The Philippine Combat Arts (Kali, Arnis, Escrima) have developed over the centuries through the forge of conflict and the need for survival Yet, the colonization of the Philippines was not a peaceful one, nor was it one done by Spanish steel. Instead, through the doctrine of conquesti, Spain was able to utilize the warring feuds between the different tribes, to establish itself as master, by pitting one against the other. As such, the combat arts utilized the local bladed weaponry, collectively known as the Sandata, to enable even the most physically infirm to effectively combat any foe, through the medium of blade fighting. Yet, through this training in the weapon arts and through the dangers imposed by the clash of sharpened steel swords, the hidden danger of the elusive knife, a deep understanding on combat arose. This allowed a practitioners to develop a mind for strategy that allowed them through constant monitoring, baiting, and preparation to overcome an opponent whatever the situation, no matter what the weapon from sword, knife, stick or no weapon at all.
When the Japanese landed in WWII, many used their skill at arms, in daring jungle raids to defend not only themselves and The spirit of the Philippine Combat Arts, the spirit of adaptability is thriving and burning strong in new generations of not only Filipinos, but practioners world wide. |
500 years ago, there was no island nation of the Philippines, but rather in this region of Southeast Asia, there existed a lattice work of independent tribes, that struggled for dominance over valuable resources and sea trading lanes through violent raids/battles. It was not till the colonization by the Spanish in the 16th century, that the archipelago was named the Philippines, and out of the diversity of peoples that already lived on these islands a common name eventually arose, the Filipino. 
Not all tribes fell though, as the Southern islands remained in the hands of its native people, and large interior swathes of the larger islands were untouched by Spanish hands and culture. Yet, colonial rule did not bring peace to the warring tribes, instead it brought onslaught from those still free, those who struggled to be free, and those who sought to take advantage of these struggles by swooping in from other nations such as Britain, China and Japan. Pirate raids, local rebellions, and a Spanish disinterest in protecting its newly colonized people, caused the combat arts of the native tribes, to not only continue in need but to grow and develop.
These combat arts were birthed from a need to develop quick and powerful skills of combat and survival that could be taught quickly and effectively. The combat arts (also know as kali, arnis, eskrima), were designed to preserve life, by enhancing a practitioners ability to adapt to sudden bursts of potential violence, where the sea or jungle may one day be calm, and the next day be filled with danger. The combat arts, developed in a time and place, where there was no 
one else, who could save the individual from violence, but their own cunning and skill in blade defense. 
What stands today as the nation of the Philippines, did not gain its current geographic form until the late 19th century when it was colonized by the United States, and the last of the independent tribes were quelled by modern rifle and cannon. Yet, even then natives fought with bladed weapon against the sharpshooting krag and cannon, sword fighting against an opponent who had the advantage of modernity. However, even after major fighting ceased by the 1930s, the native combat arts did not die.
their loved ones, but their homeland. Even in this modern era, violence and uncertainty are part of the every day life, for most Filipinos. With high rates of poverty (80% of the population living on less than $2), violent crime driven by desperation is a fact of life. The combat arts of the Philippines, thrives still today, preserving the lives of many modern day practitioners, surviving in the urban jungle, via the self defense methods of their ancestors. 