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The Abecedario is a part of the Inosanto LaCoste Kali training system and consists of twelve phases in which one side continues to hit (feed) while the other side defends and reacts with counterattacks.
It is analogous to throwing jokes in baseball.
The Abecedario is a way to develop coordination, precision and timing in attack and defense movements.
It is an essential part of Kali’s training.
The “Abecedario Inosanto Lacoste Kali” is a Philippine martial arts system developed by Dan Inosanto and is part of the 7 ways to train the 12 areas of the Inosanto Lacoste Kali.
It combines elements of various styles of Filipino martial arts, including Kali, Eskrima and Arnis.
The term “Abecedario” refers to the basic alphabet or fundamental techniques of the system.
It is named after the late Guro Ted Lucaylucay, who studied and trained with Dan Inosanto.
The Abecedario Inosanto Lacoste Kali focuses on bare-handed shots, traps, blocks, and weapon-based techniques, using both impact weapons and sharp weapons.
It is known for its practicality and versatility in self-defense situations.
Abecedario is part of the 7 Ways to Train the 12 Areas of Inosanto LaCoste Kali
Here is the list of 7 ways:
- Abecedario: One side feeds continuously, the other side defends and reacts with a counterattack. Similar to throwing jokes at baseball. The Abecedario has twelve phases.
- Contra Sumbrada: a counterattack training method. In other words, you hit me, I defend myself and hit you back, you defend yourself and hit me back, and so on. Similarly to playing ball. The Sumbrada has twelve phases.
- Mix the Abecedario and the Sumbrada.
- Individual training.
- Hit objects.
Sparring
.- Visualization, meditation.
These 12 “areas” are sometimes referred to as “subsystems” due to the fact that each subsystem can be divided into several individual parts, each with its own specific characteristics and personalities.
At the Inosanto Academy they added Muay Thai to Sikaran to make it more complete and adapt its training methods.
Guro Dan Inosanto often uses this system because of its efficient organizational structure.
One of the distinctive features of the Abecedario Inosanto Lacoste Kali is the use of fluid flows of movement and combinations of attacks, which allow you to switch seamlessly between different combat modes.
This dynamic and synergistic approach contributes to increasing:
- speed,
- coordination and
- the accuracy of the attacks.
Training in the Abecedario Inosanto Lacoste Kali may include the use of specific tools, such as combat poles (long sticks) or training knives, to develop mastery of weapons.
In addition, pairwise or group training methods are often used, so that the techniques learned in realistic situations can be put into practice.
Abecedario Inosanto Lacoste Kali offers a rich teaching tradition and continues to be practiced both as a self-defense discipline and as a training system for law enforcement, military and martial arts enthusiasts around the world.
Abecedario Inosanto Lacoste Kali is also known for its emphasis on continuous learning and exploration of different martial disciplines.
Dan Inosanto has studied and integrated elements from various martial arts, such as Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do, Muay Thai, Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and many others.
This open and inclusive mindset has led to the constant evolution of the system, allowing practitioners to adapt to a wide range of combat situations and develop a deeper understanding of martial arts in general.
In addition to physical appearance, Abecedario Inosanto Lacoste Kali also promotes values such as respect, self-control and discipline.
It also encourages the development of a resilient mindset and situational awareness, which are important elements for personal safety.
Martial arts enthusiasts wishing to explore the Abecedario Inosanto Lacoste Kali can look for schools or qualified teachers who offer lessons and training. Attending such classes can provide hands-on experience and the opportunity to gain knowledge from experienced instructors in the system.
Ultimately, the Abecedario Inosanto Lacoste Kali represents a dynamic and comprehensive approach to Philippine martial arts, offering an avenue for self-defense skills, physical well-being, and personal growth.
In addition to these, there are also combinations that involve backward movements, positioning inside or outside the opponent and variations of the previous stages.
The main goal is to develop the ability to react smoothly and adaptably to combat situations.
Abecedario training requires time, dedication and constant practice.
It is an effective way to develop a solid skill base in the Inosanto LaCoste Kali system and prepare for the challenges of real combat.
The twelve phases of the Abecedario
- Abierto (Open): The beginning of the Abecedario, with the basic movements of attack and defense. This phase focuses on the basic movements of attack and defense, which are performed with open arms, ready to respond to situations.
- Atras (Backward): Movements in which you move backwards, both in attack and defense. Here you learn to move backwards, both in attack and defense, maintaining a good position and ready to react.
- Adentro (Inside): Movements that involve positioning oneself inside the opponent to attack or defend oneself. At this stage, the focus is on positioning oneself within the opponent to take advantage of attack opportunities and limit his ability to respond.
- Afuera (Out): Movements that involve positioning oneself outside the opponent to attack or defend oneself. Here you learn to position yourself outside the opponent, trying to gain a tactical advantage and creating opportunities to attack.
- Abierto – Atras (Open – Back): Combination of movements involving the alternation between attack and defense. This combination of movements alternates attack and defense, with backward movements to create space and maintain a secure position.
- Abierto – Adentro (Open – Inside): Combination of movements that involves alternating between attack and defense, with positioning within the opponent. In this phase we work on the combination of attack and defense with positioning within the opponent to better control the situation.
- Abierto – Afuera (Open – Out): Combination of movements that involves alternating between attack and defense, with positioning outside the opponent. Here you learn to combine attack and defense with positioning outside the opponent, trying to gain advantage and create opportunities for attack.
- Atras – Adentro (Back – Inside): A combination of movements involving alternating between backward movements and positioning within the opponent. At this stage, you learn to combine backward movements with positioning within the opponent. This allows you to create space to avoid attacks and at the same time strategically position yourself to strike.
- Atras – Afuera (Back – Out): A combination of movements that involves alternating between backward movements and positioning outside the opponent. Here we work on the combination of backward movements with positioning outside the opponent. This combination can be used to create wider angles of attack and to avoid confinement situations.
- Adentro – Afuera (Inside – Outside): A combination of movements that involves alternating between movements inside and outside the opponent. In this phase, you explore the alternating movement between positioning yourself inside and outside the opponent. This allows you to take advantage of attack opportunities from the inside and maintain distance and security from the outside.
- Abierto – Atras – Adentro (Open – Back – Inside): Combination of movements involving the alternation between attack, defense, backward movements and positioning within the opponent. This combination of movements includes alternating between attack, defense, backward movements and positioning within the opponent. It is a complex phase that requires good coordination and adaptability during combat.
- Abierto – Atras – Afuera (Open – Back – Out): A combination of movements involving alternating between attack, defense, backward movements and positioning outside the opponent. This last phase of the Abecedario involves the alternation between attack, defense, backward movements and positioning outside the opponent. It is a dynamic combination that aims to take advantage of attack opportunities and avoid dangerous situations.
These stages of the Abecedario are used to develop coordination skills, precision and fluidity of movements within the Inosanto LaCoste Kali training system.
The Abecedario is a key part of Inosanto LaCoste Kali’s training and consists of twelve phases that combine attack and defense movements.
These phases are designed to develop coordination, precision, timing and fluidity in movements.
The constant and repeated training of the twelve phases of the Abecedario of Inosanto LaCoste Kali allows you to develop a wide range of skills and competencies in the system.
This training system provides a solid base of knowledge and skills that can be applied in real combat situations, increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of Kali’s techniques.
Importantly, Abecedario is only a part of Inosanto LaCoste Kali’s overall training.
Other aspects include the Contra Sumbrada on which I will make a specific post, individual training, hitting objects, sparring, visualization and meditation.
All these elements combine to create a complete and well-structured system for the development of martial skills in the context of Kali.
How to train
Training in the Abecedario Inosanto Lacoste Kali may vary slightly depending on the instructors and schools, but below I will give you a general overview of the common training modes in this system:
- Warm-up: Each training session begins with a warm-up to prepare the body. This may include stretching exercises, light cardiovascular exercises, and joint mobility movements.
- Fundamentals: The basic techniques of Abecedario Inosanto Lacoste Kali are taught and practiced. This can include basic positions, bare hand strikes, blocks, parries, grips, and basic movements with weapons. Instructors can use pairwise or group training methods to practice the techniques learned.
- Movement flows: Workouts often include sequences of fluid movements called “movement flows.” These flows integrate different techniques and allow you to combine attacks, blocks and grips continuously. The goal is to develop fluidity, coordination and responsiveness in combat.
- Weapon training: The Abecedario Inosanto Lacoste Kali places special emphasis on weapon training. This may include the use of staffs, knives, swords, or other system-specific tools. Weapon training may involve manipulation, defense and attack exercises, and the practice of specific sequences.
- Sparring and Application: In some cases, workouts may include controlled sparring sessions or application of learned techniques in simulated situations. This helps students develop the ability to adapt and apply their skills in realistic contexts.
- Physical conditioning: Training in Abecedario Inosanto Lacoste Kali may also include physical conditioning exercises to develop strength, endurance, agility and power. This can include resistance exercises, sack work, plyometric exercises, and more.
- Technical progression: Workouts tend to be structured gradually, with technical progression leading students to develop more advanced skills over time. It usually starts with the basics, acquiring precision, coordination and control of movements. As students become familiar with the techniques, more complex and combined sequences are introduced.
- Reaction training: The Abecedario Inosanto Lacoste Kali also emphasizes reaction training and adaptability. This may include training exercises where students must respond quickly and appropriately to improvised attack or defense situations.
- Practice of self-defense skills: A key goal of training is the ability to apply the techniques learned in real self-defense situations. Students can participate in role exercises or simulated scenarios that allow them to practice the skills learned and develop confidence in their own self-defense skills.
- Continuous learning: Abecedario Inosanto Lacoste Kali encourages continuous learning and exploration of other martial disciplines. Students may be encouraged to participate in workshops, seminars or trainings to expand their martial knowledge and skills.
Remember that training in the Abecedario Inosanto Lacoste Kali requires commitment, perseverance and patience.
It is important to follow the instructions of qualified instructors, train safely, and adhere to the ethical practices of martial arts.
Remember that training in the Abecedario Inosanto Lacoste Kali requires time, constant practice and the accompaniment of a qualified instructor.
It is important to follow the instructions and progression provided by experts to ensure a safe and effective practice.
However, I can tell you that training in Abecedario Inosanto Lacoste Kali is usually a continuous and progressive process.
Students spend time developing basic skills, honing techniques, and gaining a deeper understanding of the principles of the system.
During training, it is important to practice regularly, work on both physical and mental aspect, and follow the instructor’s orientation for maximum benefits.
Training can involve both individual practice and group exercises, where students can collaborate and learn from each other.
In addition, the Abecedario Inosanto Lacoste Kali encourages the learning and constant exploration of new techniques, styles and approaches to martial arts.
Students are encouraged to expand their knowledge through participation in seminars, workshops and training sessions with masters from other disciplines.
Ultimately, training in Abecedario Inosanto Lacoste Kali is a dynamic process that requires commitment, dedication and passion to progress and develop martial skills.
In the Abecedario Inosanto Lacoste Kali, different martial disciplines are studied in the Philippines and beyond.
Some of the disciplines that can be integrated into the system include:
- Kali/Eskrima/Arnis: These are traditional Filipino martial arts that focus on the use of sticks, knives, swords, and other weapons. Students learn techniques of shooting, parrying, disarming and weapon manipulation.
- Jeet Kune Do: Jeet Kune Do, created by Bruce Lee, is a combat system that combines several martial disciplines, including Philippine martial arts. Students learn to be fluid and adaptable, using quick and direct movements.
- Muay Thai: Also known as “the art of eight limbs”, Muay Thai is a Thai martial art that focuses on punching, kicking, kneeling and elbowing . Students learn to effectively use the body for attack and defense.
- Judo/Jiu-Jitsu: These Japanese martial disciplines focus on effective gripping, joint leverage, and ground fighting. Students learn to use the opponent’s strength against him and to subdue him with immobilization and submission techniques.
- Silat: Silat is a traditional martial art of Southeast Asia. Students learn bare-handed combat techniques, along with fluid movements, fighting techniques, disarming, and the use of traditional weapons.
- Wing Chun: Wing Chun is a style of Chinese martial arts characterized by rapid movements, close-up strike techniques and the use of blocks and parries. Students learn to develop quick reflexes and maintain a good defensive position.
These are just some of the disciplines that can be studied in the Abecedario Inosanto Lacoste Kali.
The system is known for its eclecticism and integration of different martial arts, allowing students to develop a wide range of skills and adapt to varied combat situations.
Conclusions
The Abecedario Inosanto Lacoste Kali represents a dynamic and complete martial arts system, integrating a wide range of disciplines from the Philippines and other parts of the world.
Through the study of disciplines such as Kali, Jeet Kune Do, Muay Thai, Judo, Silat and Wing Chun, students of Abecedario Inosanto Lacoste Kali can develop a solid foundation of martial knowledge and skills.
Training in Abecedario Inosanto Lacoste Kali offers an avenue for the development of self-defense skills, increasing physical strength, acquiring a resilient mindset, and continuous exploration of martial arts.
In addition, it promotes values such as respect, self-control and discipline, which can positively influence the lives of those who practice it.
Through constant practice, deepening techniques and open-mindedness to learning, students of Abecedario Inosanto Lacoste Kali can progress in their martial experience and achieve greater awareness of themselves and their abilities.
The diversity of disciplines integrated into the system provides a platform for an enriching and challenging martial experience.
If you are interested in experiencing the Abecedario Inosanto Lacoste Kali, I recommend looking for qualified schools or instructors in your area.
They will be able to guide you on your learning path and help you discover the multiple benefits and riches of martial arts offered by this system.
Stay Tuned!
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