Abhishek will be learning an advanced Filipino martial art form

Abhishek Bachchan will soon be learning an advanced form of Filipino martial arts Pekiti-Tirsia Kali from martial arts trainer Kanishka Sharma.

Quick learner

"I trained Abhishek during Game, " says Kanishka. "Pekiti-Tirsia Kali is a Filipino martial art which means 'to immobilise or kill' a guy 'at close quarters' in three seconds flat. It's a highly specialised form of guerilla warfare and used in films like The Bourne Series and Mission Impossible.

Abhinay Deo, the director of Game wanted a form of martial arts that was fast-paced. While traditional Kali takes time to learn, Abhishek picked up the basics quickly. There are different levels of it and he wants to learn the next level now and make it part of his exercise regime."

Kanishka is all praise for his pupil. "I have taught many actors but Abhishek impressed me with his knowledge of close quarter combat system. When he heard I was to teach him Kali, he asked me to come home before I started teaching him and explain to him what the system was about.

He told me he wanted to understand what he was doing. I went to meet him the next day and gave him a presentation and was pleasantly surprised at his knowledge of warfare and guns."

Kanishka, who has trained in martial arts at the Shaolin temple, himself learnt the Kali form of martial arts from Philippines. "Today, I run a company based in Delhi and have also trained the armed forces of India.

I learnt the seven deadly martial arts at the Shaolin temple and trained with the monks. I finished choreographing the action sequences in the Bengali film Hasan Raja for Mithun Chakraborty. He's amazing in action for his age and just takes a few seconds to learn."

Pekiti-Tirsia Kali: What it is

It is a combat-oriented system as opposed to sport-focused style. Pekiti-Tirsia's movements are based on the traditional blade art of the Philippines Kali, which involves slicing swords in a circular motion.

All fighting ranges are integral parts of the Pekiti-Tirsia system, but special attention is given to close-quarter fighting. Pekiti-Tirsia is about emphasising destruction with counter offence while not getting hit. The Pekiti-Tirsia methodology originates from offensive and counter offensive principles against attacks from all ranges, angles and threat levels.