About Us
Cognitive Kali is a diverse community of people who use movement training based in ancient martial arts and contemporary brain science for a holistic approach to body and mind health.
Founder Paul McCarthy, along with Olav Krigolson have combined their decades of expertise in martial arts, kinesiology (the scientific study of body movement) and neuroscience to shape inclusive programs, accessible for everyone, whatever your starting point and movement goals.
Our belief in Cognitive Kali comes from three things. Firstly, and most importantly, from seeing that it works: both from research / studies and by seeing how our students have improved in their coordination and memory retention. Secondly, from our commitment to making the program fully inclusive. The movements we use in our curriculum can be adapted to be accessible for and beneficial to people experiencing a range of neurological and physiological conditions, such as cerebral palsy or Parkinson’s. And finally, Cognitive Kali offers a holistic approach to meeting your wellness goals, by training the brain and the body at the same time, either in individual workouts or as part of a social community.
The Cognitive Kali community welcomes everyone who is interested in maximising their movement training to improve mind and body health, from children to older people, individuals with neurological disorders, law-enforcement officers and professional athletes. Try an online class – we offer both live and pre-recorded sessions – commit to a series, train and certify as a Cognitive Kali instructor. Join us in a way that suits you!
Cognitive Kali is a diverse community of people who use movement training based in ancient martial arts and contemporary brain science for a holistic approach to body and mind health.
Founder Paul McCarthy, along with Olav Krigolson have combined their decades of expertise in martial arts, kinesiology (the scientific study of body movement) and neuroscience to shape inclusive programs, accessible for everyone, whatever your starting point and movement goals.
Our belief in Cognitive Kali comes from three things. Firstly, and most importantly, from seeing that it works: both from research / studies and by seeing how our students have improved in their coordination and memory retention. Secondly, from our commitment to making the program fully inclusive. The movements we use in our curriculum can be adapted to be accessible for and beneficial to people experiencing a range of neurological and physiological conditions, such as cerebral palsy or Parkinson’s. And finally, Cognitive Kali offers a holistic approach to meeting your wellness goals, by training the brain and the body at the same time, either in individual workouts or as part of a social community.
The Cognitive Kali community welcomes everyone who is interested in maximising their movement training to improve mind and body health, from children to older people, individuals with neurological disorders, law-enforcement officers and professional athletes. Try an online class – we offer both live and pre-recorded sessions – commit to a series, train and certify as a Cognitive Kali instructor. Join us in a way that suits you!
Learn more from this engaging and interactive TEDxUCLA Talk from our founder Paul McCarthy.
OUR COURSES

Heaven 6 Breakdown
Learn the heaven 6 drill In under an hour and boost your brain health forever

Live Classes
Train in real time with Cognitive Kali founder, Paul McCarthy, every week with our virtual sessions.

Original Kali Drills
A drill-focused, intermediate course teaching original Inosanto Method Kali drills via neuroscientific learning methods.

The Fundamental Series
A simple yet progressively challenging introductory course for improving brain health.