06/27/2026
What changed my understanding of martial arts forever?
After more than 50 years of training in Karate, Ninjutsu, Kickboxing, and other fighting systems, I discovered something that completely changed the way I viewed self-defense.
The answer wasn't learning more techniques.
It was understanding the principles behind Filipino and Indonesian Martial Arts.
These arts were developed for survival—not competition.
They teach movement over muscle.
Timing over strength.
Awareness over aggression.
This is why I believe Kali and Silat are among the greatest equalizers ever developed, especially for women. A smaller person should never try to overpower a larger attacker. They should learn to control distance, angles, timing, balance, and opportunity.
That philosophy became the foundation of Combat Kali Silat NJ.
I recently wrote an article explaining how these arts transformed my understanding of combat after a lifetime in the martial arts.
I'd love to hear your thoughts after you read it.
— Tuhon Durand Howard
Founder, Combat Kali Silat NJ
