Eye Square Martial Arts

Cultural Preservation… with Bruises (sometimes).

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  • The Warrior’s Declaration

    The Warrior’s Declaration

    I. Introduction

    July marks our nation’s boldest pledge—and it’s the perfect moment to make one for your training.
    Just as the Founders set forth a clear statement of purpose, you can craft a “Warrior’s Declaration of Intent” that clarifies why you train, what you value, and exactly how you’ll hold yourself accountable. In this guide, you’ll borrow the structure of the U.S. Declaration of Independence to build your own martial-arts mission statement—complete with a preamble, guiding principles, a list of obstacles, and concrete resolutions. By putting pen to parchment (or digital to screen), you cement your commitment and set the stage for real progress.

    II. The Structure of the Declaration

    We’ll mirror the Declaration’s four key parts:

    1. Preamble (“When in the Course…”)
      This is where you state your fundamental purpose. Example: “When in the course of one’s training it becomes necessary to reaffirm the pillars of discipline and self-reliance…”
    2. Declaration of Rights (“We hold these truths…”)
      Define 3–5 core principles you hold as inviolable:
      • Consistency: “That all true warriors train with regularity…”
      • Resilience: “That perseverance in the face of failure is indispensable…”
      • Precision: “That clean technique reflects a clear mind…”
    3. List of Grievances (“He has…”)
      Call out the specific obstacles that have thwarted you:
      • “He has allowed fatigue to excuse missed sessions.”
      • “He has let distraction fracture focus during practice.”
      • “He has rationalized shortcuts at the expense of form.”
    4. Resolutions (“We, therefore, the undersigned…”)
      Commit to 3–5 SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound:
      • “I will complete five minutes of solo stick drills every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for the next six weeks.”
      • “I will perform 100 shadow-boxing reps each morning before work.”
      • “I will record my training sessions twice weekly and review technique with a partner or mentor.”

    III. Crafting Your Declaration

    Follow this simple four-step process:

    1. Draft Your Preamble
      Write 1–2 sentences stating why you train.
    2. Define Your Rights
      List your top 3–5 training values—think of each like a personal credo.
    3. List Your Grievances
      Be honest about the habits, excuses, or limitations that hold you back.
    4. State Your Resolutions
      Convert each grievance into a positive, actionable commitment with clear metrics and deadlines.

    Example Preamble:
    “When in the course of my martial-arts journey it becomes necessary to declare the indispensable truths of discipline and self-reliance…”

    Example Right:
    “That consistent practice is the birthright of every dedicated student…”

    Example Grievance:
    “He has surrendered practice time to social media’s pull.”

    Example Resolution:
    “I will log into my training journal before and after each session for the next 30 days.”

    IV. Signing & Posting

    A declaration means nothing if it lives buried in a notebook. Make it real:

    • Sign in Ink: Physically sign and date your parchment or printout.
    • Display: Hang it on your wall, mirror, or training bag.
    • Share: Photograph your declaration and post it to social media or your dojo group—use #WarriorsDeclaration for accountability.
    • Check-Ins: Set weekly reminders (e.g., in your phone or dojo calendar) to review your resolutions and track progress.

    V. Conclusion & Call to Action

    This July, join a community of martial artists who aren’t just practicing—they’re declaring their intent. Write your “Warrior’s Declaration” by July 7, share it proudly, and let your own words propel you toward true self-reliance. Ready to sign on the dotted line?

    Here’s a printable version so you can write your Warrior’s Declaration here

  • Daily Carry: Readiness, Gear, and What Real EDC Looks Like

    Daily Carry: Readiness, Gear, and What Real EDC Looks Like

    So you’ve got your license. You’ve trained. You understand the law. Now what?

    Welcome to the part most people gloss over: what it actually takes to carry a firearm daily—safely, comfortably, and legally. It’s not as simple as strapping on a holster and walking out the door.

    Legal First, Always

    Before you carry, you need to know:

    • Your state’s laws (and any you travel through)
    • Where carry is prohibited (schools, government buildings, private property with signage)
    • What qualifies as brandishing (lifting your shirt and “flashing” your gun can get you charged)

    Also—check reciprocity if you carry across state lines. Some states don’t honor your permit.

    🛡️ Bottom line: Ignorance of the law is not a defense.

    Comfort and Concealment

    The best gun in the world is useless if it stays home. That’s why comfort and concealment matter.

    Popular carry options:

    • Inside-the-waistband (IWB) – common, secure, and easily concealed
    • Appendix carry (AIWB) – fast access, but requires training and safety discipline
    • Pocket or ankle carry – for small backups, not primary defense

    Your clothing, holster, and belt should work together. You shouldn’t be adjusting or printing all day.

    EDC Isn’t Just a Gun

    Everyday Carry (EDC) should include:

    • A quality flashlight
    • A tourniquet or compact trauma kit
    • A folding or fixed-blade knife
    • Phone with emergency contacts and maps
    • Optional: spare mag, multitool, pepper spray

    Why? Because not every problem is a gun problem.

    Situational Readiness

    Carrying daily means adopting a new posture toward the world:

    • Know your exits in public spaces.
    • Sit where you can observe entrances.
    • Avoid confrontations. Walk away when you can.
    • Practice de-escalation. Your gun is not your voice.

    🧠 Mindset tip: You’re not looking for trouble—you’re trained to end it if it finds you.

    The Real Test: Can You Access It Under Stress?

    It’s one thing to carry. It’s another to draw from concealment in 2 seconds or less when your heart’s racing.

    Train for:

    • Drawing while seated
    • Clearing cover garments
    • Engaging multiple threats
    • One-handed shooting (injured limb, carrying a child, etc.)

    Dry fire drills at home can simulate many of these scenarios—and they cost you nothing but time.

    Closing Thought

    Everyday carry isn’t about paranoia—it’s about responsibility. It’s about choosing to live prepared, not afraid.

    In our final post, we’ll wrap up the Armed Citizen Series with a look at how to defend rights without losing your humanity—and what it means to be a good citizen in a world full of noise.

  • The Gun Debate: Common Arguments and How to Respond

    The Gun Debate: Common Arguments and How to Respond

    Main Post Draft

    It’s one of the most divisive issues in America.

    To some, gun ownership is a basic human right. To others, it’s a public safety hazard. Most people fall somewhere in between—but the loudest voices tend to come from the extremes.

    Let’s unpack the most common arguments and look at how to respond—calmly, respectfully, and with the facts.

    Argument 1: “More Guns = More Crime”

    This one is common in media and political soundbites, but it doesn’t hold up under scrutiny.

    🔹 Fact Check:

    • According to FBI crime statistics, gun ownership has increased significantly since the early 1990s—but violent crime has decreased by almost 50% in that time.
    • CDC data also shows that defensive gun use may outnumber criminal use in the U.S.

    🛡️ Response: Correlation isn’t causation, but if more guns directly caused more crime, the data should show it. It doesn’t.

    Argument 2: “Nobody needs an AR-15”

    This argument is based on emotion—and often, misunderstanding of what an AR-15 actually is.

    🔹 Fact Check:

    • The AR-15 is not a “military-grade” weapon. It’s a semi-automatic rifle, functionally no different from many hunting rifles.
    • Rifles of all types (including AR-15s) are used in less than 3% of gun homicides annually.

    🛡️ Response: The Second Amendment isn’t about needs—it’s about rights. Just as we don’t “need” free speech or a smartphone, we don’t justify constitutional rights based on utility.

    Argument 3: “You’re more likely to be shot with your own gun”

    This one is often cited from flawed or outdated studies.

    🔹 Fact Check:

    • Many studies lump suicide, domestic violence, and drug/gang crime into one “gun death” statistic.
    • Defensive gun use often isn’t reported, so incidents where a gun prevents harm rarely appear in crime stats.

    🛡️ Response: Responsible ownership—safe storage, training, and mindset—dramatically reduces risk. Guns aren’t the problem; careless behavior is.

    Argument 4: “Other countries have strict gun control and fewer shootings”

    Yes—and they also have completely different cultures, legal systems, and enforcement methods.

    🔹 Fact Check:

    • The U.S. has unique constitutional protections and a vastly larger population of legal firearms.
    • Switzerland and Israel also have high gun ownership—but low crime, thanks to training and societal factors.

    🛡️ Response: You can’t copy-paste another country’s laws into the U.S. and expect identical results. America’s model must balance freedom with responsibility.

    Argument 5: “Gun owners are just paranoid”

    This is a personal attack, not a policy argument.

    🔹 Fact Check:

    • Most gun owners say they carry not out of fear—but out of preparedness.
    • Millions train, secure their firearms, and hope they never need them.

    🛡️ Response: Carrying a fire extinguisher doesn’t mean you expect a fire. It means you’re ready if one starts.

    Argument 6: “Civilians shouldn’t have weapons of war”

    This phrase gets thrown around often—usually in reference to AR-15s—but it’s based more on appearance and emotion than actual capability.

    🔹 Fact Check:

    • The AR-15 fires a .223/5.56 caliber round, which is smaller and less powerful than many traditional hunting calibers like .308, .30-06, or 7mm Rem Mag.
    • A bolt-action deer rifle firing a .30-06 round causes more tissue disruption, deeper penetration, and greater hydrostatic shock than a 5.56 round from an AR-15.
    • AR-15s are often chosen for home defense or range use because they’re easier to control, lighter in recoil, and allow for quicker follow-up shots—not because they’re “deadlier.”

    🛡️ Response: Most people who say “weapons of war” have never looked at ballistics data. The AR-15 isn’t unusually powerful—it just looks scary. If we judged rifles based on their damage potential, many legal hunting rifles would be first on the ban list.

    Closing Thought

    You don’t win debates by shouting louder—you win by staying calm, being informed, and knowing your values. Whether you’re talking to a skeptic or a supporter, be the kind of ambassador for gun rights that others respect.

    In the next chapter, we’ll wrap up the series with a guide to daily carry readiness—balancing practicality, legality, and real-world scenarios.

  • Training, Safety, and Mindset: What Responsible Carry Really Means

    Training, Safety, and Mindset: What Responsible Carry Really Means

    It’s one thing to own a gun. It’s another to carry it daily. And it’s something else entirely to be prepared—mentally, physically, and morally—to use it.

    A gun doesn’t make you safe. Training does. Judgment does. Self-control does. Without those, a firearm can turn from a life-saving tool into a liability.

    Mindset First, Always

    Before you think about tactics or gear, you need the right mindset.

    • Carrying a gun means you’ve accepted a level of responsibility most people will never understand.
    • It’s not about being the hero—it’s about avoiding trouble whenever possible and stopping a threat only when there’s no other option.
    • The gun is the last resort, not the first move.

    If your ego is driving you to carry, you’re doing it wrong.

    Training: More Than Just Marksmanship

    You don’t rise to the occasion—you fall to the level of your training.

    That means:

    • Drawing from concealment under pressure
    • Moving and shooting with awareness of your surroundings
    • Target discrimination (knowing when not to shoot)
    • Scenario-based decision-making under stress

    Dry fire practice, range time, and force-on-force training are all part of the puzzle. And if you haven’t trained since your concealed carry class? You’re overdue.

    Situational Awareness > Speed

    Most violent encounters are won—or avoided—before the first shot is fired.

    • Can you spot a threat before it’s too close?
    • Are you tuned into your environment, or buried in your phone?
    • Do you know where the exits are when you walk into a store, restaurant, or parking lot?

    Awareness buys you time. And time buys you options.

    Safe Storage = Smart Ownership

    Not every threat is external. Especially if you have children, roommates, or visitors at home, safe storage matters.

    Options include:

    • Lockboxes or safes with quick-access
    • Trigger locks for backup storage
    • Keeping carry guns on your person—not loose in a drawer (or in a purse)

    The goal isn’t paranoia—it’s preventing tragedy.

    Closing Thought

    Carrying a gun doesn’t make you dangerous. But carrying one without training, discipline, and humility just might.

    In the next post, we’ll dive into the common arguments for and against civilian gun ownership—and how to respond with respect, logic, and facts.

  • Mutual Combat vs. Sudden Assault: What Defensive Gun Use Really Looks Like

    Mutual Combat vs. Sudden Assault: What Defensive Gun Use Really Looks Like

    When most people imagine using a gun in self-defense, they picture something from a movie—a standoff, a gunfight, or a dramatic chase. But in real life, defensive gun use (DGU) is rarely that cinematic.

    It’s fast. It’s messy. And it usually doesn’t involve a shot being fired at all.

    What Counts as Defensive Gun Use?

    A “defensive gun use” doesn’t require pulling the trigger. It simply means using a firearm to stop or deter a threat to your life or the life of another.

    This could include:

    • Drawing a firearm to prevent an assault
    • Displaying a weapon to stop a robbery
    • Firing a warning shot (though not recommended)
    • Actually discharging a weapon in self-defense

    The vast majority of DGUs don’t make the news—because nothing dramatic happened. The threat ended the moment the gun appeared.

    How Often Does It Happen?

    There’s controversy around the numbers, largely due to how “defensive use” is defined and reported. But here are the major data points:

    • A CDC-commissioned report cites estimates ranging from 60,000 to 2.5 million DGUs per year, depending on the methodology. (Source)
    • The National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) consistently reports about 100,000 DGUs per year.
    • A 2000s study by criminologist Gary Kleck—widely cited in 2A circles—estimated closer to 2.5 million annually.

    Even using the most conservative number, that’s roughly 275 people per day using a gun in self-defense.

    Real-Life Encounters: What They Teach

    What’s consistent across real-world incidents is this: self-defense happens fast, and the defender is often reacting to a sudden assault.

    Key lessons:

    • You won’t have time to rack a slide, unlock a safe, or “gear up.” Preparedness means accessibility.
    • Most confrontations happen at close range (7 yards or less).
    • The attacker usually has the advantage—they chose the time and place.

    This is why mindset, situational awareness, and training matter more than the gear you carry.

    Mutual Combat vs Sudden Assault

    There’s a big legal and moral difference between getting into a fight and defending yourself from a violent assault.

    • Mutual Combat: Both parties are willingly engaged—think road rage or bar fights. If you escalate, your legal defense may fall apart.
    • Sudden Assault: You’re targeted unexpectedly and must respond with appropriate force to stop the threat. This is where most DGUs fall.

    If you’re carrying, your job isn’t to “win a fight”—it’s to survive a threat and stay within the law.

    Closing Thought

    Guns aren’t magic wands. They don’t guarantee safety. But in the hands of a trained, law-abiding citizen, they can stop evil in its tracks.

    Next time, we’ll explore how to prepare for that moment before it happens—through training, mindset, and responsible carry habits.

  • What the Law Says: Understanding Your Rights and Limits as an Armed Citizen

    What the Law Says: Understanding Your Rights and Limits as an Armed Citizen

    The Second Amendment may be just 27 words long—but the laws that surround it are anything but simple.

    Whether you’re carrying for self-defense, keeping a rifle at home, or just trying to stay legal across state lines, knowing the law isn’t optional. It’s part of being a responsible gun owner.

    Let’s break it down.

    Federal vs State Law: Two Layers of Regulation

    At the federal level, the basics are covered by:

    • The Gun Control Act of 1968 (age limits, background checks, prohibited persons)
    • The Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act (mandated background checks)
    • The National Firearms Act (NFA) (regulates suppressors, short-barreled rifles, etc.)

    But most of what affects your daily life as a gun owner comes from your state. Laws vary dramatically—not just on what’s allowed, but on what’s criminal.

    Constitutional Carry, Shall-Issue, and May-Issue

    There are three broad types of concealed carry laws in the U.S.:

    1. Constitutional Carry – No permit required. States like Utah, Florida, Texas, and Arizona allow eligible adults to carry concealed without a permit.
    2. Shall-Issue – Permits must be issued if you meet legal requirements (background check, training, etc.).
    3. May-Issue – Local authorities have discretion to approve or deny applications, even if requirements are met. This model is shrinking rapidly due to the Bruen Supreme Court ruling in 2022.

    As of 2024, more than half of U.S. states have adopted Constitutional Carry laws in some form. That doesn’t mean there are no restrictions—just fewer bureaucratic hurdles for legal carry.

    Self-Defense Laws: Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground

    Just because you can carry doesn’t mean you can shoot. States also differ on when you can use force:

    • Castle Doctrine: You can use deadly force in your home without retreating.
    • Stand Your Ground: You can use force in public spaces without retreating, if you’re lawfully present.
    • Duty to Retreat: You must try to escape before using deadly force, if safe to do so.

    Even in Stand Your Ground states, force must be reasonable and based on an imminent threat. “Feeling threatened” isn’t enough—your response must match the level of danger.

    Red Flag Laws and Legal Pitfalls

    Responsible gun ownership means avoiding legal traps, including:

    • Red Flag Laws: Allow police or family members to request temporary removal of firearms if someone is deemed a risk to themselves or others.
    • Gun-Free Zones: Carrying in prohibited areas—like schools, post offices, or certain government buildings—can result in felony charges, even in Constitutional Carry states.
    • Travel Laws: Transporting firearms across state lines without understanding local laws can land you in serious legal trouble, especially in states with strict gun laws like New Jersey or New York.

    Closing Thought

    Owning a firearm is your right—but understanding the law is your responsibility.

    What you don’t know can hurt you. So read your local statutes, stay informed, and train accordingly.

    In the next part of the Armed Citizen Series, we’ll dig into real-life defensive gun use—how often it happens, what it looks like, and what you can learn from those who’ve had to act.

  • Firearms in American Culture: Tool, Symbol, and Flashpoint

    Firearms in American Culture: Tool, Symbol, and Flashpoint

    The Frontier Legacy

    America’s roots are steeped in the rugged independence of the frontier. Firearms were vital for protection and sustenance, and that necessity became part of the national character.

    Even today, rural areas maintain higher gun ownership rates. According to Pew Research, about 67% of rural Americans either own a gun or live in a household with one, compared to just 31% in urban areas. This isn’t just geography—it’s culture.

    Militia, Citizen, Protector

    The notion of the armed citizen wasn’t abstract to the Founders. And it still resonates today. According to a 2022 Gallup poll, 44% of U.S. adults believe having a gun at home makes them safer.

    Gun ownership is widespread: roughly 32% of Americans personally own a firearm, and about 44% live in a gun-owning household, according to Pew Research.

    While gun control debates often focus on crime, defensive gun use (DGU) is a well-documented phenomenon. A CDC review cited defensive use estimates ranging from 60,000 to 2.5 million times per year, depending on the study. Even at the low end, that’s tens of thousands of Americans using firearms for lawful protection.

    Gun Ownership as Identity

    For many, firearm ownership is not just practical—it’s part of who they are. In the same Pew Research survey, respondents listed their top reasons for owning a gun:

    • Self-defense (88%)
    • Hunting (40%)
    • Sport shooting (34%)
    • Gun collecting (15%)

    Nearly two-thirds of gun owners say they can’t imagine not owning a gun, showing how deeply tied firearms are to personal identity and autonomy.

    What the Media Gets Wrong

    The media often skews the portrayal of gun ownership. Real-life firearm users don’t resemble Hollywood vigilantes or nightly news villains.

    According to Pew:

    • 54% of gun owners practice regularly at a range
    • More than 50% have taken a gun safety course
    • 71% say that being a gun owner is very or somewhat important to their self-identity

    And according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, only about 8% of gun crimes involve firearms obtained legally—a stat that undermines many public assumptions.

    Closing Thought

    Behind the headlines and political noise is a quieter, more grounded truth: millions of Americans responsibly own firearms not out of fear—but out of a commitment to protect, prepare, and stand on their own feet.

    Next up: we dig into the law itself—what U.S. firearms regulations really say, and how your rights vary from state to state.

  • Don’t Do the Enemy a Favor

    Don’t Do the Enemy a Favor

    I recently came across a photo from Comic Con—one of those celebrity photo ops you pay for.

    I got to meet Jason David Frank. Tommy. The Green Ranger. The White Ranger. (I think he even became the Red Ranger in one of the later series.) This guy was one of my childhood inspirations. I wanted to study martial arts because of him—and because of The Karate Kid.

    I didn’t get into martial arts until my 20s, but by the time I met him, I was 15 years into my journey. It was a big moment. I was starstruck and totally tongue-tied—especially after he complimented my back stance. That meant a lot.

    Life had gotten busy, and Comic Con had kind of lost its luster. But I always told myself I’d go back if Jason David Frank ever made another appearance.

    He never did.

    Jason David Frank took his own life in 2022.

    Finding that photo made me want to write this post. Around the same time, I saw a video from Habitual Line Crosser. He was talking about the epidemic of military and veteran suicide. At one point, he pulled out the full military “knife hand” and said, very seriously:

    “Don’t do the enemy a fucking favor!”

    He put it that way to get the point across to military types. And while I never served the sentiment stuck with me.

    That line wasn’t just for vets. It’s something that anyone might need to hear. I know I did.

    I’ll never get the chance to tell Jason Frank what his influence meant to me. But maybe this post will help someone else instead.

    So if you’re in that dark place right now, please hear me:

    DON’T DO THE ENEMY A FUCKING FAVOR.

    Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

    If you’re wrestling with those thoughts, reach out. Please.

    988 is the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Call or text anytime.

    You matter. You’re not alone.

    Tuhon Brandon in a back stance next to Jason David Frank, the Green/White/Red Ranger from Power Rangers.
  • The Right to Self-Defense: Why It Exists and What It Really Means

    The Right to Self-Defense: Why It Exists and What It Really Means

    Violence, whether we like it or not, is part of the human experience. And with it comes the unavoidable question: when force is used against you, do you have the right to respond with force of your own?

    The right to self-defense is one of the oldest and most widely recognized principles in legal and moral thought. It predates the Constitution, exists in nearly every legal system in the world, and resonates with something deeply instinctual—when faced with danger, we should be able to protect ourselves and those we care about.

    But how far does that right go? And in the American context, how does the firearm—perhaps the most effective and controversial tool of modern self-defense—fit into that framework?

    Self-Defense: A Natural Right

    At its core, the right to self-defense isn’t granted by any government. It’s a natural right—meaning it exists independent of laws, documents, or institutions. You don’t need a license to try to survive. And societies that recognize this right tend to codify it in laws that allow individuals to use force, sometimes even deadly force, when confronted with imminent harm.

    The American legal tradition, rooted in English common law, has always acknowledged this. Early colonists lived in conditions where law enforcement might be days away—if it existed at all. The responsibility for personal safety started at home and extended to family, property, and community.

    The Second Amendment as a Backstop

    Enter the Second Amendment. While it’s often viewed through the lens of resistance to tyranny, it also plays a crucial role in reinforcing the right of individuals to be prepared for self-defense. It doesn’t create the right—it protects it from infringement.

    Modern debates often miss this point. The Second Amendment isn’t about hunting, and it’s not exclusively about militias. It’s about ensuring that individuals have the practical means to respond to threats when law enforcement can’t—or won’t—arrive in time.

    “Whatever Means Are Necessary”

    When I say I believe in defending yourself by whatever means are necessary, I don’t say that recklessly. Violence should always be the last resort. But if a threat is real, immediate, and unavoidable, the response should be effective.

    And firearms, for many Americans, are simply the most effective tool available. They are a force equalizer. They don’t rely on size, strength, or youth. They allow a 110-pound woman to stop a 250-pound attacker. They allow a disabled veteran to defend his home when help is minutes—or miles—away.

    This isn’t about paranoia. It’s about preparation. And it starts with recognizing that the right to self-defense is real, valid, and worth protecting.

    Closing Thought

    Self-defense isn’t about looking for a fight—it’s about having the means to survive one. In the next part of this series, we’ll explore how firearms became woven into American culture and why that history matters more than ever in today’s debate.

  • Bonus: Where It All Began – Regional Roots of Filipino Martial Arts

    Bonus: Where It All Began – Regional Roots of Filipino Martial Arts

    Filipino Martial Arts aren’t a single unified system—they’re a constellation of styles, strategies, and traditions, shaped by the geography, culture, and history of the islands they come from. Each region brought something to the table, and understanding those roots helps us appreciate just how diverse and adaptable FMA really is.

    Luzon – Arnis and Blade Discipline

    In the northern islands, especially in central and northern Luzon, the term Arnis de Mano became dominant. While there are stick systems, blade work has always been a big deal here—particularly with bolos, talibongs, and other agricultural tools-turned-weapons. Systems here often emphasize:

    • Flow drills (Anyo or Sayaw)
    • Blade-first mentality
    • Integration with cultural dances and traditions
    • Strong Spanish-era fencing influence

    Notable provinces: Pangasinan, Ilocos, Nueva Ecija, and parts of Central Luzon.

    Visayas – Eskrima and Impact Power

    The Visayas are the heartland of Eskrima (or Esgrima, derived from Spanish fencing). In Cebu, Negros, Iloilo, and nearby islands, you’ll find some of the most systematized and well-known FMA styles. Eskrima in this region is known for:

    • Close-range stick fighting
    • Fast, aggressive striking
    • Conceptual flow (defanging the snake, zoning)
    • Family-based systems passed down generation to generation

    Notable systems: Balintawak, Doce Pares, Cacoy Doce Pares, and others that trace their roots to Cebu.

    Mindanao – Kali and Tribal Warrior Influence

    While the term Kali is debated and varies by usage, it’s often associated with Mindanao and the southern Philippines. These regions have long histories of resistance and warrior traditions among the Moro people and indigenous tribes. Kali here carries:

    • Blade-centric training (kris, kampilan, barong)
    • Influence from Islamic and tribal warrior culture
    • Integrated weapons systems (sword, shield, spear)
    • Tactics suited for actual tribal warfare and skirmish combat

    Notable areas: Sulu, Cotabato, Lanao del Sur, Zamboanga, Maguindanao

    Tagalog and Bicol Regions – Hybrids and Hidden Arts

    In the southern Luzon regions (Tagalog belt and Bicol), FMA systems often flew under the radar. These arts were passed down through families, embedded in ritual and custom. They may not have always had formal names, but they were battle-tested and efficient.

    • Bolos and machete work
    • Stick and knife integration
    • Farm tool adaptability
    • Often blended with local dance or religious festivities for concealment

    Why Regional Origins Matter

    Knowing where an art comes from helps you understand why it looks the way it does. Terrain, local weapons, colonial contact, and even climate shaped how people fought. A system from the highlands of Luzon looks different than one from the flatlands of Cebu—or the jungle regions of Mindanao.

    The magic of FMA is that it all works together. Each system reflects its environment, but the principles—movement, timing, adaptability—are universal.

    So whether you call it Arnis, Eskrima, Kali, or something else entirely, know this: you’re tapping into centuries of innovation, rooted in the land, the people, and the fight to survive.