Martial Arts from the Philippines is a unique blend of Chinese, Japanese, and Spanish influences. The Philippines has a rich martial arts history with a variety of traditions that have evolved over time. These martial arts are often called Eskrima, Arnis, or Kali and are typically characterized by the use of weapons and stick fighting.
Filipino martial arts have their roots in the 16th century when some of the first Spanish settlers arrived in the Philippines. The Spanish brought with them their own martial arts traditions which were blended with the native styles already present in the islands. This combination of martial arts eventually evolved into the Eskrima, Arnis, and Kali styles that are practiced today.
One of the most popular weapons used in Filipino martial arts is the rattan stick. This weapon is typically made of rattan wood, which is a durable and lightweight material. The sticks are usually between 1.5 to 2 meters in length and come in a variety of designs and shapes. This weapon is used in solo and partner drills, as well as in self-defense scenarios.
Another popular weapon used in Filipino martial arts is the blade. This includes swords, knives, and daggers, which are all used in a variety of drills and scenarios. These weapons are typically employed in a manner that is both defensive and offensive.
Types of Filipino martial art
1. Eskrima – Eskrima is a Filipino martial art that focuses on stick fighting and weapon-based combat. It is a very fast-paced style and emphasizes agility, speed, and flexibility.
2. Arnis – Arnis is a martial art that focuses on the use of a stick and knife. It is a more defensive-oriented style, with practitioners emphasizing the use of blocks and parries.
3. Kali – Kali is a Filipino martial art that emphasizes the use of multiple weapons and empty-hand techniques. It is a very aggressive style that focuses on strikes, throws, and takedowns.
No matter which style of Filipino martial arts you choose to practice, you will find that it is a very unique and effective system of self-defense. Filipino martial arts combine the best aspects of Chinese, Japanese, and Spanish martial arts traditions to create a powerful and versatile system that is suitable for any situation.
