Module 25: Philippine Martial Arts

written by Amy C. Peria

Background

This module is created for high school students. However, it can be modified for college/university students.
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This module is an introductory lesson on Philippine martial arts and will cover its history and some basic moves.

Motivating Activity

Have students watch the video: What’s the difference between Arnis, Eskrima, and Kali?

​Guide questions: 
  • What is arnis, eskrima, and kali? What are their differences?
  • Would you want to learn these types of martial arts?
  • Have you seen this type of martial arts in movies or shows?
  • Compare and contrast Philippine martial arts with other Asian martial arts such as karate, taekwondo, etc.

If you would like to show additional videos to your students: Kali Basics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npikHTWRhVg

Processing Activity

1.  Introduce to students what Philippine martial arts is.
  • There are three main types: arnis, eskrima, and kali.
    1. Students should already know this from the motivating activity and what the differences are.
    2. Kali is the oldest form of Philippine martial arts. It originated in Cebu, in the Southern part of the Philippines. Ka stands for kamot, which means hands and Li stands for lihok which means movement. Kali means movement of the hand.
    3. Eskrima is characterized by its use of sticks, knives, and various improvised arms. It originated from the central part of the Philippines. Eskrima is from the Spanish term esgrima, which means fencing. 
    4. Arnis emerged from the word “arnes.” The Spaniards were impressed by the Kali-infused dances and skillful movement of the hands and called it arnes.
  • ​​There are many styles of Philippine martials arts, which may be over a hundred different styles. There are three groups of styles: Northern Styles, Southern Styles, and Central style. A student learning a specific style takes what he learns and often individualizes it for himself.
Picture
List from Dan Inosanto, The Filipino Martial Arts
  • “A common misconception is that the Filipino martial arts are only a sword, stick or dagger art. Rather, it is a complete self-defense system of empty hands, using swords, various types of sticks, clubs, staffs, lances, knives and projectile weapons. It includes the cane art, newspaper art, shoe art, chair, fan arts and various other hand weapons.” - Dan Inosanto, The Filipino Martial Arts
  • According to Dan Inosanto, “The various Filipino martial arts are different, but have one common thing: pattern of angles regardless of the style and weapon.”
  • There are many styles, but the principles of combat are based on a pattern of angles.

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Show this diagram to the students. Here are twelve angles of attack: 
2.  Discuss with students the history of Philippine martial arts.
  • ​In the early 16th century, the Spaniards came to the Philippines, specifically in the Visayas region. Ferdinand Magellan encountered the “Filipino sticks” during the Battle of Mactan. Lapu Lapu and his men fought the Spaniards with sticks and traditional methods of attack. Magellan was killed during that battle.
  • Magellan’s men sailed home without him. There were forty-four years without Spaniards in the Visayas. However, the Spaniards returned with firearms and bladed weapons.
  • The Spaniards were able to secure their rule in the Philippines and made Philippine martial arts illegal. They did not want the people to practice Eskrima. By 1596, Eskrima was banned and by 1764, it was forbidden.
  • The Spanish attempted to destroy Filipino culture by burning books and banning the use of Baybayin, the native alphabet. However, the Filipinos found a way to keep the culture alive. Kali movements were incorporated into religious Moro-Moro dances and weaving baybayin into costumes.
  • The Filipinos became entertainers for the Spaniards and Philippines martial arts became an art form. “The native dances employed many combative Kali moves. This was the way they practiced and preserved the outlawed martial arts - right under the noses of the Spanish.” - Dan Inosanto.
For more information on Philippine martial arts, read Filipino Martial Arts as Taught by Dan Inosanto. This book contains the different motions of attack and defense.

Culminating Activity
Have students watch the following video: The Essence of Filipino Martial Arts

Guide questions:
  1. What is your impression of Philippine martial arts?
  2. Do you think Philippine martial arts should be taught in schools?
  3. What techniques were shown in the video?
  4. What is the difference between art and combat for Philippine martial arts?
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Enrichment Activity

Have students do additional research on Kali, Eskrima, and Arnis. There are many videos found on youtube that show different movements of Philippine martial arts. As it involves movement, it is best to learn it by practice, and if not, at least by seeing its process.

Resources