--- title: "Filipino Martial Arts Classes: Learn Stick & Blade Defense" description: "Master practical Filipino Martial Arts in Mumbai. Learn Kali, Eskrima, and blade defense techniques for real-world survival. Join hands-on training to build reaction, speed, and confidence with Sensei Hemaal Shah." canonical: https://mytribe.in/fightingfitindia/weapon-based-martial-arts/filipino-martial-arts-the-art-of-stick-blade last_updated: 2025-09-30 --- # Filipino Martial Arts: Practical Stick & Blade Training Tribe Verified · 28 years of martial arts experience. By [Hemaal Shah](https://mytribe.in/fightingfitindia) · Classes at Bandra West dojo and outdoors in Powai · ₹1,500 per workshop (estimate) Part of [Weapon-Based Martial Arts](https://mytribe.in/fightingfitindia/weapon-based-martial-arts). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/fightingfitindia/weapon-based-martial-arts/gallery) Real-world defense training in Kali, Arnis, and Eskrima. We teach you how to use sticks, blades, and empty-hand techniques to handle unpredictable situations with speed and precision. ## Photos and videos - [Video: Blades clash, eyes lock. This is not a sport, it's a drill for survival. We practice knife fighting techniques to prepare you for the most serious threats.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e33eb58c-3709-45c7-b7ed-aa59822314a4) - [Video: Here, my students are practicing stick fighting drills. Notice the focus and footwork, which are essential for maintaining distance and generating power in a confrontation.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0dd203e4-7d97-4a02-a3dd-0e81a89a4a3f) - [Video: A glimpse into our outdoor training sessions. We practice various stick and empty-hand drills, ensuring our skills are adaptable to any environment, not just a padded dojo.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ea0e65c4-80c5-4a3d-8cd2-ef3f2c5d04a2) - ![The stick is just a tool. The real weapon is the warrior holding it. My training is designed to bring out the necessary reactions you need to have during combat.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/12229a56-9ef4-4fd0-8f06-39ca5dc98815) - ![Our 'Friday Fight Your Fear' sessions focus on building confidence through drills with gloves, pads, sticks, and training knives. This helps you understand your own speed and power under pressure.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3a2b2564-0f23-49f4-8cbd-ecbeb5b8c952) - ![These are some of the wooden training knives we use. They are designed to be safe for practice while simulating the feel of a real blade, allowing for realistic defense training.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/034eae60-bb32-44f0-b4f7-6125b6545a2c) - ![A closer look at the craftsmanship of our training blades. Each one is carefully made to ensure safety and durability during our rigorous knife defense drills.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7c10b35d-76c5-4ce1-b700-e5ce4df71773) - ![The markings on these training knives are inspired by different warrior cultures. It's a reminder of the history and tradition behind the martial arts we practice.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6dd2f644-42ae-4a25-a967-bfd292c582b6) - ![A collection of our training tools. Understanding how a weapon works is the first step to learning how to defend against it effectively.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/62e7f4ee-7643-4600-a623-47835b1b69ae) - ![I often add motivational words to our training tools. It's a small reminder to strengthen your faith in yourself and embrace the warrior's mindset.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7c8a2e44-e94d-4eff-842f-a9777d22a834) ## About Filipino Martial Arts: The Art of Stick & Blade You might think sticks are just wood, but here, they are tools to train your reflexes for real-world threats. We do not do point-scoring or stylized performance. Every drill we run in Bandra or Powai is designed to build the raw muscle memory you need to handle a weapon, or defend against one, when the pressure is actually on. At Fighting Fit, my approach to Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) is rooted in the Shinkali method—a system I developed by blending Filipino Kali, Arnis, and Eskrima with Japanese disciplines. The goal is simple: you learn to be your own bodyguard. ### Why Stick and Blade? In a real-world confrontation, you do not get to pick the rules. We train with single and double sticks (Sinawali drills) not just for the sake of the art, but to teach your hands to move faster than your brain can think. When you master the angles of attack with a stick, your empty-hand defense naturally becomes sharper. ### The Training Reality We don't train in sterile, air-conditioned gyms. Whether we are on the concrete flooring at our Bandra school compound or training in the dirt at Mahajan Forest Park in Powai, the environment forces you to adapt. You learn to handle weapons in different terrains, improving your balance and situational awareness. ### Core Curriculum Highlights * **Kali & Arnis Mechanics:** Focus on striking angles, footwork, and range control. * **Blade Awareness:** We use wooden training knives to simulate real-world blade threats, teaching you how to disarm and evade safely. * **Pressure Testing:** Our 'Friday Fight Your Fear' sessions are where you take what you learned and put it into stress drills. You will work with focus pads, gloves, and training weapons to see what actually works when your adrenaline spikes. This training is inclusive. I have students from all walks of life, from 18 to 80. If you have the will to learn, we will find a way to adapt the techniques to your strength. This is not about being a gym freak; it is about knowing how to protect yourself when it matters most. ## About Hemaal Shah I am Hemaal Shah, and I have spent 28 years learning that martial arts is not about trophies—it is about survival. Whether you are a complete beginner or looking to sharpen your edge, I will teach you how to handle yourself so you can walk through life with confidence. [See all of Hemaal Shah's services](https://mytribe.in/fightingfitindia) ## More from Weapon-Based Martial Arts by Hemaal Shah - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/fightingfitindia/weapon-based-martial-arts/featured) - [Immersive Training: Workshops & Camps](https://mytribe.in/fightingfitindia/weapon-based-martial-arts/immersive-training-workshops-camps) - [For Everyone: Be Your Own Bodyguard](https://mytribe.in/fightingfitindia/weapon-based-martial-arts/for-everyone-be-your-own-bodyguard) - [Beyond the Dojo: Adventure Training](https://mytribe.in/fightingfitindia/weapon-based-martial-arts/beyond-the-dojo-adventure-training) - [Proven in the Arena: Competitions & Grading](https://mytribe.in/fightingfitindia/weapon-based-martial-arts/proven-in-the-arena-competitions-grading) - [Our Integrated System: K3 & Combatives](https://mytribe.in/fightingfitindia/weapon-based-martial-arts/our-integrated-system-k3-combatives) - [Community & Outreach](https://mytribe.in/fightingfitindia/weapon-based-martial-arts/community-outreach) ## More services by Hemaal Shah - [Combat Fitness & Conditioning](https://mytribe.in/fightingfitindia/combat-fitness-conditioning) - [Specialized Workshops & Training Camps](https://mytribe.in/fightingfitindia/specialized-workshops-training-camps) - [Practical Self-Defense Training](https://mytribe.in/fightingfitindia/practical-self-defense-training) ## Similar work from other experts - [Weapons Training: Shaolin Staff and Eskrima](https://mytribe.in/damoshaolinkungfu/combat-sports-self-defense/weapons-training-eskrima-staff) by Shi Yan Xiang · Combat Sports & Self-Defense · Online classes and at school in Shahpur Jat, New Delhi - [Weapon Defense and Situational Control Training](https://mytribe.in/xffofficial/self-defense-training/weapon-defense-control-the-threat) by Shafiq Shaikh · Self-Defense Training · At 4 studios across Mumbai & Navi Mumbai; Travels to client's location - [Practical Self-Defense and Weapons Training in Bangalore](https://mytribe.in/farhanxmf_01/martial-arts-training/specialized-skills-self-defense-weapons) by XMF Martial Arts · Martial Arts Training · Available Online; Training at studios & parks in Jayanagar, Frazer Town & S.G. 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