YNAMARIE E.

DIZON
PASS

7 TIRAD

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 a 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.