Argentine author writes book on RP martial arts

An Argentine martial arts expert has written a book on Filipino martial arts called “Kali Filipino." Charge d’affaires Edgardo Manuel of the Philippine Embassy in Buenos Aires said the book authored by Nicolas Wachsman was published by Kier Publications, one of the leading publishing houses in Argentina. A live presentation of kali was held before a full-packed auditorium of the La Rural Convention Hall in Buenos Aires when the book was launched two weeks ago. Kali was developed by the ancient Filipinos and represents a fusion of Asian martial arts, and uses arnis, knives, the open hand, and other weapons in lethal, dance-like moves that resemble but are more graceful than aikido. Kali was extensively used in the Visayas during the Philippine Revolution against Spain. Prior to this, it was heavily suppressed by the Spanish authorities due to its great potential for lethal use. In the introduction to the book, Wachsman, a sociologist focusing on Asian cultures and founder of one of the leading kali schools in Argentina, said that after significant travel to the Philippines, he felt “a need to impart a portion of kali, a true Asian treasure practically unknown in Argentina, and one which will open the doors of true Philippine culture to the countries of Latin America." Manuel said Kier Publications, which printed the book, approached him for future cooperation in the interest of cultural diplomacy. - GMANews.TV