What Is Filipino Martial Arts?

The Filipino Martial Arts consist of a collection of fighting methods that were developed in the Philippines. The primary methods are Arnis, Eskrima, and Kali. These martial arts have been developed over centuries by the nation's inhabitants as a means of defending themselves from foreign threats.

The Filipino Martial Arts, occasionally referred to as simply Eskrima, are based around the use and mastery of weapons, but a variety of empty-handed techniques are taught as well. Training in these martial arts is grouped in accordance with the weapons, or lack thereof, that are used.

Hand-to-Hand Combat

Three forms of unarmed combat are taught in the Filipono Martial Arts:

• Mano Mano - Focuses on the use of the extremities in striking and blocking; examples include punches, head-butts, kicking, and disarming.


• Sikaran - This fighting method is based primarily around using the feet and knees in striking.


• Dumog and Buno - These forms emphasize grappling and wrestling techniques.

Blunt Weapons

The use of blunt weapons is popular in the Filipino Martial Arts due to the fact that they are readily available. Practitioners are taught to use staves, clubs, and improvised weapons, such as sticks and even umbrellas.

Edged Weapons

These weapons are highly respected in Escrima, Arnis, and Kali. Filipino Martial Artists train to use edged weapons that range from swords to butterfly knives.

Projectile Weapons

Filipino Martial Artists train to use ranged weapons including bows and arrows, throwing spears, blowguns, darts, and slingshots.

Flexible Weapons

A variety of flexible weapons are taught in Eskrima. Common examples include whips, ropes, chains, and even stingray tails. Improvised weapons covered include belts, towels, and bandannas.