Foundations of Filipino Stick Fighting
Taught by Sifu Martin Kelly, with assistant Chuck Emary
Seminar Overview
An introduction to Filipino martial arts. The stick is a safe training tool for the angles, structure and intent of edged weapons: knives, mid-range broadswords, long blades. Learn to move, strike and flow with single and double stick, the foundation for the broader Mountain Dragon weapons curriculum.
This seminar is the entry point to an ongoing series covering knives, sticks, staffs and swords.
The Three Pillars
- Footwork
- Body Mechanics
- Partner Drills
What You’ll Learn
- Angulation: the angles of attack and defense that underlie all Filipino weapon work
- Single and double stick application: core mechanics of using one stick or two
- Self-defense applications: how the stick translates to real-world situations
- Disarms and stripping: removing a weapon from an opponent’s grip
- Partner flow drills: coordination, distance management, and reading angles in motion
- Striking drills: conditioning the wrists and grip, learning to absorb force, flowing through the clash of weapons
- Solo patterns: drills you can take home and practice on your own
Why Sticks?
In Filipino martial arts, the rattan stick is not the end goal. It is a safe training tool that lets practitioners learn the same angles, structure and intent used with edged weapons (knives, mid-range broadswords, long blades) without the risk of cutting injuries. The stick teaches the system. The system carries over.
About the Instructor
Sifu Martin Kelly trained under Dan Inosanto, Paula Inosanto, Larry Hartsell and Francis Fong, and holds certifications under Dan Inosanto and Larry Hartsell. He has an extensive Jeet Kune Do background under Filipino teachers spanning decades of practice and teaching.
This seminar is part of an ongoing classical weapons curriculum at Mountain Dragon Martial Arts, with future offerings covering knives, staffs and swords. An ancillary course on Wing Chun broadswords (closely related in principle to Filipino stick work) is planned for 2026.
Chuck has trained with Sifu Kelly since 1999 across a range of disciplines, including Tai Chi, Qigong, Bagua and Tomiki Aikido.
Health and Safety
This seminar is open to ages 13 and up. Beginners welcome, no experience necessary.
Training will be held at 9,200 feet elevation. Please be prepared for thinner air, drink plenty of water, and pace yourself, especially if you are coming from lower altitude.
Please consult your physician before attending if you have:
- A history of joint pain, back pain, or recent injury or surgery
- Asthma, COPD, or other respiratory conditions
- Cardiovascular conditions, high blood pressure, or any condition affected by altitude
- Pregnancy or any other condition that may be affected by physical exertion
Stick work involves rapid arm movement, partner contact, and the controlled clash of weapons. Participants should have integrity in all their joints and the ability to train at altitude.
What to Wear and Bring
Clothing
Loose, comfortable athletic clothing that allows full range of motion. Long sleeves are recommended for stick work to provide light protection against accidental contact. Dress in layers; mountain weather can shift quickly.
Footwear
Comfortable athletic shoes with good grip, suitable for both hard surfaces and decomposed granite. Martial arts shoes, minimalist trainers, court shoes or running shoes all work well.
Eye Protection (Required)
Eye protection is required for all participants. Please bring your own goggles. Standard shop or shooting goggles are sufficient.
What’s Included
- Rattan training sticks (no need to bring your own)
What to Bring
- Eye protection (goggles)
- Water bottle (hydration matters more at altitude)
- Light snack for the break
- Lip balm with SPF
- A light jacket or windbreaker, even on warm days
Seminar Details
Date: Sunday, June 28
Time: 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM (with a 30-minute break from 12:00 to 12:30)
Location: Circling Dragons Martial Arts 1750 Vagabond Creek Drive 80827 near Lake George, Colorado
Class Size: Limited to 10 students
Cost
- Seminar: $150 (sticks included)
- Seminar + Training USB drive: $220
The USB drive includes detailed instruction on single and double stick fundamentals, partner drill sequences, solo patterns and supporting material for continued practice at home.
Registration
Register and pay online: www.selfcarearts.com/martial-art-seminars
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, June 24
Questions: mountaindragon2020@gmail.com