What is Filipino Martial Arts?

Filipino Martial Arts is a very colorful one as the culture and history of the Philippines had a great influence on the evolution of Philippine combat philosophy. With a number of foreigners coming to desire control of the land, natives were on a constant need to improve fighting skills in order to defend themselves. Filipinos learned to adapt to changing surroundings and circumstances. To date, Arnis, Eskrima, and Kali would be the main types of Filipino Martial Arts that were born of old.

Today, fighting styles abound since the Philippines is a large territory. From 1972, the local government has mandated the inclusion of Filipino Martial Arts into national sports events and such became part of the educational curriculum of schools in the country. By 2009, Arnis or Filipino Sticks became the country’s National Martial Art and Sport via Republic Act 9850.

It brings pride to know that Philippine Martial Arts have gained prominence in Asia and even America. A lot of International movies, especially American films, showcased Filipino Martial Arts moves and philosophy. Fight sequences in movies like Bourne Ultimatum were choreographed and consulted with Filipino MMA Masters. This is made possible thru the propagation of the art by known and legendary masters like Dan Inosanto (Bruce Lee’s Instructor and Student), and his former students.

It is interesting to know that Philippine’s fight and blade system is part of the US Army’s Combative Program. The same is also used by Russian Special Forces. India also uses the art as part of their Special Force Training Academy.

A significant sign of Filipino Martial Arts Philosophy is the practice of turning ordinary objects into weapons or facing conflict with empty hands, improvising weaponry as fight progresses. This is for utmost practicality and efficiency since fights can ensue anywhere and the need to defend oneself can occur anywhere at anytime. With Arnis, the stick is taught as an extension of one’s hand.

How Martial Arts Helps You Lose Weight?

MMA helps one achieve weight loss goals. One training session can yield a large burn of calories. Doing cardio, strength training, sparring, and skill masteries will help you shed off excess weight and tone the body. Post-workout still yields calorie burn as metabolism is enhanced.

What are Types of Martial Arts?

There are various types of Martial Arts and all would provide good cardio workouts, but here are some highlighted ones which can help with weight and fitness goals:

Karate is a discipline for power. Upper body workouts are mostly done with some lower body movements. Striking helps build and tone core muscles while increasing one’s power. It is good for fat burn and strength training.

Kung Fu is diverse, fighting styles are so many. This enables a full body workout; flips, jumps, kicks, swift movements, footwork, hand gestures, and so much more. Kung Fu will work your ass out while helping you clear your mind and relax it.

Taekwondo is all about kicks mostly, so expect toned and stronger legs and feet. Moving is constant during training and sparring.

Muay Thai and Kickboxing are balanced MMA types. Athletes build power, speed, and fluid movements. A few minutes of workout yields high results. There is quick footwork and strikes, grappling or wrestling. Learn self-defense while you lose weight by studying these two.

Capoeira is an active type as dance is integrated into fights. The craft is harder to learn but there is excitement as it is far from routinary. Do acrobatics, strikes, sweeps, takedowns, slaps, and more. Wesley Snipes practices this art.

What is the History of Martial Arts?

The history of Martial Arts varies per country and discipline. Here are some cool facts:

Judo. It is World Judo Day on October 18. It is said that Judo was derived from Jujitsu, which is an art for attack or defense with just the use of one’s body. Dr Jigoro Kano is the Father of Judo and released a study of ancient self-defense, integrating the best forms into one sport. Judo was born in 1882. The art gained credibility as Jujitsu athletes were being defeated by Judo practitioners. In 1964, Judo became an official event at the Olympics, Tokyo.

Jeet Kune Do was a fruit of famous Bruce Lee’s years of personal study and analysis of defense and offense tactics. It is no doubt that he was one man who made MMA very famous as he could be the very first MMA practitioner. MMA is a blending of fighting styles and that’s what Jeet Kune Do promotes. Bruce Lee desired efficiency and effectiveness at the fastest time with the least amount of effort and that is the main passion and thrust of the discipline. Filipino, Dan Inosanto or Guro Inosanto, as called by followers, kept Bruce Lee’s concepts alive long after his death. He is a first generation instructor and Bruce Lee’s close friend.

Martial Arts Training in the Philippines

Interested in enrolling for MMA classes? Here are some options:

Yaw-yan (Sayaw Kamatayan) was developed by Napoleon Fernandez. It is known as Pinoy Kickboxing with Arnis incorporated in the practice.  Classes are offered under Master Rey Yap at Domicile Building, J.P. Rizal Street, Nangka, Marikina City. Call 806-7253, 948-6009 for info. Price is P1,600 (8 sessions). Filipino celebrity Diether Ocampo is a student of this art.

Aarnis (Fiipino Sticks) classes are offered by Doce Pares Master Ciriaco ‘Kakoy’ Canete, a known master of Arnis or Eskrima. Train at #81-A C. Padilla Street San Nicolas Proper Cebu City. Contact 032-261-1352 for more info. Filipino celebrity Ronnie Rickets is a practitioner.

Pinoy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes are many. UFC’s Brandon “The Truth” Vera is one. Anderson Silva is one respected UFC fighter with this fighting style. Philippines’ first BJJ blackbelt holder gives classes at BAMF Training Center; he is Master Andrew Laxa. Train at Sucat Road corner Dona Irenea Street, Ireneville Subdivision, Parañaque City. Call 384-0314 for info. You may also have classes at KMA Fitness, Makati, or VPF Katipunan, Quezon City.

Aikido, made very much popular by actor Steven Seagal, is a good discipline to learn. Movements and executions are fluid, natural, and effort-free almost. Students are taught to use an opponent’s force against them. This can be executed by the strong or seemingly weak ones, like girls, and those of short stature. No muscles are needed to execute moves effectively. Learn it at Mushin Aikido Club. It is at #357 Cristobal corner Honradez Streets, Sampaloc, Manila. Call 0918 6339562 for info on rates and class times.