Eskrima Overview

What Is Eskrima and What Does the Name Mean?

Eskrima, also spelled Escrima, is a Filipino martial art characterized by its use of weapons, particularly sticks, knives, and improvised tools, alongside empty-hand techniques. The term derives from the Spanish word esgrima, meaning “fencing.” Much like how Karate translates to “empty hand,” Eskrima translates roughly to “skirmish” or “fencing combat,” underscoring the centrality of armed engagements in its methodology.

Etymology and Linguistic Roots:

• Esgrima (Spanish) → fencing
• Eskrima (Filipino) → adaptation with localized phonetics and application
• Alternate native names: Arnis, Kali

In the Philippines, three terms are often used interchangeably—Eskrima, Arnis, and Kali. The choice of term often reflects geographic, historical, or stylistic preferences:

• Arnis: Most commonly used term in Luzon; derived from arnés (armor or harness).
• Kali: Often used to denote older or more traditional styles, especially in the Visayas and Mindanao.
• Eskrima: Predominant in Cebuano-speaking regions and popular internationally.

Cultural and Philosophical Layers:

Beyond its literal translation, Eskrima is a reflection of Filipino values and history—resilience, adaptability, and creative problem-solving. It evolved in the context of village defense, tribal conflict, and colonial resistance, often masked through dance or rituals to avoid suppression. It emphasizes:

• Practical efficiency
• Improvisational thinking
• Close-range control
• Respect and discipline rooted in Filipino customs

Global Usage and Interpretations:

Internationally, Eskrima has gained popularity under various spellings and labels:

• Eskrima and Escrima are common in Europe and Latin America due to Spanish influence.
• Kali is widely used in the United States, popularized by Filipino-American martial artists like Dan Inosanto.
• Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) is a collective term that often encompasses all three.

In many cases, Western schools use Kali for branding, even if their system is technically based on Eskrima or Arnis principles.

What Happens in Eskrima Practice?

Eskrima training is structured yet dynamic, centered on developing proficiency in both weapons-based and empty-hand combat. Rather than isolating these aspects, practitioners are taught to integrate weapons and body mechanics fluidly, often transitioning between tools or from weapon to empty-hand seamlessly.

Core Domains:

• Weapons Training: Primary focus—starting with rattan sticks (baston), then expanding to knives (daga), swords (itak), and flexible or improvised weapons.
• Empty-Hand Techniques: Translations of weapon movement into strikes, locks, throws, and grappling.
• Flow and Timing (Panantukan / Hubud-Lubud): Drills that emphasize rhythm, sensitivity, and reaction.

Typical Class Structure:

A typical Eskrima session, whether in a traditional setting or a modern martial arts club, includes:

1. Warm-Up: Mobility drills, joint preparation, and sometimes stick-flow routines.
2. Skill Drills: Repetitive movement patterns (e.g., sinawali or abaniko) to develop muscle memory and coordination.
3. Partnered Work:
   • Flow drills (e.g., hubud lubud, sumbrada)
   • Controlled sparring with sticks or padded weapons
   • Disarm and counter-disarm sequences
4. Forms or Patterns (anyo or sayaw): Pre-arranged solo routines that emphasize fluidity and transitions.
5. Live Application or Sparring (laban): Contextual practice including full-contact sparring in some schools.
6. Cool-down and Reflection: In traditional settings, this may involve paying respects to instructors or ancestors.

Solo vs. Partnered Work:

Both are heavily emphasized:

• Solo Practice: Focuses on coordination, footwork (tapi-tapi), shadow weapon drills.
• Partnered Practice: Develops timing, contact sensitivity, and real-time problem-solving.

Rituals and Attire:

Eskrima does not generally adhere to a uniform global attire like gi or dobok. However:

• Some schools adopt standard training shirts with rank stripes or logos.
• Traditional systems may use malong (a traditional Filipino cloth) or sashes.
• Respect rituals often include salutes with the weapon, bows (yuko), or hand-to-heart gestures.

Equipment Used:

• Weapons: Rattan sticks (single or double), training knives, rubber or wooden blades, staffs.
• Protective Gear: Helmets, gloves, body armor, especially for sparring.
• Training Tools: Focus mitts, striking dummies, wall targets.

What Styles or Branches Exist Within Eskrima?

Eskrima is not a single monolithic system but a broad spectrum of styles that have evolved across the Philippine archipelago, shaped by regional warfare, colonial influence, and tribal culture. Its diversity is one of its greatest strengths.

Major Styles and Lineages:

• Doce Pares: Founded in Cebu (1932), a hybrid system incorporating 12 styles. Known for its structured curriculum and international spread.
• Modern Arnis: Developed by Remy Presas, blends traditional Eskrima with modern pedagogy. Emphasizes flow, disarming, and joint locks.
• Balintawak Eskrima: Also from Cebu, characterized by close-quarter combat, quick counters, and reactive training drills.
• Pekiti-Tirsia Kali: Founded by the Tortal family, a combat-focused system used by military and police. Known for blade-based offense and tactical strategy.
• Lameco Eskrima: Created by Edgar Sulite, synthesizing Largo, Medio, and Corto ranges.
• Inosanto Kali: Dan Inosanto’s blend of various Filipino systems, taught internationally and often used as a gateway to FMA in the West.
• Kalis Illustrisimo: Founded by Antonio “Tatang” Illustrisimo, renowned for its sword techniques and realism.
• Sayoc Kali: A “blade culture” system emphasizing edged weapons and anatomical targeting.
• San Miguel Eskrima: Focuses on traditional forms and internal aspects, often taught in more classical environments.

Visual Map of Branches (Simplified):

• Visayan Systems: Doce Pares, Balintawak, San Miguel
• Luzon-Based Styles: Modern Arnis, Inosanto Kali
• Mindanao and Southern Systems: Pekiti-Tirsia, Sayoc, Kalis Illustrisimo
• Hybrid or International Systems: Lameco, Jeet Kune Do Kali variants

Technical and Philosophical Differences:

• Range Emphasis:
  • Largo Mano (long-range): Doce Pares, Lameco
  • Corto (close-range): Balintawak, San Miguel
• Blade vs. Stick Focus:
  • Blade-centric: Pekiti-Tirsia, Kalis Illustrisimo
  • Stick-primary: Modern Arnis, Balintawak
• Pedagogical Style:
  • Formal curricula: Doce Pares, Modern Arnis
  • Flow/reactive: Inosanto Kali, Balintawak

Where in the World Is Eskrima Practiced?

Eskrima, once confined to the Philippine archipelago, is now a globally recognized martial art practiced on nearly every continent. Its growth is tied to Filipino diaspora, martial arts exchange, and cinematic exposure—yet it retains a uniquely Filipino identity.

Continental Presence:

• Asia: Besides the Philippines, Eskrima is practiced in Japan, South Korea, and parts of Southeast Asia, often integrated into law enforcement or cross-training curricula.
• North America: The United States hosts one of the largest concentrations outside the Philippines, particularly in California, Hawaii, and New York. Canada follows closely with dedicated FMA schools in Ontario and British Columbia.
• Europe: Notably strong in Germany, Spain, France, the UK, and the Netherlands. Many of these countries host annual international seminars and competitions.
• South America: Brazil and Argentina show emerging interest, often through cross-pollination with Capoeira and MMA communities.
• Oceania: Australia and New Zealand have developed vibrant Eskrima scenes, often associated with multicultural martial arts academies.
• Africa: Still limited but growing; South Africa shows the most activity, usually through military or combatives training.

Leading Countries (Estimated by Influence and Practitioner Base):

• Philippines (origin and cultural anchor)
• United States (largest expatriate-led development)
• Germany (high federation organization and event hosting)
• United Kingdom (long-standing clubs and workshops)
• Australia (growing youth engagement)

Cultural Adoption:

• Eskrima has often been adopted into law enforcement and military combatives, notably:
  • U.S. Marines and Navy SEALs (via Pekiti-Tirsia)
  • Police departments in Germany and the UK
• Urban environments often support more diverse, hybrid schools, while rural areas in the Philippines still preserve traditional styles through oral lineage and familial instruction.

International Recognition:

• Eskrima was officially declared the national martial art and sport of the Philippines in 2009 under Republic Act No. 9850.
• While not yet an Olympic discipline, Eskrima has growing international competition circuits, and the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games includes it as a regular event.

How Many Practitioners and Schools Exist Today?

Precise figures for Eskrima’s global presence are difficult to quantify due to its decentralized structure and overlapping terminologies (Kali, Arnis, FMA). However, informed estimates offer a glimpse into its scale and trajectory.

Global Estimates (As of 2024–2025):

• Practitioners Worldwide: Between 1.5 to 2 million, including hobbyists, military trainees, and dedicated martial artists.
• Registered Schools or Clubs: Approximately 12,000 to 16,000 worldwide, though unregistered or informal training groups are common.
  • Philippines: ~2,000 official clubs; many informal groups
  • USA: ~3,000+ schools or programs
  • Germany, UK, Australia: ~500–1,000 each

Growth Trends:

• Increasing in North America and Europe (particularly among martial arts cross-trainers and security professionals)
• Stagnant to Slightly Declining in some parts of the Philippines due to urbanization and limited institutional support
• Key Growth Markets:
  • Youth programs (Doce Pares Kids Program, Arnis school clubs)
  • Fitness crossovers (stick flow cardio, blade yoga)
  • Combat sport integration (MMA, law enforcement drills)

What Organizations and Federations Oversee Eskrima?

Unlike arts like Judo or Taekwondo, Eskrima does not have a single unifying world federation. Instead, its governance is pluralistic and decentralized, with each style often managed by its own lineage-based or system-specific association.

International Federations:

• WEKAF (World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation): Founded in 1989; one of the most globally recognized tournament organizers.
• IARNIS (International Arnis Federation): Focused on promoting Arnis as a sport under Olympic-aligned frameworks.
• IFMAF (International Filipino Martial Arts Federation): Umbrella organization promoting multiple systems internationally.

Regional/National Bodies:

• Arnis Philippines (ARPI): Recognized by the Philippine Olympic Committee; oversees domestic sport Arnis.
• FMA Council of Europe: A network of European Eskrima styles, focused on educational standards and events.
• US FMA Federations: Include Inosanto-lineage systems, Modern Arnis groups, and Pekiti-Tirsia affiliates.

Independent Influential Associations:

• Doce Pares Multi-Style Federation
• Modern Arnis International (MAI)
• Pekiti-Tirsia Global
• Lameco International
• Sayoc Global

Certification and Competition:

• No unified belt system, but many schools adopt colored rank schemes.
• Competitive circuits differ in rules:
  • Full-contact stick sparring (WEKAF)
  • Forms/Anyo competitions
  • Knife defense sparring drills
• Associations may certify:
  • Instructor ranks
  • System levels
  • Weapon-specific proficiencies

How Accessible Is Eskrima?

Eskrima is among the most accessible martial arts globally due to its minimal equipment requirements, flexible curricula, and adaptability across ages and skill levels.

Training Costs:

• Entry Costs: Typically low; starter programs may cost $30–$80/month, depending on region.
• Private Lessons: $40–$100/hour (especially for advanced or weapon-based instruction).
• Equipment:
  • Basic sticks: ~$15–$30/pair
  • Safety gear (helmets, gloves, padding): ~$100–$200 total
  • No standardized uniforms; often casual sportswear or club-specific shirts

Accessibility Factors:

• Urban Areas: Higher availability, more schools, diverse options (self-defense, sport, traditional)
• Rural Areas:
  • In the Philippines: access via local clubs, community groups, or ancestral family practice
  • Outside the Philippines: typically lower availability
• People with Disabilities:
  • Adapted programs exist, particularly in Modern Arnis and therapeutic initiatives
  • Emphasis on hand-eye coordination and proprioception can be beneficial
• Online Training:
  • Rapidly expanding since 2020
  • Major systems (Inosanto, Sayoc, Pekiti) offer digital subscriptions or Zoom classes
  • YouTube has accelerated global exposure, though quality varies

What Role Does Eskrima Play in Modern Society?

Eskrima holds significance far beyond physical self-defense—it operates within cultural, therapeutic, cinematic, and identity-building frameworks.

Institutional and Professional Applications:

• Law Enforcement and Military:
  • Taught in US military combatives, Philippine National Police, and private security firms
• School Systems:
  • Included in Philippine physical education curricula since RA 9850
• Rehabilitation and Therapy:
  • Used for PTSD treatment, trauma recovery, and senior mobility programs

Popular Culture and Media:

• Films:
  • The Bourne Identity (Jason Bourne fights using Kali)
  • The Hunted, Daredevil, The Equalizer—blade and stick choreography
• Games:
  • FMA-based characters appear in Tekken, Assassin’s Creed, Call of Duty
• Celebrities:
  • Bruce Lee (Jeet Kune Do included Kali via Dan Inosanto)
  • Keanu Reeves (trained in FMA for John Wick)
  • Denzel Washington, Matt Damon, and others

Cultural and National Identity:

• Viewed as a postcolonial reassertion of indigenous strength
• Celebrated during national holidays, festivals, and cultural showcases
• Documentaries like Eskrimadors highlight its historical and social role
• Symbolizes resistance, adaptability, and communal resilience

When and How Should Someone Start Practicing Eskrima?

There is no ideal or exclusive time to begin Eskrima. Like many martial arts, it adapts to the student—not the other way around. Its modular design and broad range of training approaches make it accessible to children, teens, adults, and even seniors.

Ideal Starting Ages:

• Children: Some clubs offer Eskrima from age 6–8 with padded weapons and simplified drills.
• Teens and Adults: Most beginners start between ages 15–40 through self-defense programs, university clubs, or general fitness martial arts gyms.
• Seniors: Stick-based training can be adapted to enhance mobility, coordination, and confidence.

Entry Points:

• Intro Classes: Often 4–8 weeks long, covering fundamental movements, safety, and etiquette.
• Self-Defense Courses: Focused on practical weapon awareness, disarming, and personal space management.
• University Clubs: Provide affordable, peer-based learning environments with access to multiple styles.
• Online Tutorials: Increasingly popular for foundational stick drills and flow work.

First Month Expectations:

• Physical Challenges: Expect forearm fatigue, hand soreness, and cognitive overload in coordination drills.
• Mental Learning Curve: Flow drills and sinawali patterns can feel confusing early on. Progress typically appears by week 3–4.
• Emotional Response: It’s normal to feel awkward or behind. Eskrima is as much about rhythm and perception as power or speed.

Essential Gear:

• 1–2 rattan sticks (lightweight and affordable)
• Eye protection or fencing mask (if sparring)
• Comfortable athletic clothing or school shirt
• Optional: gloves or elbow pads for safety

Starter Resources:

• Books:
  • The Filipino Martial Arts by Dan Inosanto
  • Modern Arnis: The Filipino Art of Stick Fighting by Remy Presas
• Documentaries:
  • Eskrimadors (2010)
  • The Bladed Hand (2012)
• Intro Video Channels:
  • Inosanto Academy YouTube
  • FMA Pulse
  • Sayoc Tactical / Pekiti-Tirsia breakdowns

Note: A complete [Beginner’s Guide to Training] is available on the site for step-by-step assistance.

Common Misconceptions About Eskrima

Many newcomers encounter myths or misunderstandings that can obscure Eskrima’s true nature. Below are frequent misconceptions—and the realities behind them.

❌ “I’m too old / too out of shape to start.”

✔ Reality: Eskrima is scalable. Many systems begin with slow partner drills, footwork, and flow-based movement. It’s often more accessible to older adults than high-impact arts like Muay Thai or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

❌ “It’s just sticks – it wouldn’t work in a real fight.”

✔ Reality: Eskrima’s tools develop timing, reflexes, and structure. The principles translate directly into self-defense, knife awareness, and close-quarters strategy. The U.S. Marines and various police forces use it for this reason.

❌ “It’s only spiritual / only about tradition.”

✔ Reality: Eskrima spans both traditional and highly tactical realms. While some schools focus on forms and heritage, others offer full-contact sparring and modern combatives. It’s a full-spectrum art.

❌ “It’s outdated.”

✔ Reality: Eskrima thrives in both modern MMA training and military instruction. Its adaptability and modular teaching make it continually relevant, especially in edge-weapon defense.

❌ “All Eskrima is the same.”

✔ Reality: The diversity within Eskrima is vast. Close-range systems like Balintawak differ significantly from blade-centric arts like Pekiti-Tirsia. Philosophies, techniques, and teaching methods vary school to school.

How Eskrima Differs From and Relates to Other Arts

Eskrima can be difficult to classify within traditional martial arts dichotomies. It is simultaneously external (dynamic, movement-based) and internal (focused on timing and flow), both soft (blending, redirecting) and hard (direct strikes, blocks).

Key Contrasts:

Cross-Training Examples:

• BJJ + Eskrima: Ground control + weapon defense
• Karate + Eskrima: Structure and power + flow and adaptability
• Muay Thai + Eskrima: Striking precision + close-quarter tactics
• Jeet Kune Do: Originally integrated Eskrima/Kali as a foundational pillar

Complementary Nature:

Eskrima doesn’t aim to replace other arts—it complements them. Its weapon-centric origins teach spatial awareness, angular entry, and multi-range transitions that strengthen any base system.

For an in-depth analysis, visit the [Relation to Other Arts] page.

Where to Learn More About Eskrima

The journey into Eskrima is broad and lifelong. Whether you’re a casual learner or a future instructor, MartialHive provides in-depth resources tailored to every level.

Dive Deeper Into:

• [History] – From indigenous warriors to modern federations
• [Philosophy & Principles] – Ethics, strategy, and Filipino cultural roots
• [Key Figures] – Learn about Remy Presas, Dan Inosanto, Tatang Illustrisimo, and others
• [Global Presence] – Countries, maps, and institutional reach
• [Eskrima Glossary] – Definitions and demos of key techniques and terms
• [Travel Guide] – Where to train around the world, from Manila to Munich
• [Media & Culture] – FMA in films, TV, games, and literature
• [Training & Techniques Blog] – Drills, tips, sparring breakdowns, and gear reviews

Ready to Begin?

Whether you’re seeking cultural connection, practical self-defense, or a new way to move and think, Eskrima welcomes you. The stick is only the beginning—the art lives in the flow.