Kali Sikaran Leederville
Self-defence with Confidence
Kali Sikaran Australia
Kali Sikaran is a dynamic Filipino martial art that blends practical self-defence techniques with physical fitness. Rooted in the rich traditions of the Philippines, it combines weapon-based skills (sticks, knives, and improvised weapons) with empty-hand techniques, including Filipino boxing (Panantukan), kickboxing (Sikaran), and close-quarter combat (Kadena de Mano). Its emphasis on adaptability and flow makes it effective for real-world self-defense scenarios.
TRAINING TIMES
Tuesdays 18:30-20:00
Saturdays 10:30-11:30
Loftus Rec Centre, Leederville
INSTRUCTORS
Katulong Guro Shannon Simpson and Madunong Guro Warwick Bagnall
Shannon Simpson
Shannon has trained in a range of martial arts for over 25 years, including Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai, and multiple Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) systems. She is a Katulong Guro (4th Degree Black Belt) in her primary Filipino martial art of Kali Sikaran, whose guiding principle is self defence with confidence. She is also a Dayang Tatlo (3rd Degree Black Belt) in Kombatan Arnis Presas Style and also a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Kali3D.
Prior to establishing Kali Sikaran Leederville, Shannon served as the head Filipino Martial Arts instructor at both Shobukan Martial Arts (Wangara) and The Combat Arts Institute of Australia, teaching practical FMA-based self-defence to adult students across a wide range of experience levels.
Her training journey has taken her internationally, including time spent training in the Philippines, as well as Sweden, Finland, Greece, the USA, Thailand, Indonesia and South Africa. Shannon values the breadth and adaptability of Kali Sikaran, which integrates striking arts such as Panantukan (Filipino Dirty Boxing) and Sikaran (kickboxing), close-quarter empty-hand application (Kadena de Mano), and weapons training using sticks, blades, and improvised tools. The system offers a diverse and practical skill set that evolves with the practitioner.
Shannon has a particular interest in practical self-defence, especially strategies that enable smaller or less physically dominant individuals to protect themselves against larger, stronger opponents. This focus led her to explore Multi-Dimensional Warriors (MDW), a South African system whose training methodology provides a structured framework for navigating the unpredictability and chaos of real-world confrontation. Her teaching focuses on creating a supportive, adult-focused environment where students of all experience levels can build practical self-defence skills with confidence.
Outside the training space, Shannon is an Associate Professor and medical researcher, bringing a structured, analytical approach to her teaching. Classes are built around clear concepts and principles, enabling students to progress systematically, understand the why behind techniques, and develop confidence that extends beyond the training floor.
Warwick Bagnall
Warwick began training in Filipino Martial Arts in 2016, initially drawn to practical self-defence and the sense of community found within training. Over time, his commitment and consistent development led to a deep engagement with the Kali Sikaran system and its structured, adaptable approach to learning.
Warwick holds the rank of Madunong Guro (2nd Degree Black Belt) in Kali Sikaran, and is also a Lakan Isa (1st Degree Black Belt) in Kombatan Arnis Presas Style and Kali3D. Warwick commenced his teaching journey at the Combat Arts Institute of Australia, teaching Filipino Martial Arts alongside Shannon, before going on to establish Kali Sikaran Leederville together, where he now teaches as part of the founding instructor team.
As a physically larger and stronger practitioner, Warwick places particular value on the body awareness, agility, and movement developed through Panantukan (Filipino boxing) and Sikaran (kickboxing). He also has a strong interest in edged and impact weapon training, and has expanded his understanding of real-world confrontation through training in Multi-Dimensional Warriors (MDW).
As an instructor, Warwick works within the structured yet flexible teaching framework of Kali Sikaran, allowing students to progress at their own pace while continuing to be challenged. He has found that commencing his teaching journey has deepened his technical understanding of the system, strengthening his ability to communicate concepts clearly and adapt training to individual needs. His approach supports students of all backgrounds and abilities, helping them build confidence, adaptability, and practical self-defence skills in a supportive, adult-focused training environment.
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