What are Escrima Kali Arnis Sticks:?
Kali is an indigenous fighting system from the Philippines. The history of this martial art is surrounded by mystery and intrigue, but is believed that it originated in the Southern Philippines and was a form of combat employed by families and local tribes to protect their land and fend off invaders. There is also the belief that Kali may have evolved from Indian, Chinese, and Malay martial arts. In 1521, a Portuguese Conquistador sailing for the flag of Spain landed and was killed in Mactan Island, Cebu by tribal leader Lapu-Lapu. Many think that Lapu-Lapu used Kali in his fight with Magellan. During the Spanish occupation, the Spaniards found it challenging to fight the natives, who were using blades and wooden sticks against their superior weapons and armor. The practice of Kali was thus banned, but locals were able to hide their training by incorporating movements and techniques in dances. It was during this period when the terms Arnis (from the Spanish word Arnes: Harness/Armor) a
