What is Filipino Kali/Arnis?
Filipino Eskrima Kali, also known as Arnis, is a martial art that flows with the
history and the warrior spirit of the Philippine archipelago. This combat system, famous for its effectiveness and simplicity, has transcended the boundaries of time, carrying with it the heritage of
their ancestral warriors.
Over the centuries, it has evolved not only as an art of defense, but also as a philosophy of life for those who practice it.
The birth and evolution of Eskrima are deeply intertwined with the colonial history of the Philippines, particularly with the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. The combat tactics brought by the conquistadors, especially the famous Tercios, influenced
The Tercios were known for their mastery in the use of sword and dagger, and it is possible that Filipino warriors took elements of these European combat methods, integrating them with their own techniques.
The first confrontations between Spanish forces and the Filipinos, such as the famous Battle of Mactán, where Lapu-Lapu defeated Magellan, are key moments in the history of this martial art.
Although the colonizers brought their European style, the Filipinos perfected their own weapon system, adapting European techniques to their environment and culture. Thus, Eskrima evolved not only as a form of defense against occupation, but as a symbol of resistance.
Eskrima Styles and Families
Over the centuries, Eskrima has given rise to different styles and lineages, which have developed unique techniques, depending on the regions and families that practiced it.
Each style, although based on common principles, has developed its own methodologies and approaches depending on the weapons and strategies used.
Among the best known styles we find:
Doce Pares
One of the most famous styles, founded in Cebu, is known for its focus on weapons and the combination of short stick and knife techniques. It is a system that has gained international recognition.
Modern Arnis
Developed by grandmaster Remy Presas, this style seeks to modernize the traditional principles of Eskrima, adapting them to current times without losing the essence of traditional combat.
Barawsugbo
The Barawsugbo style is originally from Cebu, and its name is derived from "Baraw", which means knife, and "Sugbo", the ancient name of the city of Cebu. As its name implies, this style specializes in knife combat, placing great emphasis on speed, precision, and lethality in close-range situations. It is a style that stands out for its fluidity in movements and the ability to adapt disarmament and defense techniques, being very effective in urban confrontations. Barawsugbo teaches its practitioners to move with agility and take advantage of any angle to gain advantage, with the knife as their main tool.
Kalis Ilustrisimo
Kalis Ilustrisimo is one of the most respected and traditional styles in Philippine Eskrima, founded by the legendary maestro Antonio "Tatang" Ilustrisimo. This style places great emphasis on the use of the kalis, a sword with a curved blade that symbolizes the nobility and mastery of ancient Filipino martial arts. The Kalis Ilustrisimo is known for its focus on real and practical combat, with direct and lethal movements, based on simplicity and effectiveness. Not only the kalis is used, but also the staff, dagger and empty hands, making this style a pure representation of Filipino war techniques.
De campo 1-2-3
The De Campo 1,2,3 style, founded by Jose Caballero, is one of the most technical and aggressive forms of Eskrima. It focuses mainly on the use of the long staff, and its name refers to the three stages of combat: attack, defense and counterattack. This style is famous for its emphasis on precision, speed, and responsiveness. De Campo 1,2,3 is extremely structured, with movements designed to neutralize the opponent quickly and effectively, using well-defined angles of attack. It is a style that highlights the importance of anticipating the opponent's movements and responding immediately, without concessions.
Balintawak
This style places special emphasis on close-range combat and the use of a single staff, standing out for its speed and precision in simultaneous defense and attack.
Each family and each school has preserved and adapted its techniques over time, which has generated a rich diversity within Eskrima, but always under the premise of respect for the warrior tradition.
The weapons of Eskrima: More than sticks
One of the most notable features of Eskrima is its focus on using **weapons from the beginning** of learning. This differs from many other combat systems, which teach weapons only at advanced levels. The reason is clear: in the history of Filipino warriors, the use of everyday tools and weapons was essential for their survival in conflicts.
Some of the most used weapons in Eskrima include:
- Staff or Rattan (Olisi): The most iconic weapon of Eskrima, it is a rattan wooden stick between 60 and 75 cm, used both to hit and to deflect attacks and disarm the opponent.
- Espada y daga (Espada y Daga): Influenced by Spanish techniques, this approach combines a short sword or machete with a dagger or knife, allowing simultaneous attacks and defenses with both hands.
- Knives (Baraw): Knife combat is an essential part of Eskrima, teaching fast and lethal close-range techniques that can be used with any sharp object available.
- Long Staff (Sibat): Although less common, some styles of Eskrima include the use of spears or long staffs, which allow you to attack from a distance with great precision.
In addition to these weapons, practitioners also train empty-handed in what is called Panantukan (Filipino boxing), as well as hand-to-hand fighting and disarmament techniques that perfectly complement weapon combat.
Filipino Eskrima Kali is more than a martial art; It is the living history of a people, a warrior tradition that has evolved over time without losing its essence. In each technique, in each blow, centuries of struggle, resistance and adaptation are reflected.
Those who practice Eskrima not only learn how to defend themselves, but also connect with a lineage of warriors who knew how to keep their culture alive in the face of adversity.