The art of the Philippines is as diverse as the islands themselves, encompassing over 7,000 of them within the archipelago with over 87 major languages spoken. The names vary widely. As a general term, we use the term "Kali" representing the ancient art existing before the arrival of the Chinese in the T'ang Dynasty in the 9th century. The art was outlawed in the 16th century by the King of Spain out of fear that the art would be used against the Spanish regime occupying the Philippines at that time. Its efficiency in combat cost Magellan his life. Encompassing an entire spectrum of weaponry and also featuring sophisticated empty hand concepts, this highly efficient, deadly and combat-proven art enabled the southern Philippines to remain unconquered for almost 400 years. The weaponry and empty hand are taught together; the principles being common to both and interchangeable. Regardless of whether armed or unarmed, the student learns to relate to any situation using the same concepts of body angling, positioning, zoning, and flowing with the opponent. Depending upon speed, footwork and skill rather than brute strength, this fluid, practical method of self-defense is one of the most comprehensive martial arts systems known.

Jeet Kune Do/Jun Fan Gung Fu is a compilation of training methods, attitudes, combat techniques and concepts conceived, researched and compiled by the late Bruce Lee (Lee Jun Fan) until 1973. The base of Bruce Lee's Jun Fan Method was the Chinese Gung Fu system of Wing Chun which is considered to be one of the most sophisticated fighting methods to originate in China. Lee researched and incorporated kicking methods from northern and southern Gung Fu systems, French Savate and Thai Boxing. He incorporated his hand methods from Wing Chun, Western Boxing, various Gung Fu systems and Western Fencing, Grappling, locking and throwing are also integral parts of JKD. The Jun Fan Method is considered to be the explosive precursor to a JKD understanding; or, in other words, the base from which we work towards totality in personal combat.

Called the science of the eight limbs (hands, elbows, feet, knees), Muay Thai is considered to be one of the most devastating martial arts in the world today. Practiced originally as military training and now as a full contact sport (it is the national sport of Thailand). The training methods are so rigorous and so efficient that modern MMA fighters have incorporated Muay Thai type striking into their standard stand up training program.

Known as Pentjak Silat in Indonesia and Bersilat in Malaysia, the difference between these two arts are subtle. There are over 250 styles commonly practised in and throughout Indonesia and Malaysia. Silat involves various complex and intricate empty hand and foot manoeuvres, clever and unique multiple joint locking, sweeping and throwing manipulations. These arts form an rich educational portion in the cultural classes taught at the SEAI.