escrima

Escrima, also known as arnis or kali, is a Filipino martial art focused on weapon-based combat, especially stick fighting with rattan implements, as well as bladed weapons and empty-hand techniques. It emphasizes principles of timing, distance, and angle control, and the ability to transition between weapon and hand-to-hand fighting.

The name escrima derives from the Spanish esgrima, meaning fencing; arnis and kali are regional terms used in the Philippines. Collectively, the Filipino martial arts known as escrima, arnis, or kali are taught in many schools worldwide as a family of related fighting styles.

Historically, escrima developed from pre-colonial weapon traditions and was later shaped by colonial influences. In the 20th century, several lineages—often referred to as Modern Arnis, Doce Pares, Kali, among others—paved the way for its global dissemination through demonstrations, competitions, and cross-training with other martial arts.

Techniques center on weapons but also cover empty-hand applications. Core drills include hubud-lubud (timing exchanges) and sinawali (two-weapon weaving). Practitioners train with sticks, knives, and other bladed weapons, as well as with open-hand defenses, disarms, and trapping. Safe training typically uses protective gear and controlled sparring to develop speed, reflexes, and situational awareness.

Today, escrima is practiced around the world, in sport and self-defense contexts, and is often integrated into mixed martial arts and law enforcement training. Its emphasis on adaptable, principle-based movement makes it a widely studied form of Filipino martial arts.