Dr Komal VS is the Director of the Academy of Combat Fitness, Mumbai. ACF, a dedicated professional training centre running 60 martial arts courses, is the first of its kind in India. Dr Komal is one of the few women practitioners of Kali Stick fighting, an ancient form of martial arts for women. The fitness guru will be starring in the episode of Last Woman Standing on History Channel on May 23.
A little bit about myself:
I am an authorised representative of Doce Pares Eskrima in India under Grandmaster Richard Bustillo, who is a student of the legend Cacoy Canete. I am also an authorised instructor of Bruce Lee’s art Jeet Kune Do. After Bruce Lee’s death, his senior students Richard Bustillo and Dan Inosanto have integrated Kali with Jeet Kune Do training. I have been working with martial arts since I was 16 and I must say that it’s been 14 exciting years of practice. I have grown physically with the practice of Kali and spiritually with the associated philosophy of Bruce Lee. At present I run my own academy; we are one of the leading players in the country.
Fighting with Kali sticks
The sticks that we use during Kali stick fighting are perhaps the best weapons that exist today. They are blunt and don’t cut like blades. With appropriate body and headgear, one can spar with sticks and without injury. It’s safe, fun and teaches you to fight.
Origin of Kali Stick fighting
Mount Banahaw is a holy volcanic mountain in Phillipines, where a secret Doce Pares society practiced Kali. Kali is the newer western word for Escrima (means Spanish fencing), or Stick fighting, derived from Indian goddess Kali and from the words Ka that means hand and Li that means craft.
Indian women and martial arts:
All women need to gain confidence in order to stand tall in this male dominated society and the practice of any martial art gets you there.
Jeet Kune Do helps reduce instances of molestation, rape and gender harassment. We train over 200 women every year, ranging from teenage students to corporate women, call centre executives and housewives. In fact, men and women train together. Women could enroll in weekend programs in martial arts such as Kali, Jeet Kune Do and Muay Thai or Brazilain Jiu Jitsu.
Family support:
My parents are proud of me. At 30, I am extremely fit, have no excess fat and can run 10 kms with ease.
I can do push-ups, chin-ups and of course fight any man bare-handed or with a weapon!