Filipino Martial Arts
F
ew cultures are better known for their fighting skills with blunt,
bladed, or flexible weapons than the ancient warriors of the
Philippines.
However, people still wonder where the Filipino martial arts have
been. Like kung fu, before Bruce Lee's time, it was practiced in
secrecy. The Filipino people saw it as their protection in a world
filled with violence, prejudice, and suspicion. Times have changed
and today the Filipino martial arts are quickly becoming recognized
as one of the most exciting, complete, and practical martial arts
of our time.
Many people believe that the Filipino martial arts are only a weapons
art. On the contrary, it is a very efficient and effective empty-hand
art. The use of elbows, knees, headbutts, kicks, and punches are
common in close range fighting. Grappling techniques (standing or on
the ground) include throws, trips, sweeps, takedowns, chokes, and locks.
I
n the FMA class one will learn various techniques and drills. This
class is geared for the serious martial artist. For years the
Filipinos have perfected their arts in real combat in the jungles of
the Philippines and only recently have these arts gained their well
deserved notoriety. The Arts of the Philippines are vicious and
sophisticated, implementing the stick, knife, and empty hands used in
combination or alone. Most people associate these arts with the use
of weapons, but there is much more. Kali, one of the most common used
names for the art, is a complete martial art by its self. FMA
includes trapping, elbowing, kneeing, locking, punching, kicking,
head butting, and even biting, all with or without the use of various weapons.
FMA Training Areas
FMA Student Progression I
FMA Student Progression II