View source for Filipino martial arts

{{Short description|Fighting methods devised in the Philippines}}
{{More citations needed|date=October 2007}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2022}}
{{Use Philippine English|date=October 2022}}
[[File:Philippine weapons krieger collection plate 1.png|thumb|"Philippine Weapons of Offense and Defense" - plate 1, Krieger Collection, [[Smithsonian Institution|United States National Museum]]]]
'''Filipino martial arts''' ('''FMA'''; {{langx|fil|Sining panlaban ng Pilipinas}}) refer to ancient and newer modified [[martial arts|fighting methods]] devised in the [[Philippines]]. It incorporates elements from both [[Historical European martial arts|Western]] and [[Origins of Asian martial arts|Eastern]] Martial Arts; the most popular forms of which are known as [[Arnis|Arnis, Eskrima, and Kali]]. The intrinsic need for self-preservation was the genesis of these systems. Throughout the ages, invaders and evolving local conflict imposed new dynamics for combat in the islands now making up the Philippines. The Filipino people developed battle skills as a direct result of an appreciation of their ever-changing circumstances. They learned, often, out of necessity on how to prioritize, allocate and use common resources in combative situations. Filipinos have been heavily influenced by a phenomenon of cultural and linguistic mixture. Some of the specific mechanisms responsible for cultural and martial change extended from phenomena such as war, political and social systems, technology, and trade and practicality.

Filipino martial arts have seen an increase in prominence due to the influence of several Hollywood movies and the teachings of modern masters such as [[Venancio "Anciong" Bacon]], [[Dan Inosanto]], [[Roland Dantes]], [[Edgar Sulite]], [[Cacoy Canete]], [[Danny Guba]], [[Mike Inay]], [[Remy Presas]], Wilson Pangan Sr. (Grand Master), Ernesto Presas Sr., Doug Marcaida, Ernesto Presas Jr., [[Carlito A. Lanada, Sr.]], and Carlos Deleon.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20201202145901/http://kumulua.com/home-5/] {{Bare URL inline|date=September 2022}}</ref>

There have been numerous scholarly calls on the inclusion of the many martial arts of the Philippines into the [[UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists]]. As of 2019, a total of nine elements scattered in eight countries, such as [[Thailand]], [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]], and [[Korea]], have successfully inscribed their martial arts in the [[UNESCO]] list.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ich.unesco.org/en/lists?term%5B%5D%3Dvocabulary_ich-125 |title=Browse the Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage and the Register of good safeguarding practices - intangible heritage - Culture Sector - UNESCO |publisher=Ich.unesco.org |date= |accessdate=September 7, 2022}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:Naturales_3.png|thumb|Tagalog man carries a weapon, possibly a [[Kalis]].  This is from the [[Boxer Codex]], circa 1590 A.D.]]
Historically there was no term for "martial arts" in any Philippine language, the Filipino term ''"sining panlaban"'' is a [[loan translation]] of the English term. Because of the lack of historical accounts and archaeological records that made references and descriptions on the natives' ways of fighting and training in a combat system, it is somewhat difficult for historians and anthropologists to pinpoint the exact year or era when native Filipinos started to codify or drill their personnel in an established fighting system. Filipino martial artists often cite the [[Battle of Mactan]] as a historical testament to the existence of Filipino martial arts, but the narrative of the chronicler, [[Antonio Pigafetta]], only described the events of the battle and the culture of the natives superficially. Spanish reports from the late-16th century to the 19th century did not name a method of fighting amongst the natives despite carrying weapons with them all the time nor did they describe any kind of reference of a martial art that was practiced by the natives who were serving in Spanish garrisons all over the islands, though that does not mean that natives could not fight, as human aggression is the primary source of [[violence]]<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Aggression and Violence |url=https://nobaproject.com/modules/aggression-and-violence |access-date=2024-05-16 |website=Noba |language=en}}</ref> which are most likely motivated by constant warfare especially the [[Sambal people|Sambal]],<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bourne |first=Edward Gaylord |url=https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/16501 |title=The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 — Volume 05 of 551582-1583Explorations by Early Navigators, Descriptions of the Islands and Their Peoples, Their History and Records of the Catholic Missions, as Related in Contemporaneous Books and Manuscripts, Showing the Political, Economic, Commercial and Religious Conditions of Those Islands from Their Earliest Relations with European Nations to the Beginning of the Nineteenth Century |date=2005-08-09 |editor-last=Blair |editor-first=Emma Helen |language=English |quote=Next comes Bulinao, also inhabited by Çambales; but the province belongs to his Majesty. It has a population of about four hundred peaceful Indians, besides many more who live among the mountains. The latter are a warlike people, whose only delight and satisfaction is in waging war and in cutting off one another’s heads, which they hang up in their houses. |editor-last2=Robertson |editor-first2=James Alexander}}</ref> [[Kapampangan people|Pampangos]],<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bourne |first=Edward Gaylord |url=https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/47953 |title=The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898, Volume 37, 1669-1676Explorations by early navigators, descriptions of the islands and their peoples, their history and records of the Catholic missions, as related in contemporaneous books and manuscripts, showing the political, economic, commercial and religious conditions of those islands from their earliest relations with European nations to the close of the nineteenth century |date=2015-01-13 |editor-last=Blair |editor-first=Emma Helen |language=English |quote=The chapter closes with the beginning of the insurrection of [221]the Pampangos in 1660, “the most warlike and noble people in these islands, and near Manila.” |editor-last2=Robertson |editor-first2=James Alexander}}</ref> and the [[Visayans]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bourne |first=Edward Gaylord |url=https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/16501 |title=The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 — Volume 05 of 551582-1583Explorations by Early Navigators, Descriptions of the Islands and Their Peoples, Their History and Records of the Catholic Missions, as Related in Contemporaneous Books and Manuscripts, Showing the Political, Economic, Commercial and Religious Conditions of Those Islands from Their Earliest Relations with European Nations to the Beginning of the Nineteenth Century |date=2005-08-09 |editor-last=Blair |editor-first=Emma Helen |language=English |quote=The Pintados are a courageous and warlike race; they have continually waged war on both land and sea. |editor-last2=Robertson |editor-first2=James Alexander}}</ref> The earliest description on the natives' fighting methods is in a report by Francisco de Sande in Manila, about natives in Zambales carrying "several daggers around their belts" and men carrying battle-axes in their squadron and some well-placed arquebusiers,<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bourne |first=Edward Gaylord |url=https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/12635 |title=The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 — Volume 04 of 551576-1582Explorations by Early Navigators, Descriptions of the Islands and Their Peoples, Their History and Records of the Catholic Missions, as Related in Contemporaneous Books and Manuscripts, Showing the Political, Economic, Commercial and Religious Conditions of Those Islands from Their Earliest Relations with European Nations to the Beginning of the Nineteenth Century |date=2004-06-01 |editor-last=Blair |editor-first=Emma Helen |language=English |quote=They say that the corsair remained with the ships; but that in the boats there were seven hundred men, among whom were a few arquebusiers, and many pikemen, besides men armed with battle-axes. [1] They were clad in corselets which are coats lined with exceedingly thick cotton. They had durable bamboo hats, which served as helmets; they carried cutlasses, and several daggers in their belts; and all were barefoot. Their manner of warfare or of fighting, was to form a squadron composed of men with battle-axes, among whom were placed some arquebusiers, a few of the latter going ahead as skirmishers. |editor-last2=Robertson |editor-first2=James Alexander}}</ref> but none about describing any kind of formalized drills and training for combat which would define a [[Martial arts|martial art]] as archeological discovery and historical accounts on the description of centuries-old weapons does not mean that there was a systemized method of fighting.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Origins and Types of Martial Arts |url=https://www.liveabout.com/what-are-martial-arts-2307702 |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=LiveAbout |language=en |quote=The term martial arts refers to all of the various systems of training for combat that have been arranged or systematized}}</ref> Another interesting report from 1629 implied that the natives were recently taught how to wield a sword presumably in the Spanish way<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bourne |first=Edward Gaylord |url=https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/16451 |title=The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 23 of 551629-30Explorations by early navigators, descriptions of the islands and their peoples, their history and records of the Catholic missions, as related in contemporaneous books and manuscripts, showing the political, economic, commercial and religious conditions of those islands from their earliest relations with European nations to the close of the nineteenth century. |date=2005-08-06 |editor-last=Blair |editor-first=Emma Helen |language=English |quote=This reacts against the Spaniards themselves, for, once aroused, the Indians will rebel when least expected; and they know already how to wield a sword and use an arquebus. |editor-last2=Robertson |editor-first2=James Alexander}}</ref> and in 1764 report by Baltasar Vela who spoke of "drilled Indians" attacking the English in Manila.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/56778 |title=The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898; Volume 49Explorations by early navigators, descriptions of the islands and their peoples, their history and records of the catholic missions, as related in contemporaneous books and manuscripts, showing the political, economic, commercial and religious conditions of those islands from their earliest relations with European nations to the close of the nineteenth century |date=2018-03-18 |others=Edward Gaylord Bourne |editor-last=Blair |editor-first=Emma Helen |language=English |quote=A reënforcement of drilled Indians came, but they were not allowed to make a sally, for the archbishop-governor said that it was better to seize the enemy without grievously vexing him. |editor-last2=Robertson |editor-first2=James Alexander}}</ref>

In the late 19th century to the early 20th century, the [[History of boxing in the Philippines|US administration formally introduced boxing in the islands]] and in the following years in early to mid-20th century, Japanese businessmen introduced and taught [[Japanese Martial Arts|Japanese martial arts]] in the islands, especially [[Judo]], and during World War II it became common for Filipino martial artists to incorporate Japanese martial arts in their respective styles.<ref>https://www.usadojo.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/FMA-Special-Edition_Judo-Philippines.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref>

<ref>Querubin, E. (June 1966). It All Began 800 Years Ago. Black Belt, 14-16.</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=May 2024|reason=Not from a historian}} Native martial arts that were possibly forerunners to the modern [[Arnis de Mano]] started to exist by the 14th century. Arnis is characterized as sabre play that uses a pair of rattan canes or short wooden canes. Ancient Filipinos were considered skilled in dagger and the broad-sword before the Spanish colonization of the Philippines{{Citation needed|date=May 2024}}.

[[Silat]] is another martial art culturally practiced in Southern Philippines, that was imported there from either Brunei or Malaysia, considering its close proximity with [[Borneo]], and from there to [[Malaysia]]. Silat was popular among the royal families of the South and Muslim area of the country. There are also fighting systems such as [[Sikaran]] and [[Kuntaw]]. Kuntaw is considered on the verge of being extinct. Sikaran is an old style that is popular in the areas around [[Manila]]. The competition of Sikaran involved two teams or individuals in  the area of a rice paddy in the time of dry season {{Citation needed|date=May 2024}}.

Today there are said to be almost as many Filipino fighting styles as there are islands in the [[Philippines]]. In 1972, the [[Government of the Philippines|Philippine government]] included Filipino martial arts into the national sports arena. The Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports also incorporated them into the physical education curriculum for high school and college students. In recent history, Richardson C. Gialogo and Aniano Lota, Jr. helped the [[Department of Education (Philippines)|Department of Education]] (DepEd), former Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports, in the promotion of Arnis in the public schools. The Task Force on School Sports (TFSS) headed by Mr. Feliciano Toledo asked Richard Gialogo and Jon Lota to conduct national, regional and provincial seminar-workshops all over the Philippines under the auspices of the Philippine government. This resulted to the inclusion of Arnis in the ''[[Palarong Pambansa]]'' (National Games) in 2006. The efforts of the two and Senator [[Miguel Zubiri]] resulted in Arnis being declared as the National Martial Art and Sport of the Philippines by virtue of Republic Act 9850 which was signed into law in 2009. Knowledge of the Filipino fighting skills is mandatory in the [[Armed Forces of the Philippines|Philippine military]] and [[Philippine National Police|police]].

Filipino martial arts are considered the most advanced practical modern blade system in the world and are now a core component of the [[Combatives|U.S. Army's Modern Army Combatives]] program<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.moderncombatives.org/history.html |title=Modern Army Combatives - History |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100628194737/http://www.moderncombatives.org/history.html |archivedate=June 28, 2010 }}</ref><ref name="WagnerFilipinoKaliAlive">[https://www.usadojo.com/filipino-kali-is-alive-and-well-in-todays-police-and-military-training/ Filipino Kali is Alive and Well in Today's Police and Military Training] Jim Wagner, April 10, 2014, USA Dojo.com, [https://web.archive.org/web/20160304114224/http://www.usadojo.com/articles/jim-wagner/filipino-kali-alive.htm Archived] from the original on March 4, 2016, on the [[Wayback Machine]].</ref><ref name="fortHoodMarcDenny">[http://www.forthoodsentinel.com/story.php?id=1533 ‘Crafty Dog’ teaches knife, stick fighting] Michael Heckman, Fort Hood Sentinel, August 6, 2009. Marc "Crafty Dog" Denny from the Dog Brothers helped Matt Larsen develop fighting methods taught in the [[Modern Army Combatives]] Program</ref> and used by the [[Spetsnaz|Russian Spetsnaz (special forces)]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.philstar.com/young-star/558911/greatest-filipino-cultural-export-kicking-ass|title=The Greatest Filipino Export is Kicking Ass|author=Jessica Zafra|publisher=Philippine Star|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806012716/http://www.philstar.com/young-star/558911/greatest-filipino-cultural-export-kicking-ass|archive-date=August 6, 2016|url-status=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/sim/sim/view/20100612-275230/In-the-Stick-of-Things|title=In the Stick of Things|author=Ross Harper Alonso|date=June 12, 2010|publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100615170421/http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/sim/sim/view/20100612-275230/In-the-Stick-of-Things|archivedate=June 15, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-z7QkYP3Xw |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/N-z7QkYP3Xw| archive-date=December 11, 2021 |url-status=live|title=The Bladed Hand: The Global Impact of Filipino Martial Arts trailer|last=Ignacio|first=Jay|date=April 15, 2010|website=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The [[Government of India]] used Filipino martial arts to train their [[Para (Indian Special Forces)]] of [[Indian Army]], [[National Security Guard]], [[MARCOS]] of [[Indian Navy]] and [[Commando]]s of [[Central Armed Police Forces]].
[[File:Kalis Kampilan 2.JPG|thumb|Filipino martial arts weapons]]

==Weapons==
[[Image:Visayan swords a ginunting b to c talibong.jpg|thumb|left|Traditional bolos from the Visayas (ginunting on the left, and three talibongs).]]
Filipino martial artists are noted for their ability to fight with weapons or empty hands interchangeably and their ability to turn ordinary household items into lethal weapons. Weapons-training takes precedence because they give an edge in real fights, gears students to psychologically face armed opponents, and any object that can be picked up can be used as a weapon using FMA techniques. Empty hand training techniques are translated from the use of the Daga (dagger) or Baston (stick){{Citation needed|date=May 2024}}.

Another thing to note is that the Philippines is a ''blade culture''. The Southern Philippines with the [[Moro people|Moros]] were never really conquered by the Spaniards or the Americans; nor the [[Cordillera Administrative Region|Northern mountains]] of Luzon with their feared [[Igorot people|headhunter tribes]] so they kept their weapons and their fighting skills. For the more "Christianized" provinces and the towns where citizens had been "disarmed", [[Bolo knife|bolos]] (a cutting tool similar to the [[machete]]) and other knife variants are still commonly used for general work (farming in the provinces, chopping wood, coconuts, controlling ''talahib'' ([[Imperata cylindrica|sword grass]]), which could grow higher than roofs if not cut, etc.) and the occasional bloody fight. Production of these weapons still survives and there are a few who still make some. In the province of Aklan, Talibongs are still being made in the remote areas. Until the 80s, [[Balisong knife|balisong knives]] were still commonly used in the streets of Manila as general purpose pocket knives much like Swiss army knives or box cutters until new laws on allowable kinds of knives made it illegal to carry them in public without a permit or proof that it was a vital to one's livelihood (e.g. Martial arts instructor, vendor). They're still openly sold in their birthplace of [[Batangas]], in the streets of [[Quiapo, Manila|Quiapo]], souvenir shops and martial arts stores, wielded by practitioners and street gangs. Thus, even when fighting systems were outlawed by the Spaniards, Filipinos still maintained their centuries-old relationships with blades and blade fighting techniques that survive from ancient times and are still much alive as they have been adapted and evolved to stay relevant and practical in [[colonialism|colonial]] and modern times.
[[Image:Budots Media 20220326068 FMA7.jpg|alt=2 opponents armed with sticks facing each other, during Eskrima fight. Photo: Budots Media / Bart Sakwerda|thumb|2 opponents armed with sticks facing each other, during Eskrima fight.]]

[[Image:Mindanao Bangsamoro Swords (25065047992).jpg|thumb|Kris/Kalis at Bangsamoro and Lumad Cultures Gallery, Museum of the Filipino People, Rizal Park, Manila, Philippines]]Traditional weaponry varies in design, size, weight, materials, and the way these weapons are used. But because of similar techniques Filipinos can use any object and turned into a weapon by a Filipino martial artist as a [[force multiplier]].

===Unarmed===
As mentioned before, Spanish chroniclers did not record nor described any kind of unarmed fighting in the islands, yet one can fight naturally even without practicing any kind of fighting system with or without weapons.<ref name=":0" />

==== Traditional ====
These are the combat practices that have likely existed since antiquity and not born during colonization, but doubts should be raised about ''sikaran'' because of insufficient dedicated research on the subject.

*[[Sikaran]]: Kicking techniques, also a kick-based separate art practiced in Rizal province. Though marketed as "traditional" or whose origins are traceable back to the pre-Spanish period, there are hardly any reports from the Spanish describing this method of fighting (apart from giving direct translations for the word "kick"). If it did exist back in the pre-Hispanic period, then it is only fitting that it could be a descendant of a pre-historic [[Kickboxing#History|foot-fighting]] born out of human aggression.
*[[Dumog]]: Filipino style of grappling or just [[folk wrestling]]. Traditionally practiced in [[Antique (province)|Antique]] in [[Panay]], and a recreational activity in their festivals.<ref>{{Cite web |title=TUBIGANAY: CONFLICT RESOLUTION AMONGST INDIGENOUS CULTURAL COMMUNITIES IN CENTRAL PANAY MOUNTAINS {{!}} CLGIPS |url=https://clgips.cpu.edu.ph/tubiganay-conflict-resolution-amongst-indigenous-cultural-communities-in-central-panay-mountains/ |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=clgips.cpu.edu.ph |quote=Dumog or wrestling is a popular sport in the mountains. During occasions like weddings or fiestas, one of the events that provide entertainment to the people is dumog.}}</ref> The Tagalogs refer to this as ''[[Buno (wrestling)|buno]]'' and those among the [[Igorot people]] of Northern Luzon as ''[[bultong]]''. These terms in general refer to any kind of confrontation that heavily involves grappling with the intent of subduing an opponent. As humans are natural [[Wrestling#History|wrestlers]], it is likely then that regional forms of this mode of combat already existed in the islands since antiquity.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Perry |first=Prof. Jody |date=2 November 2008 |title=Wrestling: The Natural Art. Is it a martial art? |url=https://www.perrysfullcircle.com/articles/article/6369541/112622.htm |quote=Westling has to be one of the most common activities we perform everyday as human beings, it is as natural to us as walking and breathing.  If there were just one word in our vocabulary that described the majority of our daily activities, physical or psychological it would have to be the word, “wrestle.” We wrestle to get out of our clothes at night to get into bed. We wrestle to get out of bed in the morning. We wrestle with the thoughts and decisions we make each day. We wrestle with our dreams, with our past and with our future. We wrestle with the groceries, with the laundry, and with our kids. We even wrestle in our sleep. As a matter of fact, humans have had to wrestle in, and with, life since the day we wrestled our way out of our mother’s womb. To wrestle, as defined in Webster’s dictionary is; “To struggle; to strive in an effort to master.}}</ref>

==== Modern ====
These are the combat systems that were most likely developed or codified in the 20th century (at least the earliest record of it). In the case of ''[[Suntukan|mano-mano]],'' in the late-19th or early 20th century during the introduction of [[Boxing (sport)|modern boxing]] (see [[History of boxing in the Philippines|history of the boxing in the Philippines]]) and ''[[Yaw-Yan|yaw-yan]]'' which was created by Prof. Napoleon Fernandez in 1972. 
* [[Suntukan|Mano Mano]]: (From Spanish ''mano'', meaning hand lit. hand to hand) Incorporates punches, kicks, elbows, knees, headbutts, finger-strikes, locks, blocks, grappling and disarming techniques. In some systems, it is called ''suntukan'' (also known as ''pangamot'' in the Visayas and ''panantukan'' in the USA), which is a general term to refer to any kind of brawl. 
*[[Yaw-Yan]] or Sayaw ng Kamatayan: (Dance of Death) Yaw-Yan closely resembles [[Muay Thai]], but differs in the hip-torquing motion as well as the downward-cutting nature of its kicks, and the emphasis on delivering attacks from long range (while Muay Thai focuses more on clinching). The forearm strikes, elbows, punches, dominating palms, and hand movements are empty-hand translations of the bladed weapons. There are 12 "bolo punches" which were patterned from [[Arnis]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Us • Yaw-Yan Filipino Martial Arts USA HQ • Rockville, MD |url=https://yaw-yan.com/about-us/ |access-date=2024-05-16 |website=Yaw-Yan Filipino Martial Arts, USA HQ |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Impact===
These are the weapons that do not penetrate the flesh but can deliver a fatal damage to an unprotected opponent usually bruises but depending on the body part in contact, can cut through the skin. 
*Baston / Olisi: Short sticks, traditionally crafted from [[rattan]] or [[kamagong]]
*[[Bangkaw]] / Tongat: Staff, rod or pole
*Dulo-Dulo: Palmstick
*Tameng: Shield
*Improvised weapons: pens, keychains, keys (push knife grip), umbrellas, rolled-up newspapers/magazines, walking sticks, etc.

[[File:Negritofilipinocollection.jpg|thumb|The walking stick in the middle of photo just left of the three arrows and right of the Luzon shield, doubles as an improvised weapon coming apart into two pieces, both with fixed blades on a long and short stick.]]

[[File:IMG00459-20110318-1217.jpg|thumb|Pictured above is a closer look at the carving of a [[Negrito]] man on top of the stick.]]

[[File:IMG00460-20110318-1220.jpg|thumb|A braid/weave encompasses the top portion of the walking stick to ensure a good grip. While partially unsheathed, the two blades can be seen hidden inside. Very rare from late 19th to early 20th century, beautiful weapon and great example of ingenuity and master craftsmanship of the people.]]

===Edged===
These are the weapons that are designed to penetrate and damage the opponent through wounds and at times, fatally injuring the opponent. 
*Daga/Cuchillo: ''Spanish'' for ''dagger'' and ''knife'' respectively. Traditional varieties include the [[gunong]], [[punyal]] (from Spanish ''puñal'') and [[Barong (knife)|barung or barong]]
*[[Balisong knife|Balisong]]: Butterfly knife
*[[Karambit]]: Small blade shaped like a [[tiger]] claw
*[[wikt:espada#Spanish|Espada]]: ''Spanish'' for "sword". Includes [[kampilan]], ginunting, [[pinuti]] and [[talibong]]
*[[Bolo knife|Itak]]: Bolo used by Tagalog people
*[[Kalis]]: Larger, thicker Filipino [[kris]]
*[[Golok]]: Machete or broadsword used by tribes people
*[[Sibat]]: Spear
*Sundang: Single-edged thick short sword
*Lagaraw: Single-edged flexible long sword with a bent tip
*Ginunting: Single-edged flat ground short sword with a double edged sheep's hoof tip. Typically used in matched pairs with Pinunting
*Pinunting: Single edged v-ground short sword with backswept tip. Typically used in matched pairs with Ginunting

===Flexible===
Though rare, Filipino Martial Arts also uses flexible weapons. The most popular of which is the bullwhip, the most popular club that uses this is Momoy Cañete's [[San Miguel Eskrima]]. 
*[[Latigo leather|Latigo]]: Spanish (sp. látigo) for whip
*[[Buntot Pagi]]: Stingray tail
*Lubid: Rope
*[[Sarong]]
*Cadena / Tanikala: Spanish and Tagalog (Tanikalâ) respectively for chain
*[[Tabak-Toyok]]: Two sticks attached together by rope or chain, similar to [[nunchaku]], but with shorter sticks and a longer chain
*Improvised: Belt, bandana, handkerchief, shirt, towel

===Projectile ===
*Pana at Palaso: Bow and arrow
*Sibat: Spear
*Sumpit: Blowpipe
*Bagakay: Darts
*Tirador/Pintik/Saltik: Spanish, Cebuano and Tagalog for slingshot respectively. 
*Kana (as in ''Indian Pana Kakana-kana''/''kakanain kita''): Darts propelled by slingshots used by street gangsters
*Lantaka: kerosene-propelled bamboo cannon
*Luthang: gas-powered mini bamboo cannon

==Training==
===Signs and symbols===
[[File:Triangle 4.gif|250px|thumb|right|Many Filipino martial art training halls incorporate the triangle into their logo.]]
The triangle is one of the strongest geometrical structures and stands for strength. Many training halls incorporate the triangle into their logo. It represents numerous underlying philosophical, theoretical and metaphysical principles in the Filipino martial arts. Applications of the triangle are found in defensive and offensive tactical strategies, including footwork, stances, blocking and disarms.

The triangle also represents a trinity of deities. Majority of ethno-linguistic groups in the country are known to have a trinity of ancient gods and goddesses, embodying the number three as sacred.

During training, non-verbal gesture communication and recognition is used in teaching and identification. This sign language, utilizing hand, body and weapons signals; is used to convey ideas, desires, information, or commands.

===Basic tactical ranges===
The three combat ranges in the Filipino martial arts are ''corto'' (Spanish for close-range), ''medio'' (Spanish for medium-range) and ''largo'' (Spanish for long-range).

*Hakbang: general term for footwork
*Corto Mano: close range, short movements, minimal extension of arms, legs and weapons, cutting distance
*Serrada: "split step", short range footwork, quick, split action, front and back, low stance. Serrada footwork is the base of a triangular framework methodology
*Largo Mano: long range, extended movements, full extension of arms, legs and weapons, creating distance
*Fraile: short range footwork, hopping action, balanced position, short hop, pushing off from the lead foot
*Retirada: short range footwork, shuffling action, pushing backward by pushing off the lead foot, giving six to eight inches of range per action.
*Banda y banda: side to side action

===Basic tactical methods===
Filipino martial arts contain a wide range of tactical concepts, both armed and unarmed. Each art includes several of the methods listed below. Some of these concepts have been taken in isolation to serve as the foundation for entire fighting systems in themselves.

===Unarmed tactical methods===
''' Striking '''

*[[Mano Mano]], Suntukan, Pangamot, de Cadena, Cadena de Mano, panantukan - empty hands
:*[[Suntukan]], Panantukan, Dirty Boxing - empty-hand striking (usually with closed fist) with elbows, headbutts and low kicks
* Paa Paahan, Paa- foot; feet; hoof; foot to; feet to; limb; footstool; toes; legs; base; bottom; corners; Paahan-with large feet; 
:*[[Sikaran]],  kick backward; to kick backward
:*[[Pananjakman]], Sipa, patid or sikad - low kicks (heel impact point)

''' Grappling '''

*[[Dumog]] - wrestling or grappling methods with an emphasis on disabling or controlling the opponent by manipulation of the head and neck. This also refers directly to a wrestling competition on muddy ground.
*[[Buno (wrestling)|Buno]]

''' Dirty'''

*[[Kinamutay]] - a sub-section of ''pangamot'' that specializes in biting and eye-gouging
:*Pa-ak - biting
:*Pakug - headbutting
:*Sablig - throwing natural eye irritants such as sand to the unwary opponent 
:*Kawras or kamras - scratching attack to sensitive parts such as the eyes

===Armed tactical methods===
:*Solo baston - single stick
:*[[Doble Baston]] - double stick
:*Bati-Bati - butt of stick methods
:*Dulo-Dulo/Dulo y Dulo - palm stick methods
:*Bantay-Kamay, Tapi-Tapi-  "guardian hand" or "alive hand", auxiliary weapon used in conjunction with the primary weapon for checking, blocking, monitoring, trapping, locking, disarming, striking, cutting, etc. Examples include the empty hand when using a single stick or the dagger when fighting with sword and dagger
:*[[Baraw]] - knife and dagger
:*Mano y Daga - hand and dagger
:*Baston y Daga - stick and dagger
:*Daga y Daga - pair of daggers
:*Espada y Daga - sword and dagger
:*[[Latigo y Daga]] - whip and dagger
:*Tapon-Tapon - hand thrown knives and weapons tactics

===Drilling tactical methods===
:*Numerado - striking and blocking by the numbers, refers to the most basic strikes and angles
:*Cinco Teros - five strikes, refers to the five most basic strikes and counters
:*Doblete - two-weapon blocking and countering method of doubles
:*[[Sinawali]] - "weaving"; rhythmic, flowing, striking patterns and tactics, utilizing two impact or edged weapons.
:*Redonda - circular double-stick vertical downward pattern of six strikes
:*Ocho ocho - repeating pattern, strikes and tactics, such as the figure-eight.
:*Palis Palis - meeting force with force
:*Free flow - live interaction and play, flowing practice, rapid, rhythmic, weapons tactics

===Technical tactical methods===
:*[[Abaniko]] - fanning techniques
:*Witik - whipping, snapping back or picking movements
:*Lobtik - follow-through strikes; horizontal, vertical, diagonal methods
:*Crossada - cross blocking methods, hands and weapons
:*[[Gunting]] - "scissors"; armed and unarmed scissoring techniques aimed at disabling an opponent's arm or hand
:*Lock and block - dynamic countering, attacks based on the striking and blocking methods of the system
:*Kadena De Mano - chain of hands, close quarters, continuous, empty-handed combat
:*Hubud Lubud - to tie and untie, continuous trapping methods
:*Trankada - joint locking and breaking techniques
:*Panganaw - disarming techniques

===Other traditional techniques===
:*Balitok - acrobatic flip or back-flip to evade attacks. This can also be used in combination of kicking to hit opponents.
:*Bikil, sapiti or sapid - hitting an opponent's center of gravity to cause imbalance
:*Bunal, bangag or puspos - downward striking with a blunt weapon
:*Bungot sa kanding - a goatee sported by men to supposedly intimidate or distract an opponent.
:*Busdak - throwing an opponent down to the ground
:*Dunggab, duslak or luba - stealthy stabbing stroke
:*Dusmo - to push an opponent's face to the ground
:*Hapak or sumbag - packed punch aimed to take down an opponent
:*Hata - fake movement intended to open up opponent's defensive stance
:*Ku-ot or kumot - stealthy grabbing and grappling of body parts such as hair
:*Kulata - combo punches to disable or overwhelm an opponent
:*Laparo or tamparos - slapping using the lower part of the palm
:*Lihay - evading attacks
:*Lubag - twisting of joints to unnatural position to disable a physically stronger opponent. This includes a lethal twisting and snapping of the neck.
:*Luglog - In the Waray language this is to slit the throat
:*Sagang - blocking of striking attacks
:*Tigbas - slashing and cutting stroke
:*Tu-ok - strangling or locking the neck

===Other traditional techniques, kinamutay-based===
:*Pa-ak - biting
:*Pakug - headbutting
:*Sablig - throwing natural eye irritants such as sand to the unwary opponent 
:*Kawras or kamras - scratching attack to sensitive parts such as the eyes
:*Siko - to hit with the elbow

===Esoteric practices===
*[[Agimat]]: A [[talisman]] worn to protect against misfortune and increase the chance of victory. Also known as ''habak'' or ''anting-anting''.
*[[Albularyo]]: A shaman who carries out the initiation ceremony and treats injuries
*[[Hilot]]: A traditional system of herbalism, massage and first-aid that was traditionally taught alongside martial arts
*[[Kulam]] or Barang : Witchcraft or spell-rituals carried out by witch-doctors. Also known as ''barang'' in Visayas.
*''Oracion'': Special prayers, incantations or [[mantra]] that may be recited before battle as a protective armor. This is also used for driving out or summoning spiritual entities. This is usually written in [[Latin]] language.

==See also==
* [[Arnis|Arnis/Eskrima/Kali]]
** [[Eskrima weapons]]
* [[Modern Arnis]]
* [[Suntukan]]
* [[Kinamutay]]
* [[Sikaran]]
* [[Eskrima in popular culture]]
* [[Kuntao]]
* [[Yaw-Yan]]
* [[Pekiti-Tirsia Kali]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.fmainformative.info/ FMA Informative- Propagating the Filipino Martial Arts and the Culture of the Philippines] 
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100316200518/http://www.martialartsresource.com/anonftp/pub/eskrima/digests/fmafaq.htm The FMA-Eskrima-Kali FAQ]
* [http://www.FMATalkLive.com FMATalk Live! - Podcast Dedicated to the Promotion of Filipino Martial Arts]

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