Buying Training Sticks

 

There are four factors to consider when buying training sticks for Kali:

 

STICK TYPE

In Filipino martial arts, including our Pekiti-Tirsia Kali (PTK) system, rattan sticks are used for training. Rattan is similar to bamboo but its stems are solid. This lets them withstand plenty of abuse without transferring kinetic energy to your hands like harder woods might if you continually pound on them. (In the future, we’ll get padded plastic ones for sparring.)

 

STICK SIZES

While variations are inevitable and personal preference should be of the utmost importance, generally speaking sticks should have the following dimensions:

  • 1-inch diameter
    26-inch to 28-inch length
  • Unless you’re already familiar with a specific brand, it’s always best to get hands-on with a pair of sticks before putting money down.

 

PEELED OR UNPEELED

Unpeeled rattan sticks usually last longer. Peeled means their skins have been removed and they’ve been decorated for aesthetics. As always with PTK, we always go for function over form, so unpeeled is suggested. Though, keep in mind, with time and/or intense training, both varieties of sticks will eventually start to wear down. (All the more reason to get the tougher unpeeled versions at the outset.)

 

WHERE TO BUY

Online: Amazon and eBay can be hit and miss, so I suggest Century Martial Arts. They have a variety of options and the price is decent for a large franchise.

In Person: I usually suggest going to a brick-and-mortar martial arts store if there’s one in your neighborhood (they’re going extinct, unfortunately). Nothing beats being able to hold the stick in your hand before purchasing it.

Specialty Supply Stores: Go to your local cane/wicker supply store. I’ve never been, but I’ve heard good things about Frank’s Cane and Rush Supply in Huntington Beach, California. Its prices seem to be about 40% cheaper than most martial arts stores.

 

What Gear to Bring

Like bringing paper and pencil for art class or a calculator for calculus, you need to come equipped with the right gear for our Pekiti-Tirsia Kali class. The following is a brief rundown of what you should bring to every practice. For a guide on what models to buy, just click on the links below:

Gear:

Apparel:

  • Pants/shorts, preferably with pockets (as we sometimes do knife draw drills)
  • Comfortable workout T-shirt
  • Athletic shoes