Here is the Inosanto Academy curriculum as written on their website :
www.inosanto.com
As you can see it is very complete art in & of itself.
The Filipino Martial Arts - Kali-Eskrima-Kuntao-Silat
The highly sophisticated and comprehensive martial art from the Philippines is weapon based, but ultimately an empty hand system.
The Filipino martial arts taught at the Inosanto Academy are drawn from 26 primary sources, the instructors who Magulang Na Guro Dan Inosanto has spent his life training under. With influences such as the late Grandmaster John La Coste, Magulang Na Guro Dan Inosanto has developed a program that introduces students to 12 main areas, including, but not limited to single stick, double stick, stick & dagger, double dagger, panatukan (Filipino boxing), Sikaran (Filipino kicking methods), Kuntao & Silat.
In the US as long ago as the 1500's, the Filipino Martial Arts have something to benefit everyone. Developed for "mass attack" as well as single opponent confrontations, the training heightens student's awareness of their surroundings and teaches them to use their environment as tools of combat. Everyday objects, such as umbrellas, books, bandannas, etc., become effective means of self-defense in the hands of a properly trained individual. Use of left and right hand techniques develop coordination. Drills and techniques taught in a fluid, non-restrictive manner allow students to enhance their natural attributes and improve their sense of timing, speed, awareness, balance, agility, and confidence.
Tim, I am curious, what kind of JKD/Kali program did you have at your school that didn't have any empty hand work?
That sounds pretty odd to me...as at the beginning of their statement is says theirs "is ultimately an empty hand system".
later
Rob