Frequently Asked Questions
Your First Class
What do I need to do before attending my first class?
Nothing! Just show up. You will be asked to sign a general liability waiver before stepping on the mat, but that's all the "sign-up" that's required.
Do I have to pay before my first class?
No! Everyone gets to try their first class for free. If you've already attended class before, you should be prepared to pay when you return to class at the latest.
What do I need to bring to class?
You just need comfortable (for you) athletic wear for class. We usually train on indoor mats, so we have a no shoes policy unless you have shoes specifically designed to be worn on a mat (like wrestling or boxing shoes).
Is there child care?
No, we do not provide child care. In addition, we are in a relatively small space that doesn't really have appropriate accomodations for children to play.
Class Membership
Do you teach children?
No. We do not teach children, nor do we have a children class. Because of the subject matter we cover, our classes are designed for adults and teenagers age 16 and up. If you have a child (under 16) who is interested in learning, we require that a parent train with them.
We only make parental participation exceptions for kids who have trained with us for several months.
If you're interested in training with your child, please reach out to us via our social media to discuss options.
When Do I Pay?
After your first class, you'll pay for the next month of classes. Your membership will be good from the current date, until that date of the next month. Payments are due at the beginning of your month, not the end.
Training & Gear
Do I need to buy my own training gear?
We have loaner equipment that you can use when you come in to class. However, we encourage anyone who's going to be in the class long term to get their own gear for a number of reasons. The equipment that we use most:
Is there a class uniform?
We do have class shirts and other merchandise, but there is no required uniform for class.
Self-Defense & Specialized Training
Do you teach self-defense?
No and Yes. During class times, we teach the art of Kali through the lens of Filipino Combat Systems (FCS). Will you learn to defend yourself as part of learning the art? Absolutely! However, our class is not a "self-defense" structured class in the way that most "self-defense" classes are marketed. We focus more on flow and movement than defending against specific scenarios. We do answer specific questions, but that is not the fundamental core of the class.
If you are interested in specific training, whether it's self-defense or another targeted area, reach out about private or seminar training via social media.
Do you Spar?
No and Yes. During class times, we teach the art of Kali through the lens of Filipino Combat Systems (FCS). Will you learn to defend yourself as part of learning the art? Absolutely! However, our class is not a "self-defense" structured class in the way that most "self-defense" classes are marketed. We focus more on flow and movement than defending against specific scenarios. We do answer specific questions, but that is not the fundamental core of the class.
If you are interested in specific training, whether it's self-defense or another targeted area, reach out about private or seminar training via social media.
Other Questions
Why is the site "Florida Kali" if you're only in Gainesville?
Gainesville is where the University of Florida is located. In our previous locations we were located in close proximity to the University, so the name was meant to recognize that proximity.
For a period of time, we did attempt to keep this site updated with information about as many Florida Kali (or FMA) events as we could, but that started to turn into a full-time job. So, we had to switch back to focusing on our own events and classes.