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Arnis is the national martial art sport of Philippines. It is also known as Eskrima and Kali. This sport actually emphasizes weapon based fighting which is done using knives, bladed weapons, sticks and various improvised weapons. It also includes hand to hand combat, grappling and weapon disarming methods.

The primary weapon used in this traditional martial art sport of Philippines is called a cane or a baton. The cane or baron varies in sizes but the original length of it is 28 inches. The cane used in this sport is also considered sacred by the Arnisadores practitioners, which is why the cane is hit on the hand or forearm of the sparring partner and not at the latter’s cane during the sport.

This sport was known as the defensing sport in the past by the practitioners. The Philippines is known all around the world for its blade culture which has originated from this sport.

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Similar Sports

• Kendo — a form of Japanese martial art that originated from kenjutsu, using bamboo swords and armor.
• Fencing — competitors face each other and attempt to touch each other with the tip of a thin sword.
• Canne de Combat — a French martial art in which opponents battle each other inside a ring with a cane in one hand.
• Singlestick — a martial art that uses a wooden stick, which began as a way of training sailors in the use of swords.
• Dumog — a Filipino style of wrestling while standing upright

Other Filipino Sports

• Sipa — a sport from the Philippines in which the aim is to kick the ball to the other side of the net onto the opponent’s side without it touching the ground.
• Sikaran — a form of kickboxing from the Philippines, which utilizes only the feet, the hands are only used for blocking.

Related Pages

• Stick-Fighting — a type of martial arts which uses a hand-held long slender wooden stick for fighting. Includes variations such as singlestick and canne de combat.
• About Martial Arts
• Sport in the Philippines
• Complete list of sports
• The Encyclopedia of Sports