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Arnis, also known as Eskrima and Kali, is the national sport and martial art of the Philippines.

The three
are roughly interchangeable umbrella terms for the traditional martial arts of the Philippines ("Filipino
Martial Arts," or FMA) that emphasize weapon-based fighting with sticks, knives, bladed weapons and
various improvised weapons. It is also known as Estoque (Spanishfor rapier), Estocada (Spanish for
thrust or stab) and Garrote (Spanish for club). In Luzon they may go by the name of Arnis de Mano.

The indigenous martial art that the Spanish encountered in 1610 was not yet called "arnis" at that time.
During those times, this martial art was known as Paccalicali-t to the Ibanags,[2] Didya (later changed
to Kabaroan) to the Ilocanos, Sitbatan or Kalirongan to Pangasinenses, Sinawali to
the Kapampangans ("to weave"), Calis or Pananandata (use of weapons) to the Tagalogs, Pagaradmanto
the Ilonggos and Kaliradman to the Cebuanos. Kuntaw and Silat are separate martial arts that are also
practiced in the Philippine Archipelgo.

Arnis also includes hand-to-hand combat, joint locks, grappling and weapon disarming techniques.
Although in general, emphasis is put on weapons for these arts, some systems put empty hands as the
primary focus and some old school systems do not teach weapons at all..
The Philippines is an island nation rich in both culture and history. The Filipino martial art of
Arnis/Kali/Escrima has contributed to both the history and diversity of the Philippines. There are an
abundance of styles and systems of Arnis/Kali/Escrima that are taught throughout the world to this
day, that have survived and developed throughout the different regions, families and teachers who
have preserved what is sometimes called a complete martial art.

Arnis/Kali/Escrima was originally developed by the people native to the islands using simple impact
and edged weapons such as kampilans, rattan, swords, daggers, spears and other assorted
weaponry for combat and self defense. These weapons were also sometimes used as farm
implements.

The arrival of Ferdinand Magellans force in 1521 was met in battle with a group of islanders, led by
Raja Lapu Lapu, who defeated Magellan using only a bladed weapon. Magellans armored and
musket bearing conquistadors were overpowered by the fierce fighters and retreated. The Spanish
returned in the 1570s and this time the Philippines came under Spanish rule unable to contend
with the modern weaponry the Spanish used. The practice of Arnis/Kali/Escrima was prohibited, but
continued and was preserved through native ritual dance, performance, and mock battles. Thus the
arts were passed down in families from generation to generation, honing their skill, speed, accuracy
and agility.

The terms Arnis, Kali and Escrima are all used to refer to the Filipino martial arts. There has been
some confusion as to what word refers to which part of the martial art. It is believed that Arnis, Kali,
and Escrima are all a part of the same art and depending on the location, dialect and type of
training taught. Also, any of the three names may apply to a certain part of training. One
interpretation is that Kali is the mother art of Arnis and Escrima. Arnis focuses on the knife,
including dagger, sword, and any other form of bladed weapon. Escrima is based on the baston or
stick. It has also become very popular in the sport aspect of full contact stick fighting.

To this day Arnis/Kali/Escrima has retained a strong Spanish influence not only in the names and
titles used in training, but in the impact it has had on Filipino culture. Filipino martial arts continue
to encompass a large range of weapons training and hand-to-hand combat, enriching the culture of
Filipino society. Thus the reference to it being a complete martial art.

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