Filipino Martial Arts (FMA)
What is FMA?
FMA (also known as Arnis, Escrima, Kali, etc.) covers the traditional martial arts of the Philippines. It is a weapons-based art using swords, sticks, knives, and other bladed or improvised weapons. Open-hand (i.e. unarmed) techniques are also utilized and flow seamlessly with their weapons-based counterparts. Historically, FMA has been utilized heavily in guerilla warfare and revolutionary conflict, and its effectiveness had led to its spread amongst armies all over the world. In recent years, the art has also made its way into popular culture (e.g., using bastons as a playable weapon in Call of Duty). It is one of the few "bladed" martial arts still alive in the modern era and still holds its status as one of the deadliest in the world.
What will be taught?
Students can expect to learn the various different weapon types used in FMA. This includes bastons (sticks), dagas (knives), and bolos (swords). They will also learn unarmed techniques and how those and weapons-based techniques translate between each other in various situations. Strikes, limb breaks, locks, and takedowns will also be taught using various drills and sparring. Overall, the FMA curriculum will have a heavy emphasis on footwork, hand-eye coordination, and street-based application.
