Escrima / Kali / Arnis
Kali or Escrima is the fighting art of the Philippines. It is a diversely and adaptive system that has borrowed and has been influenced by many cultures and nations throughout history. This has made the Filipino martial arts one of the most sophisticated fighting systems in the world. Weapon and empty hands are taught together; the principles being common to both and interchangeable. Regardless of whether armed or unarmed, the student learns to relate to any situation using the same concepts of body angling, positioning, zoning, and flowing with the opponent. Depending upon speed, footwork and skill rather than brute strength, this fluid, practical method of self-defense is one of the most comprehensive martial arts systems known.
The art was outlawed in the 16th century by the King of Spain out of fear that the art would be used against the Spanish regime occupying the Philippines at that time. Its efficiency in combat cost Magellan his life. Encompassing an entire spectrum of weaponry and also featuring sophisticated empty hand concepts, this highly efficient, deadly, and combat-proven art enabled the southern Philippines to remain unconquered for almost 400 years.