A Historical Journey Through Arnis, Eskrima, and Kali
Welcome to our deep-dive series on the rich and resilient history of Filipino Martial Arts (FMA). Whether you call it Arnis, Eskrima, Kali—or all three—these arts have been shaped by centuries of warfare, cultural fusion, and the fighting spirit of the Filipino people.
From tribal warriors defending their homes to guerrillas resisting occupation, from backyards in Cebu to parks in California, FMA has evolved without losing its edge. This series explores that evolution—step by step, era by era—with honesty, grit, and cultural respect.
🔪 Series Index
Part 1: The Sword in the Soul of the Islands
A powerful introduction to why FMA is more than just martial technique—it’s identity, history, and survival wrapped around a blade.
→ [Read Part 1]
Part 2: Blades Before the Colonizers – Precolonial Martial Foundations
An exploration of tribal warfare, warrior classes, and how early Filipinos trained, fought, and passed on their martial knowledge.
→ [Read Part 2]
Part 3: Sticks, Steel, and Sermons – Martial Survival in the Spanish Era
How Filipinos preserved their fighting arts under colonial suppression—through dance, theater, and the invention of the humble baston.
→ [Read Part 3]
Part 4: Brass Knuckles and Bolos – Filipino Martial Arts in the American Era and WWII
From guerrilla resistance to battlefield application, this chapter highlights how FMA proved its value in the most dangerous of times.
→ [Read Part 4]
Part 5: From Jungle to Global – The Rise of Modern Filipino Martial Arts
FMA leaves the islands and takes root worldwide—helped by migration, veterans, Bruce Lee, and a growing need for adaptable self-defense.
→ [Read Part 5]
Part 6: Preservation and Progress – The Future of Filipino Martial Arts
The arts survive—but how do they thrive? This post explores tradition vs innovation and how today’s practitioners carry the torch forward.
→ [Read Part 6]
Bonus: Where It All Began – Regional Roots of Filipino Martial Arts
A breakdown of how Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao each shaped different aspects of Arnis, Eskrima, and Kali—and why regional context matters.
→ [Read Bonus Post]
Filipino Martial Arts Bookshelf
Want to do your own research? Here’s a list to get you started.
→ [Checkout the Book List]
🥋 Why This Series Matters
This isn’t just about sticks and blades. It’s about where we come from—and where we’re going. Filipino Martial Arts is a living tradition, and this series is part of keeping it alive, honest, and accessible.
Train hard. Learn deep. Pass it on.