FILIPINO
MARTIAL ARTS

The Fighting arts of the Philippines are deeply rooted in the history and culture of the Filipino people before the arrival of the Spanish.^[1]

The Philippines are located in a very central position within Southeast Asia, acting as the central stepping of the region. Even in prehistoric time, earliest man would have crossed though the Philippines to reach Indonesia, Malaysia, and Australia. Millennia of culture recorded waves of migration to the Philippines from India, Malaysia, Indonesia and China. Due to huge base of knowledge that was acquired, the Filipino culture became quite advanced, developing their own system of medicine, astronomy, engineering, written language and history.

In 200 B.C the Malays migrated to the Philippines, bringing a wavy bladed knife from the island of Java.^[2] The ‘Kalis’ or ‘Kris’ is the first foreign weapon to be incorporated into today’s Filipino martial arts.^[3]

In 78 AD, the Indian Prince Aji Caka extended the Hindi Empire into Indonesia.^[4] A mass migration of Hindu Indians later followed in 400AD.^[5] The Hindu martial arts, weaponry, and superior organization made it possible for them to conquer the earlier peoples of Southeast Asia.

Two major waves of Indo-Malay culture were spread to the Philippines.^[6] Around 600AD, the Hindu Sri-Vijaya Empire expanded into whole Philippine region.^[7] Later in 1331 AD, the Moslem Majapahit Empire expanded into the Southern Philippines.^[8]

The Srividjayans are the ancestors of modern central Filipinos, including the Tagalogs, Ilocanos, Pampangos, Visayans, and Bicolanos.  The Srividjayans brought the influence of the Hindi and Indonesian religions, philosophy, arts, combat, new laws (the famous Code of Kalantaw), the Hindi calendar, a written alphabet (Sanskrit), and a new system of weights and measures.^[9] The Majapahit Empire settled in the Southern Philippines, bringing with them Islam.^[10]

Hinduism introduced the goddess Kali. Kali is often depicted in Indian art as a black or dark blue woman with four arms, holding a curved sword and the head of a slain daemon. She has a multifaceted character, known for her violence, peace, compassion, chaos, and wisdom. These contradicting traits mirror the contradicting traits of nature, and are seen as representing the ultimate reality of life.^[11] Followers of Kali seek to see things as they really are, uncluttered by futile dreams, hopes and false expectations. As a result, they learn to seize the moment, and avoid making decisions on the fear of death, old age or sickness.^[12]

From the 600AD to 1500AD the Filipinos were followers of Kali. The language and culture became saturated with reference to their goddess. The words for happiness (‘kaligayahan’), freedom (‘kalayon’), and the family/tribe (‘kaliman’) all derived from the Kali faith.^[13] Each family or ‘kaliman’ also had its own uniquely shaped sword known as a ‘kalis’.^[14]

In 1518, Ferdinand Magellan convinced King Charles I of Spain that the Moluccas, then known as the spice island, could be reached by sailing west instead of east. This would allow Spain to claim Moluccas as part of the Spanish realm agreed upon in the Treaty of Torsedillas.^[17]

The king agreed and on 20 September 1519, the expedition sailed southward across the Atlantic Ocean. After reaching the Marianas, Magellan continued his voyage and arrived in the Philippine Archipelago on 17 March 1521.^[18]

Magellan soon befriended the island chief Rajah Kolambu, and with Kolambu’s help Magellan sailed northeast to Cebu. The relationship between Magellan and Cebu’s leader Rajah Humabon flourished. In April 1521, Magellan succeeded in baptizing Rajah Humabon, his wife and five hundred villagers.^[20]

With the friendship and conversion of Rajah Humabon, Magellan and his army were able to gain control over all the Filipino islands except one.

On Mactan, a small island east of Cebu, Rajah Lapu-Lapu stood defiant. Magellan was confident that his men, with steel armor and muskets, would easily defeat Lapu-Lapu. On the other hand, Lapu-Lapu had only native spears (Kampilan), broadswords (Kalis), and daggers (Daga).^[21] However, Lapu-Lapu’s men were well trained in native fighting arts that were originally brought by Sri-Vijaya Empire.^[22]

Lapu-Lapu was also reputed to be extraordinarily powerful. It is said that he could throw a short stick with enough force to pierce a coconut tree.

On 27 of April 1521,^[25] Magellin and his men were defeated in the battle of Mactan.^[26] Ferdinand Magellan himself, was slain by the Raja Lapu-Lapu in a fierce hand-to-hand fight.^[27] Eyewitness historian Antonio Pigafetta recorded that Magellan after a blow to the leg and neck with a Kampilan.^[28]

One of Magellan’s remaining commanders, Juan Sebastian del Cano, was left to complete the remaining journey back to Spain.^[29]

There are some historians who suggest that the battle of Mactan was probably exaggerated. Magellan’s ‘army’ was more likely to have consisted of 49 men with mainly pikes, swords, halberds, some armor, and only a few firearms. Lapu-Lapu’s men would have outnumbered Magellan’s by more than twenty to one, and rained hundreds of arrows and spears upon the Spaniards.^[30]

Eventually the Filipino islands were conquered. In 1542, the islands were renamed from Maharlikas^[31] to Las Philippinas in honor of Prince Philip, later King Philip of Spain (Philip II, 1556-1598).^[32]

In an effort to completely colonize the natives, Spaniards destroyed and suppressed most aspects of Filipino culture. This resulted in the loss of the written Filipino language, religion, science, and art.^[33] Most of the population was converted to Roman Catholicism^[34] and forced to adopt Spanish family names.^[35]
In 1871, the Spaniards banned all forms of martial arts and weapons.^[36] The Filipinos found a way to openly practice martial arts with swords, by incorporating it with folkdances known as ‘moro-moro’s’.^[37]

The Binasuan, for example is a dance which shows the joint locking techniques.^[38] However, Filipino martial arts could only survive by going underground. The banned swords (‘kalis’) were also replaced by the rattan stick (‘baston’) replaced the banned sword.^[39]

Spanish rule lasted until 1898 when Spain was defeated in the Spanish-American war.^[41] The Philippines were liberated, but were greatly influenced by American culture, and English became the second language. During World War II the Philippines were occupied by the Japanese. Martial arts were banned and again went underground.^[42]

Definition of Kali, Escrima and Arnis

Theory and Application of Kali/Escrima/Arnis

Kali/Escrima/Arnis are often referred to as uncomplicated martial arts. These arts were originally used to train farmers and other villagers in a short period of to defend their land. Almost all the techniques are taught immediately, and students take what they need to create their own method of combat.^[60]

Basic principles are considered more important than individual techniques,^[61] and there are four main principles in Filipino martial arts.

Firstly, students are first taught techniques with weapons instead of empty hands. This type of training builds manual dexterity in the practitioner and also trains faster conditioned responses to various attacks.^[62]

Secondly, movements are made in triangular, circular and semi-circular motions. This includes footwork, stances, disarming, defence and attack.^[63]

Thirdly, one hand leads and the other follows. The following hand is known as the ‘live hand’. It never holds the the main weapon and is used for checking, blocking, striking, and as support to the disarms and locks.^[64]

Finally, students must move smoothly between the ranges of combat without any disturbance in the transition. This requires awareness of range, the continuous application of techniques, and the sensitivity adapt techniques to the opponent's.^[65]

Definition of Pekiti-Tirsia

Pekiti-Tirsia roughly translates to ‘cut small, up close’. This is a close-quarters combat system that employs the traditional full-length stick (approx 30 in or 75cm).^[66]

History and Development of Pekiti-Tirsia

This system was founded by Conrado B. Tortal of the Visayan region.^[67]

Theory and Application of Pekiti-Tirsia

The Pekiti-Tirsia system is also called the Doce Methodos (‘12 methods’), referring to the 12 distinct categories of techniques and applications. A condensed form of 64 movements illustrates many of those subsystems such as ‘Abcederio’, ‘Quartos Cantos’, ‘Dakup y Punyo’, etc.^[68]

The footwork of Pekiti-Tirsia is also distinct. Close range (‘corto’) combat relies on a type of cat stance and executes movements from a coiled position. The body generates power from the abdomen instead of just arms and shoulders. In corto, there is neither the time nor the space to wind up for strikes so the body delivers the critical reaction and power advantage.^[69]

Definition, History, Theory and Application of Kino Mutay

Kino-mutay is the Filipino art of biting, eye gouging and pinching. In itself, it is not a primary fighting style but employs techniques which can be added to any other martial art. There is little evidence that this art existed as a traditional fighting form and it is probable that its development is quite recent.^[70]

Definition of Yaw Yan

The word Yaw-Yan is derived from the two last syllables of ‘saYAW ng samataYAN’ meaning ‘Dance of Death’.^[71]

History and Development of Yaw Yan

Yaw-Yan is a Filipino martial art developed by Napoleon Fernandez.^[72]

Theory and Application of Yaw Yun

This style combines traditional Filipino techniques with Tae Kwon Do style kicks, and resembles Muay Thai. Roundhouse kicks curve downwards (even from head level) and result in tremendous power when hip torque is applied. Punches include the uppercut, hook, swing and right cross, back hand, bolo punch and corkscrew punch. It is often trained with gloves on, to allow full contact between sparring partners.^[73]

Definition, History and Development of Kun Taw

Kun Taw is one of the oldest fighting systems in the Philippines.^[74] During the 1300’s, thousands of Chinese migrated to the Philippines fleeing the Mongol invasion of China, and settled around Mindanao Island in the Sulu archipelago.^[75] Chinese settlers brought the martial arts of the Tang and Song Dynasties. In 1365, the fusion of martial arts resulted in Kun Taw (perhaps reflecting the Cantonese ‘Kuen Tao’ or ‘Fist Way’).^[76] The system was gradually adapted to the circumstances of the Filipino people.^[77]
 

Theory and Application of Kun Taw

Kun Taw utilizes hard and soft cat-like movements, similar to kung fu.^[78] The hands are also used for parrying, striking and grappling, while the legs are used for low-line kicks, sweeps and takedowns. Knees and elbows are also employed. Weaponry are applied with empty hand techniques.^[79] Techniques focus on evading and redirecting the energy of attacks – a principle common in many Chinese styles.^[80]

History, Theory and Application of Pencat Silat

Silat is the art of wielding bladed weapons, in a manner similar to Kali. However, Silat originated from a merging of traditional Kali and Arabic swordplay of the Southern Philippines. The art of Silat remained secret for centuries as it was only practiced by royal families. As a result, Silat was exposed to the influence of Spanish fencing.^[81]

The idiom “A weapon is merely an extension of your arm” is the core of Filipino martial arts. Weapons are used teach and train techniques for both armed and unarmed fighting. The term ‘empty hand’ also includes all the natural body weapons including the head, shoulders, elbows, forearms, hands, knees, shins and feet are all used. In the rare Kino Mutay, biting is also used.^[82]

The styles of Panantukan, Pananjakman, Dumog and Buno are exclusively empty hand fighting arts. Weapon based arts such as Escrima and Arnis usually call the empty hand portion of their style Pangamot.<sup>[83]


[84]</sup>

After swords were banned by the Spaniards, the stick was used in its place. Initially, the rattan was used to deliver strikes in the same manner as the blade. However, Filipino martial artists realized the stick had different handling qualities and could employ new techniques, such as curved and snapping strikes.^[86]

Short sticks, known as Tabak Malii (‘palm sticks’), may be trained individually or together. Traditionally the weapons were made of steel. The ends were serrated, pointed and were sometimes bladed for thrusting and slashing. There was also a ring to place the finger(s) to prevent being disarmed.

Double sticks are twirled in an intricate patterns called Sawali, a bamboo weaving pattern. Double stick sparring develops footwork, body movement and train empty hand applications. Double stick motions are also interchangeable with the stick and dagger.^[87]

The stick is commonly made from rattan. It can be held in one hand, held in the middle, or at either end in an overhand or underhand grip.^[88]

Long Stick

The long staff motions are called amara (stick motions). They are essentially the same as in the single stick except they require the use of both hands. Traditionally, the long stick was just a training tool for the spear or ‘Karasaik/Bangkaw’, although this is no longer the case.^[91]

^[90]

The Panabas is a pole, varying from 3 to 8 feet, with a curved blade attached to it. The cutting edge of the blade is on the inside of the curve, like a scythe.^[92]

Daggers

^[94]

Have a double edged blade which is wavy, allowing for easy blood flow from an inflicted wound.

This knife is Malay in origin, and was brought over from regular trading and migration with the Southern Philippines.^[95]

Is more commonly known as a “butterfly knife”. Its handle opens into two parts, to fold up and conceal the blade.

‘Balisong’ is derived from the words ‘bali’ (to break) and ‘sung’ (horn). It literally means “broken horn”, and was carved out of animal horns.^[96]

The sword only remains in the Kali styles. A particular branch of Kali, known as Ilustrisimo, is completely blade based. As a cut and thrust weapon it provides insight into several stick drills.^[98] Spanish fencing directly effected on the fighting arts with the introduction of angles of attack, and the use of Espada y daga (sword and dagger).^[99]

The Kampilan Sword was used to kill Ferdinand Magellan.

The Kampilan has a single edged blade that is approximately 30 inches long, with a small flared spike near the tip. It has a forked handle which represents the gaping jaw of a crocodile.^[102]

^[104]

Barong is a Tagalog term for ‘leaf shaped’.

The blade is approximately 15 inches long and nearly 3 inches wide in the middle. It is a double edged weapon.^[105]

The term Sundang refers to any large single or double edged weapon.

It is longer than the Barong, with a blade length of 20 inches. The Sundang is based on the Kris.^[106]

^[107]

^[108]

The Bolo is a larger, machete like sword with al single edge.^[109]

One of the few surviving Spanish imports is the sword and dagger fighting style. This style combined the attributes of a short thrusting weapon and a longer cutting weapon. Today, the stick has replaced the sword, and the stick and dagger style is used in training. It has since incorporated techniques that would be impossible with a sword, including tie-ups, locks and takedowns.^[110]

^[111]

The style of Pananandata has an extensive array of flexible weapon techniques including the chain, garrote, and the ball and chain (‘cadena’).^[112]