The Philippines is an island nation rich in both culture and history.

The
Filipino martial art of Arnis/Kali/Escrima has contributed to both the history
and diversity of the Philippines. There are an abundance of styles and
systems of Arnis/Kali/Escrima that are taught throughout the world to this
day, that have survived and developed throughout the different regions,
families and teachers who have preserved what is sometimes called a
complete martial art.

Arnis/Kali/Escrima was originally developed by the people native to the

islands using simple impact and edged weapons such as kampilans, rattan,
swords, daggers, spears and other assorted weaponry for combat and self
defense. These weapons were also sometimes used as farm implements.

The arrival of Ferdinand Magellans force in 1521 was met in battle with a
group of islanders, led by Raja Lapu Lapu, who defeated Magellan using
only

bladed

weapon.

Magellans

armored

and

musket

bearing

conquistadors were overpowered by the fierce fighters and retreated. The

Spanish returned in the 1570s and this time the Philippines came under
Spanish rule unable to contend with the modern weaponry the Spanish
used. The practice of Arnis/Kali/Escrima was prohibited, but continued and
was preserved through native ritual dance, performance, and mock battles.

Thus the arts were passed down in families from generation to generation,
honing their skill, speed, accuracy and agility.

The terms Arnis, Kali and Escrima are all used to refer to the Filipino martial
arts. There has been some confusion as to what word refers to which part
of the martial art. It is believed that Arnis, Kali, and Escrima are all a part
of the same art and depending on the location, dialect and type of training
taught. Also, any of the three names may apply to a certain part of
training. One interpretation is that Kali is the mother art of Arnis and
Escrima. Arnis focuses on the knife, including dagger, sword, and any other
form of bladed weapon. Escrima is based on the baston or stick. It has also
become very popular in the sport aspect of full contact stick fighting.

To this day Arnis/Kali/Escrima has retained a strong Spanish influence not

only in the names and titles used in training, but in the impact it has had
on Filipino culture. Filipino martial arts continue to encompass a large
range of weapons training and hand-to-hand combat, enriching the culture
of Filipino society. Thus the reference to it being a complete martial art