Kali Martial Arts in New Westminster — Arnis, Eskrima & Weapons Self-Defense
Learn Kali — the Filipino martial art also known as Arnis and Eskrima — at Modern Warrior Academy in New Westminster. Led by Sensei Alex Kleschelsky, our Kali weapons training covers single and double stick fighting, knife defense, footwork, and empty-hand self-defense, with a focus on real-world awareness and Canadian self-defense law.
Kali, Arnis & Filipino Martial Arts Classes in New Westminster
Kali (also called Arnis or Eskrima) is one of the most practical, battle-tested self-defense systems in the world. At Modern Warrior, our Kali and Arnis martial arts program teaches stick fighting, knife defense, and empty-hand tactics in a structured, beginner-friendly way — so you build real skill, coordination, and awareness whether or not you have trained with weapons before.
Stick Fighting Fundamentals
Master single and double stick techniques — strikes, angles, blocks, and flow drills — the core of Kali, Arnis, and Eskrima weapon-based training.
Knife Defense & Disarms
Learn to recognize, manage, and counter knife attacks safely — practical disarming concepts and close-quarter tactics drawn from Filipino martial arts.
Real Self-Defense & Legal Awareness
Develop tactical awareness and learn how Canadian self-defense law applies to weapon encounters — so your training stays both effective and responsible.
Honest Answers for Kali Beginners
Weapon-based martial arts can look intimidating from the outside. Here is what matters at Modern Warrior: you do not need weapons experience, you start with the fundamentals, and every drill is taught with control and safety so beginners can learn with confidence.
Do I need weapons experience to start Kali?
No. This class is built for beginners. Sensei Alex breaks down grip, stance, striking angles, and partner drills step by step, so you can train Kali safely from your very first session.
Is Kali only for advanced martial artists?
No. Our Kali classes welcome complete beginners and experienced martial artists alike. Training scales to your level, with a focus on coordination, reflexes, and practical self-defense.
Is it safe to train with sticks and knives?
Yes. We use training sticks and trainer knives, and drills progress gradually under coaching. The goal is skill, control, and awareness — not reckless contact.
See Kali Weapons Training in Action
This preview captures the pace and detail of Kali at Modern Warrior in New Westminster — stick work, flow drills, knife-defense concepts, and the precise footwork that ties Filipino martial arts together.
Whether you are new to weapon-based martial arts or sharpening your Arnis and Eskrima skills, classes are built to develop coordination, timing, and real-world awareness every week.
- Single & double stick striking and flow drills
- Knife defense, disarms, and close-quarter tactics
- Footwork, evasion, and empty-hand transitions
- Beginner-friendly, safety-first coaching
Why People Choose Kali at Modern Warrior
Single & Double Stick Fighting
Build offensive and defensive stick skills — strikes, angles, blocks, and partner flow drills that form the foundation of Kali, Arnis, and Eskrima.
Knife Defense & Disarming
Develop the skills to recognize, control, and counter armed attackers, with safe, progressive drills for knife defense and disarms.
Coordination & Reflexes
Kali sharpens hand-eye coordination, speed, and agility through dynamic drills that train both sides of the body and improve reaction time.
Footwork & Evasion
Learn the movement strategies at the heart of Filipino martial arts — angles, triangle footwork, and evasion that keep you safe and balanced.
Practical Self-Defense
Handle armed and unarmed situations with practical, reality-based tactics — plus the awareness to de-escalate and stay within Canadian self-defense law.
Full-Body Conditioning
Increase endurance, mobility, and mental toughness through Kali's dynamic movement drills — discipline and precision built one rep at a time.
What You'll Learn in a Kali Class
Each Kali weapons training session balances technique, partner drills, and conditioning so you leave challenged — not lost — no matter your starting point. Here is the kind of structure you can expect on the mats.
Warm-Up & Footwork
Mobility, coordination drills, and Kali footwork patterns prepare your body and set the angles you will use through the rest of class.
Single & Double Stick Work
Master offensive and defensive stick techniques — striking angles, blocks, and partner flow drills that build timing and control.
Knife Defense & Disarms
Practice recognizing and countering knife attacks safely, learning the disarming concepts that make Filipino martial arts so practical.
Close-Quarter Combat Tactics
Work hand-to-hand range when weapons are involved — control, trapping, and positioning that translate directly to self-defense.
Empty-Hand Transitions
Adapt Kali principles to unarmed self-defense, so the same angles and footwork protect you with or without a weapon in hand.
Awareness & Canadian Self-Defense Law
Understand your legal rights and responsibilities in a weapon encounter — a key part of training responsibly here in BC.
Kali Classes for Every Goal
From complete beginners to experienced martial artists adding weapons to their game — our New Westminster Kali classes scale with you.
Complete Beginners
No weapons experience required. Start with grip, stance, and basic striking angles in a patient, safety-first class.
Self-Defense Focused
Build practical, reality-based skills for armed and unarmed situations, with the awareness to stay safe and within the law.
Experienced Martial Artists
Add weapon-based training, flow drills, and new footwork to complement striking and grappling you already practice.
Coordination & Focus Seekers
Train both sides of the body, sharpen reflexes, and build mental discipline through dynamic, detail-driven drills.
Kali Class Schedule in New Westminster
Start With a Free Trial Class
New to Kali or new to our gym? Book a free trial, meet Sensei Alex, try a Saturday class, and see weapon-based training for yourself — no experience needed.
Membership Options
Pair Saturday Kali with another weekday program for a steady, two-session-per-week routine.
Our most popular option — train Kali plus every other program under one roof, as often as you like.
Best next step: book your free trial class first, meet Sensei Alex, and we will help you choose the membership that fits your goals and schedule.
Meet Your Kali Instructor
Alex Kleschelsky
Sensei Alex brings 8 years of dedicated Filipino martial arts training as a member of Burnaby-based Ikatan Kali under Guro Louie Lindo, alongside roughly 30 years of Kyokushin karate experience. He teaches the real threats and survival strategies of weapon-based encounters with meticulous attention to detail.
His Kali classes emphasize discipline, precision, and mental toughness — a focused, high-intensity environment that still meets beginners where they are and guides them step by step.
- 8 years of Kali / Filipino martial arts (Ikatan Kali)
- Trained under Guro Louie Lindo
- ~30 years of Kyokushin karate experience
- Single & double stick, knife defense & disarms
Why Train Kali at Modern Warrior Academy
- Authentic Filipino martial arts — Kali, Arnis, and Eskrima — taught by an instructor with real Ikatan Kali lineage
- Beginner-friendly, safety-first weapons training — no experience required to start
- Practical self-defense with tactical awareness and Canadian self-defense law education
- Cross-train with jiu-jitsu, boxing, Muay Thai, and wrestling under one roof
- 4.7 Google rating from public reviews
- 314 6th Street, New Westminster — easy access from Burnaby, Coquitlam, and Surrey
Modern Warrior is a full combat sports academy — not a single-style school. Kali students often add jiu-jitsu for the ground game or boxing and Muay Thai for striking, and one-on-one private training is available for focused weapons and self-defense coaching.
Kali Classes FAQ
No. Our Kali classes are designed for beginners and experienced martial artists alike. Sensei Alex teaches grip, stance, striking angles, and partner drills step by step, so you can train safely from your first session — no weapons experience needed.
Kali, Arnis, and Eskrima are names for Filipino martial arts that specialize in stick, knife, and empty-hand combat. They share the same core principles — striking angles, footwork, and weapon-to-empty-hand transitions — making Kali one of the most practical self-defense systems in the world.
You will learn single and double stick fighting, knife defense and disarm techniques, footwork and evasion drills, close-quarter combat tactics, empty-hand transitions, and how Canadian self-defense law applies to weapon encounters.
Yes. Kali is one of the most practical, battle-tested self-defense systems available. It prepares you for both armed and unarmed situations, builds coordination and reflexes, and includes tactical awareness and legal education so you can respond responsibly.
Kali runs on Saturdays from 10:00 to 11:30 AM at Modern Warrior Academy in New Westminster. Classes are suitable for beginners and experienced martial artists. Your best first step is to book a free trial class.
Yes. We train with rattan sticks and trainer knives, and drills progress gradually under coaching. The emphasis is on control, technique, and awareness, so beginners can build real skill safely.
Membership starts at $160 per month for twice-weekly training or $220 per month for unlimited training across eligible programs. Your best first step is a free trial class — we will help you choose the option that fits your schedule and goals.
Absolutely. Many students pair Kali with jiu-jitsu, boxing, Muay Thai, or wrestling. One-on-one private training is also available for focused weapons and self-defense coaching.
Yes. Our Kali classes in New Westminster are a short drive or SkyTrain ride from Burnaby, Vancouver, Coquitlam, and Surrey — many of our Filipino martial arts students train here from across the Lower Mainland. If you are looking for Kali, Arnis, or Eskrima classes near you, book a free Saturday trial and see the class in person.
Modern Warrior Academy is located at 314 6th Street, New Westminster, BC V3M 1R6. We serve members from New Westminster, Burnaby, Queensborough, Coquitlam, Surrey, and throughout the Lower Mainland. Call (604) 353-5627 or email [email protected] for more information.
Train the Mind & Prepare the Body
Develop real-world self-defense skills with expert-led Kali training in New Westminster. Try a free class on Saturday morning, then choose the membership that matches your goals.
