Filipino martial arts (FMA) refer to ancient and newer modified fighting methods devised in the Philippines. It incorporates elements from both Western and Eastern Martial Arts, the most popular forms of which are known as Arnis, Eskrima, and Kali.
Historical Development
In recent history, Richardson C. Gialogo and Aniano Lota, Jr. helped the Department of Education (DepEd) in the promotion of Arnis in the public schools. The Task Force on School Sports (TFSS) headed by Mr. Feliciano Toledo asked Richard Gialogo and Jon Lota to conduct national, regional and provincial seminar-workshops all over the Philippines under the auspices of the Philippine government.
The Spaniards banned the practice of native martial arts, but the art continued in secrecy and solitude. With the Americans allowing Escrima again, it proved helpful in the Second World War when practitioners fought alongside the Allies.
In the Southern Philippines, Kali, sometimes called Kali-Silat, incorporates movements of the lower body. Filipino stick fighting was entrenched in the island’s culture long before the Spanish arrived in 1521.
In the 16th century, the Spanish introduced fencing and saber fighting, which were combined with existing Filipino martial arts to create a new style, Arnis de Mano, used to defend against Spanish invaders.
Styles and Practices
Typically used in the Filipino martial arts, escrima sticks are the weapon of choice for many aficionados. Kali, Eskrima, and Arnis are known for their practicality in self-defense and emphasis on weapons training.
Filipino martial arts, commonly known as Arnis, Kali or Eskrima, are a complete fighting system employing a variety of weapons and hand-to-hand combat techniques.
Filipino martial arts draw on global influences and have affected martial arts styles worldwide. The triangle represents numerous philosophical and metaphysical principles in Filipino martial arts, symbolizing strength and often featured in training hall logos.