TSR KALI RANKING SYSTEM

I. Antas Isa (Level 1)

This is the first level in TSR Kali and is equivalent to a beginner student in other systems. ALL students who begin training with us start at this level.

II. Antas Dalawa (Level 2)

This is the second level in TSR Kali and is equivalent to a beginner/intermediate student in other systems. Students can qualify for this level after 3-6 months of consistent training.

III. Antas Tatlo (Level 3)

This is the third level in TSR Kali and is equivalent to an intermediate student in other systems. Students can qualify for this level after 1-2 years of consistent training.

IV. Antas Apat (Level 4)

This is the fourth level in TSR Kali and is equivalent to an intermediate/advanced student in other systems. Students can qualify for this level after 2-3 years of consistent training.

V. Antas Lima (Level 5)

This is the fifth level in TSR Kali and is equivalent to an advanced student in other systems. Students can qualify for this level after 3-4 years of consistent training.

VI. Tagasanay

This is literally translated as “trainer” and in TSR Kali is the equivalent to an assistant instructor in other systems. Students can qualify for this level after 4-5 years of consistent training. At this point, it is not unusual for a student at this level to begin assisting instructors and head instructors during class and/or private lessons. This will also give the student an opportunity to learn and discover other details and aspects of our system that can only be realized through teaching.

VII. Manong/Manang

This is literally translated as “elder brother/elder sister” and in TSR Kali is the equivalent to a black belt instructor in other systems. Students can qualify for this level after 5-6 years of consistent training. At this point students will also have the option, should they desire and/or we think they have the abilities to do so, to enter into our instructor training program where they will acquire the skills necessary to teach their own group of students with us at our location and/or future locations/groups we open up.

VIII. Lakan/Dayang

This is literally translated as “nobleman/noblewoman” and in TSR Kali is the equivalent to a senior instructor in other systems. There is no test for this rank. This rank must be earned through time served in our system in the form of training, teaching, and propagation of the Filipino martial arts. This rank can only be conferred at the discretion of the Guros and Punong Guros.

IX. Guro

This is literally translated as “teacher” and in TSR Kali is the equivalent to a master instructor in other systems. This rank must not only be earned through time served in the system, but by demonstration of one’s mastery of both knowledge and skills in the techniques, concepts, and methodologies that comprise TSR Kali. This rank can only be conferred at the discretion of the Punong Guros.

X. Punong Guro (Head Teacher)

This level is the highest level an individual can earn in TSR Kali. It is the equivalent to a chief instructor in other systems. This individual has not only served time and developed mastery in the system, but also understands the heart of and embodies the spirit of the system. They have fully absorbed the essence of Filipino martial arts and are well equipped, not only to be able to teach their own students, to have their own school, and to propagate the arts, but with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to develop their own system should they desire. They will be tasked to carry and spread the wisdom, history, cultural knowledge, and fighting techniques of those that came before them. This is more of a privilege and responsibility.