Before guns and technology, humans relied on fists, sticks, and kicks. Of course, we are a long way from the Stone Age, but the knowledge has passed down several generations and has become what we now know as martial arts. For many Asian countries, especially the Philippines, martial arts is an identity. Martial artists like Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li among others, thrilled spectators with the art of the last few decades. Meanwhile, the advent of MMA and UFC and its Hollywood portrayal further exposed martial arts on the global stage. FMA is adaptive and effective. As a result, they are suitable for recreational athletes, professional fighters, stunt artists, and action stars. Let us explore the most popular FMA styles and increase your understanding.
No documents that show the exact origin of martial arts in the Philippines. Nonetheless, the consensus is that the art is centuries old. Its practice and preservation protected the Philippines from invasions, and several hundred styles exist throughout the country.
Experts believe Escrima martial arts originated in India, and people who traveled throughout Indonesia brought it to the Philippines. In the same way, the Indonesian Tjakalele and Malay Silat Melayu were introduced via a land bridge that once connected Malaya to the Philippine islands. The Tang dynasty’s Kuntao and Silat influenced the development of Kali – which is the mother art of the Philippines. According to legend, ten chieftains established a school where they taught forms of Kali, agriculture, and academic subjects.
During the fourteenth century, Datu Mangal brought Kali to Mactan Island. Sri Bataugong and Sri Bantug Lamay introduced it to the Island of Cebu during the Majapahit empire. Datu Mangal’s sun, Raja Lapu Lapu, developed Pangamut, a Kali subsystem.
The Spanish stumbled upon the archipelago on March 16, 1521, and formed a friendship and an ultimate Spanish allegiance. However, another expedition on April 27 saw a confrontation by 1050 islanders. Raja Lapu Lapu and his men confronted them with iron-tipped fire-hardened bamboo lances and pointed fire-dried wooden stakes. Ruy de Villalobos named the entire archipelago the Philippines and prohibited practicing Kali. Nonetheless, the locals preserved the arts in native ritual dances. During the 330 years of Spanish reign, they altered the Kali fighting style. Many training methods, concepts, and fighting techniques were developed. This, plus Spanish culture and language led to the developing Escrima or Arnis de Mano.
As gambling is legal in the Philippines, residents can play on foreign gambling sites, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) regulates these activities in the country. So, betting is popular among locals. Competitive events like Arnis tournaments or Escrima matches have surged in popularity recently, especially within combat sports and the martial arts community.
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Traditional martial arts in the Philippines encompass different styles, techniques, and systems that have developed over centuries. Nonetheless, eight arts stand out the most, as they are practiced in the Philippines and around the world.
The three terms are used interchangeably due to their fusion.
The martial arts focus on Philippine stick fighting and utilize blade weapons like yantok. Arnis also involves training in knife defense, takedowns, wrist locks, and empty-hand techniques. Kali martial arts, when translated, means “the body in motion with a blade.” Arnis was officially designated as the “Philippine national martial arts “ by President Gloria Arroyo and is common in Physical Education Classes.
This Eskrima variant is more about close-quarter combat. As a result, fighters use shorter sticks compared to other Eskrima styles. Arnis martial arts is a spin-off of Balintawak Eskrima. The art originated from Balintawak – hence the name. The techniques include blocks, strikes, disarms, counters, and grappling. Unlike others, it focuses on single-stick training. However, practitioners sometimes train with knives or empty hands.
Remy Presas developed Modern Arnis in the mid-20th century. It emphasizes using the rattan stick – a traditional Filipino weapon, weapon disarming and empty-hand techniques. Modern Arnis influenced Japanese Judo, Jujutsu, and Karate. Modern Arnis has pre-arranged movement sequences that provide more control, and practitioners engage in flow drills to practice fluidity.
Pekiti-Tirsia Kali practitioners specialize in blade combat and close-quarters fighting. Grand Tuhon Leo T. Gaje Jr. founded the martial arts and it involves using knives and machetes. Fighters learn offensive and defensive blade techniques like cutting, thrusting, blocking, and striking. Pekiti-Tirsia Kali utilizes circular movements that promote control during engagement and allow individuals to explore openings in their opponent’s defenses.
Dumog is primarily wrestling. Put differently, grappling with and without weapons. Dumog is common in the northern regions of the Philippines, alongside weapon-based martial arts like Eskrima and Arnis. Practitioners learn throwing, joint locks, throwing, and takedowns. They manipulate their opponent’s body to gain dominance during grappling. Dumog is best for close-quarters combat, especially in confined spaces.
Suntukan or Panantukan is a street-oriented boxing system. It is practiced alongside Dumog and Armis and emphasizes hand strikes like hooks, uppercuts, and punches. Likewise, elbow strikes, palm strikes, and hammer fists. Suntunkan is suitable for close combats where you cannot kick or grapple, and training involves practicing strike combinations together with other techniques in rapid succession.
Sikaran is a Tagalog word for kicking. It focuses on lower-body striking techniques, whether for defense or offense. Fighters use front kicks, spinning kicks, jumping kicks, sidekicks, and roundhouse kicks. They execute them with power, speed, and precision. As expected, footwork is part of Sikaran training. Individuals must be balanced and agile and change direction quickly. Fighters target specific areas of the body with their kicks and deliver maximum impact.
Yaw Yan is a kickboxing martial art. Nonetheless, it uses grappling techniques and weapon defense. Sawyaw Kamatayan is similar to Muay Thai but has its distinct eight-limb striking and 70-kick forms. The incorporation of Arnis makes Yaw Yan even more effective. Napolean Fernandez founded Yaw Yan during the 1970s which translates to “dance of death.”
What Filipino Martial Arts do special forces use?
The special forces use a combination of various types of martial arts. For instance, kali, Arnis, and Eskrima. FMA is adaptable, versatile, and suitable for close combat. They include empty-hand techniques and weapons and combine well with other combat systems.
Is Silat the same as Kali?
No, they are not. Silat refers to martial art styles originating from the Malay Archipelago. The countries include Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Brunei. However, Kali (Arnis/Eskrima) originates from the Philippines.
Is Kali knife fighting effective?
Yes, Kali knife fighting is highly effective. It is practical for real-life situations and teaches blade awareness for self-defense. You learn how to strike, thrust, slash, and disarm. Kali Filipino knife fighting works for different situations and can incorporate empty-hand techniques.
Is Kali used in the military?
Kali is among the most famous Philippine martial arts around today. It is used by military and police units all over the world.
Is Eskrima effective in a street fight?
Eskrima is effective in street fights since it involves armed and unarmed combat techniques. Fighters learn how to use sticks, knives, and improvised objects. Likewise, grappling techniques, kicks, and empty-hand strikes.
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