Table of Contents
Origins of Arnis (FMA)
The origins of Arnis, also known as Eskrima or Kali, can be traced back to indigenous Filipino fighting systems developed over centuries. These systems were shaped by tribal warfare, foreign influences, and the need for self-preservation in a land frequently contested by raiders, invaders, and colonizers.
While Arnis is now known as a weapons-based martial art, its roots extend beyond stick and blade combat. Filipino warriors utilized hand-to-hand techniques, grappling, striking, and improvised weapons, adapting their skills to warfare and survival.
Due to the Philippines’ strategic location as a trading hub, Arnis was influenced by Silat (from the Malay Archipelago), Indian, Chinese, and Arab martial arts, and later, Spanish fencing techniques. Despite centuries of colonial rule and multiple foreign invasions, Filipino warriors continuously evolved their combat skills, ensuring that Arnis remained a vital part of their identity.
Pre-Hispanic Fighting Systems
Long before the arrival of the Spanish, the indigenous peoples of the Philippines had already developed a highly effective and sophisticated combat system. Warfare was a way of life, with various tribal groups frequently engaging in raids (mangayaw), territorial battles, and inter-tribal conflicts.
Filipino warriors specialized in a variety of weapons and unarmed combat styles, including:
- Kali – A term often associated with blade and stick-fighting techniques, believed to have been the foundation of Arnis.
- Dumog – The Filipino grappling art, incorporating throws, joint locks, and ground-fighting techniques.
- Panantukan – Also called “Filipino boxing,” this empty-hand striking system emphasizes dirty boxing, elbow strikes, and limb destruction.
- Kampilan, Kris, and Bolo Combat – Warriors were highly skilled with bladed weapons, using them for slashing, thrusting, and disarming opponents.
The Visayans were renowned seafarers and fierce warriors, known for their tattooed bodies and mastery of bladed combat. This computer-generated depiction showcases their appearance.
Certain groups, such as the Visayans, were particularly known for their raiding culture and warlike reputation, using these combat skills to dominate rival tribes and repel invaders.
Many of these techniques remain largely undocumented, as early Filipinos relied on oral tradition rather than written records. Knowledge was passed down from master to student, making it difficult to reconstruct a definitive timeline of Arnis’ early history.
Arnis and the Warrior Cultures of the Philippines
Arnis was more than just a method of combat—it was deeply ingrained in the warrior cultures of the archipelago. Before Spanish colonization, the Philippines was home to various warrior classes, each with distinct combat traditions and battlefield reputations.
Visayan Raiders
One of the most feared warrior groups were the Pintados (“The Tattooed Ones”) of the Visayas. Known for their full-body tattoos, these warriors viewed combat as both a way of life and a spiritual duty. Their elaborate ink patterns symbolized battlefield experience, with each tattoo marking a victory in combat. Skilled in bladed weapons like the kampilan, barong, and bolo, they used techniques that influenced the stick and knife movements seen in Arnis today.
Left: Visayan raiders land on a beach, armed and ready for battle. Right: A Visayan warship, built for swift attacks and naval dominance.
Mindanao Warrior Class
In Mindanao, the Moros developed their own forms of combat, which later influenced Arnis’ blade techniques. One of the most notorious warrior traditions was the Juramentado, where warriors armed with kris or barong swords launched fearless, suicidal attacks against colonial forces. These warriors were so effective in hand-to-hand combat that both Spanish and American troops feared engaging them up close.
The Visayan raiding culture and the Mindanao warrior ethos were major factors in shaping pre-colonial Filipino combat. The movement, angles, and striking principles they used are still present in modern Arnis, proving that this warrior legacy continues to thrive.
The Spanish Invasion
The Spanish conquest of the Philippines began in 1521 under the leadership of Ferdinand Magellan, one of the most famous explorers of the time. Expecting an easy victory, Magellan underestimated the fierce resistance of the native warriors, particularly in Mactan.
The Battle of Mactan remains one of the most famous battles in Filipino history, where Datu Lapu-Lapu and his warriors defeated and killed Magellan using bolos, spears, and kampilan swords. Despite being outgunned, Filipino warriors overwhelmed the Spanish forces with superior mobility, tactics, and close-quarters combat skills.
This battle is widely regarded as a turning point in Filipino history, symbolizing resistance against foreign invaders and solidifying Lapu-Lapu as a national hero.
(The Death of Magellan) Filipino islanders defeated Ferdinand Magellan’s armoured, musket-bearing Spanish conquistador forces when they tried to initially tried to invade.
Spanish Occupation & The Ban on Arnis
After Magellan’s defeat, the Spanish returned with greater numbers and advanced weaponry, successfully colonizing much of the Philippines. Initially, Spanish soldiers respected the combat prowess of the native fighters and even shared fencing techniques with them.
Over time, a fusion of European and Filipino combat styles emerged, blending:
- Espada y Daga (Spanish sword and dagger fighting) with Filipino knife and stick techniques.
- European footwork and defensive stances with native weaponry and tactics.
One of the more prominent features of Arnis that point to possible Spanish influence is the Espada y Daga (Spanish for ‘sword and dagger’) method, a term also used in Spanish fencing. Kalis archivist Romeo Macapagal estimated that 40% of the blade-oriented styles descended from European styles, brought by the Spanish.
However, by 1596, the Spanish colonial government banned the practice of Arnis, fearing that it empowered local resistance movements. The ban was enforced for several reasons:
- Control and Security – The Spanish sought to disarm the Filipino population, reducing the risk of uprisings.
- Economic Disruption – Some claimed that Filipinos spent too much time training in combat, neglecting their work.
- Fiesta Duels & Lawlessness – During festivals, Arnis practitioners engaged in duels fueled by alcohol and honor disputes, leading to frequent deaths.
Despite this ban, Arnis survived underground, with practitioners disguising their training as religious dances such as the Moro-Moro, ensuring its continued existence.
Arnis, the Galleon Trade, and its Influence Beyond the Philippines
Despite the Spanish ban on Arnis, Filipino martial arts spread through the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade (1565–1815). Filipino sailors, many trained in Arnis, traveled on Spanish ships to Mexico, Spain, and other colonies, where they introduced their combat techniques to foreign dockworkers, traders, and soldiers.
Some historians suggest that Filipino stick and knife-fighting influenced Mexican and Caribbean knife dueling traditions, particularly among laborers and street fighters. The indios (Filipinos and indigenous Mexicans) in the Spanish military also contributed to this cross-cultural exchange. While Arnis was outlawed in the Philippines, it continued to evolve abroad, adapting to new environments while preserving its core principles of efficiency and adaptability.
The Philippine Revolution
By the late 19th century, Filipinos had grown tired of Spanish rule, leading to the Philippine Revolution (1896). The Katipunan, a secret revolutionary group, played a key role in fighting for independence.
- Katipuneros (revolutionary fighters) were trained in bolo combat and stick-fighting, using Arnis as part of their guerrilla tactics.
- General Antonio Luna, a revolutionary leader, was a skilled Arnisador, incorporating native combat techniques into military strategy.
The Philippine Revolution (1896–1898) was a struggle for independence against Spanish colonial rule, marked by guerrilla warfare and the widespread use of bolo knives in combat.
This period cemented Arnis as a national fighting system, used not just for self-defence but in full-scale warfare.
Arnis in the Philippine-American War
After the Spanish-American War (1898), Spain ceded the Philippines to the U.S., but rather than independence, Filipinos faced another foreign ruler. This led to the Philippine-American War, a brutal guerrilla conflict where Arnis-trained fighters used bolo attacks, ambush tactics, and close-quarters combat to fight off the better-armed but less mobile American troops.
Bolo Warfare: Key Battles
- The Balangiga Massacre (1901) – Filipino guerrillas ambushed U.S. soldiers with bolos and knives, killing 48 of 78 men. The U.S. retaliated with a scorched-earth campaign that left thousands dead.
- The Mindanao Engagement – A Moro warrior decapitated an American soldier, despite being shot multiple times with a .38-calibre revolver. This battle led to the U.S. adopting the more powerful .45-calibre pistol for better stopping power.
The Philippine-American War (1899–1902) was a brutal guerrilla conflict where Filipino fighters, many trained in Arnis, used bolo attacks, ambush tactics, and close-quarters combat to resist American forces.
Though the U.S. ultimately won, Filipino guerrilla tactics and Arnis-based blade combat left a lasting impact, proving invaluable in future conflicts.
World War II: Arnis & Filipino Resistance Against Japan
During Japan’s brutal occupation of the Philippines, Arnis-trained resistance fighters played a pivotal role in guerrilla warfare.
- 498,600 Japanese troops were killed, making the Philippines one of Japan’s deadliest battlefronts.
- Arnis-based stealth attacks, jungle ambushes, and hand-to-hand combat crippled the enemy.
- Despite their firepower, the Japanese never fully controlled the Philippines due to constant resistance.
During World War II, Imperial Japan expanded into the South China Sea, seizing strategic territories, including the Philippines in 1941. The occupation led to fierce resistance from Filipino and American forces, culminating in brutal guerrilla warfare and the eventual liberation in 1945.
The Bolo Battalion
Among the most feared resistance fighters were those in the USAFFE (United States Army Forces in the Far East), including the Bolo Battalion (Tabak Division), a specialized close-combat unit using Arnis techniques with blades and sticks.
Their hit-and-run tactics and ambushes proved so effective that Japanese forces were often reluctant to engage them in close-quarters combat.
By war’s end, Filipino resistance had significantly weakened Japan’s hold, reinforcing Arnis as a lethal battlefield art and a symbol of national resilience.
Don’t f$%k with Bolo Battalion!!
Modern History
In 1966 Remy Presas began developing his system which he called ‘Modern Arnis’. Remy had trained in the Filipino arts since the age of six and had been involved in numerous escrima duels. He had also studied Judo and Karate extensively. Remy began identifying the basic concepts of the numerous systems he had learned and merging them into Modern Arnis. His goal was to create a well-rounded and effective self-defense system. One that was injury-free (Arnis training was notoriously brutal before this) and that preserved the older Arnis systems traditions.
Remy Presas, the founder of Modern Arnis, sought to preserve and adapt traditional Filipino martial arts by blending various Arnis styles into a structured, accessible system. His approach emphasized self-defense, practicality, and injury-free training, helping Arnis gain global recognition.
Alongside his foundation styles, Remy continued to research and study other Filipino systems and traditions. He was particularly interested in Balintawak Eskrima. His desire to reinvigorate interest in his country’s traditional martial art. He continued to make modifications and improvements to what he had learned. Unfortunately, political considerations eventually forced him to relocate to North America.
Remy in the US
It was in the US that he met other martial artists who influenced his development of the art of Modern Arnis. These included Wally Jay (Judo, Jujitsu), George Dillman (Ryukyu Kempo Karate). Remy learned much from his peers and adapted Arnis accordingly, integrating what he had picked up. However, he always retained a focus on the single stick and general self-defense.
Remy Presas moved to the U.S. to promote Modern Arnis, gaining widespread recognition through seminars and demonstrations. His efforts culminated in him being featured on the cover of Black Belt Magazine, solidifying his role in bringing Filipino martial arts to the global stage.
Remy Presas died in 2001. Following his death, there was a splintering of the remaining leadership of Modern Arnis. With several rival factions emerging with their versions of Arnis. Regardless, the art of Modern Arnis continues to develop and is very popular both at home and worldwide.
Arnis in the Filipino-American Martial Arts Movement
Arnis’ international spread wasn’t just through military use—it also grew through Filipino immigration, particularly in the United States. After U.S. colonization, thousands of Filipinos migrated to Hawaii, California, and other regions, working in agriculture, fishing, and shipbuilding. Many were highly skilled in Arnis and passed their knowledge to local communities, often using it for self-defense against racist attacks and street violence.
By the mid-20th century, Filipino martial arts (FMA) gained mainstream recognition, thanks to masters like Dan Inosanto, who trained with Bruce Lee and introduced Arnis to Hollywood stunt choreography. Filipino-American martial artists merged traditional Arnis with boxing, jiu-jitsu, and tactical combat, adapting it for modern self-defense. Today, the Filipino-American martial arts movement has cemented Arnis as a respected global system, ensuring it continues to evolve while honoring its warrior heritage.
It was after this exposure to Arnis that weapons such as Escrima batons and the Balisong knife (butterfly knife) began to appear on US shores.
Returning U.S. Servicemen
Beyond Filipino immigrants, returning U.S. servicemen played a key role in bringing Arnis to America. During World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, many American soldiers were stationed in the Philippines, where they were exposed to Filipino martial arts through local instructors, military training, and even real-world encounters in street fights. Some servicemen trained informally with Arnisadors, while others witnessed the effectiveness of Arnis-based blade and stick combat in guerrilla warfare. When these GIs returned home, they brought their newfound knowledge with them, integrating Arnis into military combatives, law enforcement training, and self-defense circles. This exchange further expanded Arnis’ influence in the U.S., contributing to its adoption by SWAT teams, special forces, and martial arts academies.
Arnis in Military & Law Enforcement Today
Arnis has evolved from a traditional martial art into a key component of modern military and law enforcement training. Its effectiveness in close-quarters combat (CQC) has made it a valuable tool for soldiers, police, and special forces worldwide.
Arnis in the Military & Law Enforcement
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) trains in Arnis for hand-to-hand combat, bladed weapon defence, and disarming techniques. Elite units such as the Scout Rangers and Special Forces use it for jungle warfare, urban combat, and counter-terrorism, while the Philippine Marines apply it in CQB (close-quarters battle) and riot control.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) incorporates Arnis into law enforcement tactics, focusing on weapon disarming, suspect restraint, and non-lethal crowd control. Officers are trained to neutralize armed attackers and subdue threats with minimal force.
Arnis has also gained international recognition:
- U.S. Special Forces & SWAT teams use Arnis for disarming and close-combat training.
- Military units in Russia, France, and Israel study Arnis for its speed and effectiveness in urban warfare.
Arnis is widely used in law enforcement and military training in both the Philippines and the U.S., teaching officers and soldiers practical weapon disarming, close-quarters combat, and defensive tactics against armed threats.
Unlike many traditional martial arts, Arnis has been battle-tested for centuries, from tribal warfare to modern counter-insurgency operations. Its continued use by elite forces worldwide proves its adaptability, practicality, and lethal efficiency in real combat.
The Evolution of Arnis into a Competitive Combat Sport
While Arnis has always been a battlefield art, the 20th and 21st centuries saw its transformation into a global competitive sport.
One of the biggest milestones was Arnis being declared the National Martial Art and Sport of the Philippines in 2009. Today, the sport is regulated by organizations such as the World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (WEKAF) and the International Modern Arnis Federation.
Competitive Arnis takes two main forms:
- Live Stick Fighting (Full-Contact) – Fighters use rattan sticks and protective gear, scoring points through clean strikes and disarms.
- Padded Arnis (Point Sparring) – A safer format used in schools and sports competitions, emphasizing speed, precision, and control.
Competition Arnis emphasizes controlled combat, with fighters wearing protective gear such as headgear, gloves, and padded armor to ensure safety while maintaining the intensity of full-contact sparring.
Arnis has gained recognition in Southeast Asian and World Martial Arts Games, proving it is not just a practical self-defense system but also an evolving combat sport.
As more countries adopt Arnis in competition, it ensures that the art continues to grow and thrive internationally, securing its place in martial arts history.
The Legacy of Arnis: A Warrior’s Tradition
Arnis has endured centuries of war, colonization, and suppression, yet it remains a pillar of Filipino identity and martial culture. From the tribal skirmishes of pre-colonial warriors to the battlefields of the Philippine-American War and World War II, Arnis has proven its effectiveness in real combat. Despite Spanish bans and foreign influences, it survived underground, evolving into a modern self-defence system and a battlefield-tested martial art.
Arnis stands as a living legacy of Filipino warrior traditions, blending history, practicality, and adaptability into a martial art that continues to thrive, preserving its roots while evolving for modern combat and sport.
Today, Arnis is more than a martial art—it is a symbol of resilience, adaptability, and national pride. As it continues to grow globally, its legacy as a warrior’s discipline lives on, shaping military tactics, self-defence systems, and sport. From the streets of Manila to elite military units worldwide, the spirit of Arnis remains as sharp as the blades and sticks that define it.
