replies, those were the ones I thought I would get. I also think it is important to train in all ranges but some arts emphasize one range more than others. I am not implying that they cannot handle themselves in the others, but just prefer one.

[Shaun]

Good replies. There is only one thing I would add. Corto is a great range to work at(and fun),It is IMHO,the one range to avoid (where possible).The reason for this is when you are at this range,by the time you see the blade(if you do),it may be too late.