What is Cognitive Kali?
The concept is simple...progressively complex movement may enhance cognitive function more than well learned repeated movement.
Learn more about the principles behind The Cognitive Kali Program
Cognitive Kali is an ancient art for modern minds, a new movement practice with progressively complex movements designed to train your body and your brain at the same time.
Kali is an ancient martial art from the Philippines, also referred to as Escrima, Arnis or under the umbrella term of FMA (Filipino Martial Arts). It is well known for its use of rattan sticks and fast-paced coordinated movements that often cross the center line of the body.
It is used in many Hollywood blockbuster films including the new ‘Dune’ movie with Jason Momoa, by military personnel and has become increasingly popular amongst those looking for a new way to move and stay healthy. The origin of the term ‘Kali’ has been heavily debated, but one common theory is that it combines two Filipino words: ‘Kamut’, meaning hand, and ‘Lihok’, meaning motion. So in simple terms, ‘hand motion’ represents a lot of what Kali is, whether it is with the weapon or empty hand, this art has a diverse array of movement techniques to learn from.
What makes it Cognitive Kali is the application of what we know from neuroscience about how to stimulate the brain to support cognitive health. Most types of exercise benefit the brain by improving blood flow and lowering levels of stress hormones, but Cognitive Kali’s progressively complex movements are designed to improve the function of the brain itself.
While performing repeated movements that progressively increase in complexity your brain has to continuously adapt and work to keep up. This creates new connections between neurons (neuroplasticity), generates new neurons (neurogenesis) and strengthens old neuron connections.
These ‘executive functions’ can be utilized for many different things. Working memory is useful while at work, trying to remember a phone number while typing or as a means to improve performance in sports and athletics. The ability to perform complex movements while watching opponents or other team members is a skill that is highly transferable.
Developing response inhibition so that you are able to process information rapidly and act accordingly as opposed to a possibly erroneous action is another transferable skill, whether during your day to day job or in high duress situations that law enforcement officers often deal with.
Improved brain health and cognitive functions are a part of everyday life. Not only helping us in the moment, but providing us with a cognitive reserve for when we age and hold off brain diseases like Alzheimers and dementia.
Cognitive Kali’s classes, programs and practice videos provide progressive cognitive load for your brain, as part of your physical exercise routine. We use brain-training techniques adapted from cognitive neuroscience research to increase physical and mental stimulation, whether you’re a complete beginner to these types of movements or you already have some experience.
Cognitive Kali takes a holistic approach to your wellness journey by engaging your mind and body simultaneously – helping you to move, think and live better.
You can learn more about Cognitive Kali by watching our founders TEDx talk or clicking here to join our community!
Cognitive Kali is an ancient art for modern minds, a new movement practice with progressively complex movements designed to train your body and your brain at the same time.
Kali is an ancient martial art from the Philippines, also referred to as Escrima, Arnis or under the umbrella term of FMA (Filipino Martial Arts). It is well known for its use of rattan sticks and fast-paced coordinated movements that often cross the center line of the body.
It is used in many Hollywood blockbuster films including the new ‘Dune’ movie with Jason Momoa, by military personnel and has become increasingly popular amongst those looking for a new way to move and stay healthy. The origin of the term ‘Kali’ has been heavily debated, but one common theory is that it combines two Filipino words: ‘Kamut’, meaning hand, and ‘Lihok’, meaning motion. So in simple terms, ‘hand motion’ represents a lot of what Kali is, whether it is with the weapon or empty hand, this art has a diverse array of movement techniques to learn from.
What makes it Cognitive Kali is the application of what we know from neuroscience about how to stimulate the brain to support cognitive health. Most types of exercise benefit the brain by improving blood flow and lowering levels of stress hormones, but Cognitive Kali’s progressively complex movements are designed to improve the function of the brain itself.
While performing repeated movements that progressively increase in complexity your brain has to continuously adapt and work to keep up. This creates new connections between neurons (neuroplasticity), generates new neurons (neurogenesis) and strengthens old neuron connections.
These ‘executive functions’ can be utilized for many different things. Working memory is useful while at work, trying to remember a phone number while typing or as a means to improve performance in sports and athletics. The ability to perform complex movements while watching opponents or other team members is a skill that is highly transferable.
Developing response inhibition so that you are able to process information rapidly and act accordingly as opposed to a possibly erroneous action is another transferable skill, whether during your day to day job or in high duress situations that law enforcement officers often deal with.
Improved brain health and cognitive functions are a part of everyday life. Not only helping us in the moment, but providing us with a cognitive reserve for when we age and hold off brain diseases like Alzheimers and dementia.
Cognitive Kali’s classes, programs and practice videos provide progressive cognitive load for your brain, as part of your physical exercise routine. We use brain-training techniques adapted from cognitive neuroscience research to increase physical and mental stimulation, whether you’re a complete beginner to these types of movements or you already have some experience.
Cognitive Kali takes a holistic approach to your wellness journey by engaging your mind and body simultaneously – helping you to move, think and live better.
You can learn more about Cognitive Kali by watching our founders TEDx talk or clicking here to join our community!
UCLA Martial Arts & Wellness Symposium
Watch this short video to see our founder Paul McCarthy teaching Cognitive Kali and demonstrating why it’s an accessible, holistic way to improve both mind and body health.
Cognitive Kali & the UCLA Football Team
See the UCLA Football team in action using specific Cognitive Kali drills.
Listen to their testimonials about the difference these exercises have made and learn how Cognitive Kali could benefit your own athletic performance.
Paul McCarthy & the Cognitive Kali Method
Our founder Paul McCarthy explains why the progressively complex movements that make up Cognitive Kali can improve brain function, and lays out the background of our program as well as our plans for the future. Want more? Then this Ted Talk is for you.
