Sayoc Kali

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Sayoc Kali is a knife-based style of Kali. It is a family system, headed by Christopher Sayoc, Sr.. The motto of the style is, "All Blade, All the Time" .

Sayoc Kali is also taught as part of the more general Sayoc Fighting System, which includes the sword, stick, tomahawk and whip. The Kerambit may also be used. Sayoc Kali emphasizes the correct and effective use of the blade, including single knife, multiple knives, projectiles, and secondary support to firearms. The empty hand training is called Sayoc Silak.

Sayoc Kali prides itself as a constantly evolving system. The Sayoc family was host to the largest wave of Filipino Martial Arts masters arriving at the east coast of the United States during the 1970's. This gave them the brief opportunity to be influenced by styles such as Doce Pares, Pekiti Tirsia, and Dan Inosanto amongst numerous others. However, Sayoc Kali's evolution did not halt in the 1970's. The rich history of the Sayoc family, and their involvement in the security, law enforcement and military fields for the past thirty years has greatly altered their perspective and revolutionary approach to the blade. Some say Sayoc Kali is, "A highly evolved Filipino Martial Art".

Sayoc Tactical Group is Sayoc Kali's military and law enforcement division. Sayoc Combat Choreography is Sayoc Kali's entertainment group. They have trained actors, advised technical aspects of knife and weapon usage as well as choreographed fight scenes for films such as The Hunted and Confessions of a Dangerous Mind.

Sayoc Kali is headed by Chris Sayoc, Sr. His father, retired correctionals officer and former head of the Sayoc system Baltazar "Bo" Sayoc retired from full time martial arts teaching in the late 90's. Master Level Sayoc instructors, all with over twenty years experience respectively are Felix Cortes, Ray Dionaldo, Rafael Kayanan, Ricardo Kayanan and Thomas Kier.

Grand Tuhon "Bo" Sayoc passed away on January 3rd, 2007 at his home in the Philippines.