In this video Tuhon Uli demonstrates an array of Pekiti Tirsia/Sina Tirsia Wali/Armadong Kali techniques and offers his perspective on the question: "How many techniques should a self-defense system have?"

The video also features Armadong Kali Instructor Dr Thomas Schönle, a proud member of the training team at the Reutlingen Martial Arts Centre (Kampfkunstzentrum).

Tuhon Ulis answer in writing:

How Many Defenses Do You Need Against an Attack? Surprisingly, the Answer Isn’t Simple.

I first tackled this question 25 years ago, and the core answer still holds true today. In the Pekiti Tirsia Europe training program, we emphasize one key principle:

• Keep techniques to a minimum while ensuring solid defense against the most important attacks.

Stick to this approach, train diligently, and build confidence through experience. When faced with a serious attack, your first counter must be effective—because there might not be a second chance.

Focusing your training on a few solid techniques is sound advice for handling the most critical situations. But things get more complicated when you enter tournaments or teach your system to others. Opponents may study and predict your moves, and even friends will push for new and interesting techniques. This inevitably changes how you present and refine your system.

Even if you train solely for yourself, boredom can set in over the years. The temptation to add "new" or "artistic" elements to your basic system is always there, just to keep things fresh.

So, how many defenses do you really need? The advice from 25 years ago still stands strong, but with more experience, I’ve come to understand the nuances more deeply. We learn from the past, test, and improve. It's not just about what techniques you train—it’s about how you train them.

At Armadong Kali, we follow a straightforward approach:

• Focus on the most likely and dangerous attacks first.
• Use all types of weapons to sharpen our empty-hand techniques, and vice versa.
• Remember: less is more.

Our training reflects our understanding of violence. In a self-defense situation, no one "wins"—but you can lose everything. Mastering attacks on all levels helps ensure we’re prepared for anything. No one has ever won a self-defence situation, but everything can be lost!

Keep your body and mind sharp. Kali on!

Tuhon Uli Weidle

Contact author:

Tuhon Uli Weidle

More media:

Our Media page