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WHAT
ARE
FILIPINO
MARTIAL
ARTS?

Filipino Martial Arts, commonly abbreviated as FMA, is an umbrella term that refers to the diverse and comprehensive system of combative techniques originating from the Philippines. FMA encompasses a variety of techniques and strategies for self-defense and warfare. Although FMA is known for its strong emphasis on armed combat, FMA is equally developed in its unarmed techniques.

The Philippine Archipelago is made of over 7,000 islands, and within the Philippines, between 120 and 187 languages exist. All of this is to say: the Philippines is a diverse country

“Daniel Inosanto is a Filipino-American martial artist who is known for his expertise in various martial arts styles, including Filipino martial arts (FMA), Jeet Kune Do (JKD), and Silat. He is a student and close friend of the late Bruce Lee and has also trained with other martial arts legends such as Guro Dan Caballero.Inosanto is significant to Filipino martial arts because he has been instrumental in promoting and preserving the art and its techniques. He has traveled extensively throughout the Philippines to learn from various FMA masters and has brought that knowledge back to the United States, where he has taught FMA to thousands of students.”

This diversity is mirrored within the practice of FMA, as there are 43 methods listed by Guro Dan Inosanto, and within each style exist hundreds, and possible thousands, of variants. In “The Filipino Martial Arts: as taught by Dan Inosanto,” Inosanto states...

“Styles borrow from each other, expand and contract like the universe, but each student makes a style workable by individualizing it for himself.”

The main styles commonly referenced in FMA include Eskrima, Arnis and Kali. Although each styles have their own subtle differences, the names are often used interchangeably.  Each style focuses on stick/blade fighting, as well as empty-handed techniques.

Beyond Eskrima, Arnis and Kali, exist the lesser known styles, such as Dumog, Kino Mutai, Panantukan, Sikaran, and Yaw Yan, and like previously mentioned, many more. These styles focus heavily on the hand to hand and grappling aspects of FMA.

Weapons are central to the practice of FMA. Within FMA, practitioners train with a plethora of weapons, such as sticks, swords, daggers, and much more. Alongside the traditionally used weapons, practitioners also translate their weapon skills to everyday objects, prioritizing self defense in any situation.

EXPLORE THE WEAPONS OF FILIPINO MARTIAL ARTS↘
Barong

A wide flat leaf-shaped blade commonly used by Muslim Filipino ethnic groups such as the Tausug, Sama-Bajau and the Yakan.

Karambit

Claw-shaped blade held by inserting the finger into a hole at the top of the handle

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