Kali – Eskrima – Arnis?
2007
The Differences In Filipino Martial Arts
Eskrima is one of the traditional sword and stick fighting methods of the Philippines. It was originally used by Christian Filipinos to defend their coasts against pirate attacks by the Moros (AKA Muslims) of the South.
Kali is a modern term which is claimed in certain FMA circles to be the original pre-Hispanic term for FMA, but there isn’t any hard evidence to support this, legend and verbal history is what we have. Silat is an Indonesian martial art practiced by Muslims of the Southern Philippines.
Weapons employed in these are arts are generally learned with a rattan stick (varying lengths), double sticks and of course live blades, including adoption of the modern folding blades called balisong or butterfly knives. The open hand versions of many of these systems closely refer to the foot and hand work that we see employed while training with sticks.
Our term “machete” is referred to as a bolo which are about 24″ to 32″ long, but can also be a generic term just meaning sword or any sword.
A slightly shorter sword is often called a barong and usually ranges from 22″ to 28″ long. These ranges overlap, which is important, as this oftentimes causes the terms to be interchangeable by non-Filipinos.
I have read that “the terms are more regional or ethnic, than referring to long and short. The bolo is the popular term for the northern, Tagalog speaking people. The word “barong” in Tagalog is sometimes used to describe a fancy, embroidered shirt.” And, that amongst the southern Moro the word “barong” or “Moro Barong” refers to a short sword.”
The word “Moro” is old Spanish referring to Moors, which was a term used to describe the non-Christian, or more specific, Muslim people that occupied parts of present day Spain, Portugal and Northwestern Africa. The term was then used by the Spanish to describe the southern native Filipinos who had Islam as their religion.
The true differences in the arts lie in the style or system names; Doce Pares, Decampo, Lameco, Modern, Rapid, Sayoc, Sikaran, sorry if your system wasn’t mentioned – there are so many more! The choice of the words Arnis/Arnes, Escrima/Eskrima/Esgrima or Kali before or after was probably more a factor of what language or dialect they spoke, or what region of the county they were from.
The most notable differences are in stance and range. Some cover all over and some focus on specific ranges. The next things people notice are the check hand being high, or low, others keep the check hand directly behind the weapon with the hand turned, palm up or palm down..ad infinitum. More differences are usually in striking patterns. I have seen anything from 5 – 7 to 12 strike systems. Others are known by the speed or power (determined by the weapon and type of cut desired), or a light stick, a heavy stick, long stick or short stick, edged weapons work or just stick only. Amidst all of the differences they usually have much more things in common than not.
So, we can only speculate on the origins of the contemporary Filipino Martial Arts – it’s a genuine product of Filipino creation. Another resource I have proposes that the bulk of contemporary FMA was developed during Spanish colonial times, and may have gotten it’s inspiration from European fencing concepts and practices as well. (not too sure about that – contemporary still draws on pre-Spanish times yes?) It was greatly developed and refined, and continues to be, in the Philippines. Agreed!

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