Figure 1.-- Movie actor and martial artist Matthew Helm is skilled in Escrima which involves the use of sticks. His costume is not Filipino and would not be approved by Escrima purists. It is more of a Hollywood creation suggestive of Chinese martial arts.

The Filipino martial art "Escrima" in the last few years has become more popular and many of the freestyle karate schools are now teaching Escrima. There are many different styles of Escrima, many of which are regionally based. The martial art brought to the United States by Filipino immigrants are also called Kali Arnis. Escrima has ancient origins in the Philippines. Escrima was for centuries a recreational activity. Filipino boys learned it along with reading, writing, religion and Sanskrit. This changed with rhe arrival of the Spanish (1521). Filipinos resisted Spanish rule, fighting with bolos, daggers and sticks. Gradually the Spanish with firearms were able to gain control, although for many years the Spanish were not able to control the back country and many islands in the Pgilippines. Only by the 18th century were the Spanish in full contol of the Islands. Spanish authorities banned Escrima. The Spanish prohibited the Filipinos from carrying bolos (a long bladed weapon similar to a machete) and daggers. The practice of Escrima became a clandestine activity conducted in secret. Escrima surfaced as an art form. Escrima moves were set to music and practiced as an indugenous dance without weapons. Such dancing became very popular in the Spanish Philippines and commonly performed openly at important festivals. Escrima with weapons was practiced in secret. The United States seized the Philippines from the Spanish during the Spanish American War (1898). American authorities lifted the ban on Escrima. Escrima fighters began to hold public competitions. Actual training, however, continued to be conducted largely in private. Japan invaded the Philippines during World War II (1941). Many Filipinos fought with the Americans in guerilla units during the Japanese occupation. Filipino guerillas were poorly armed. Many only had their bolos. After the war the Philippines achieved its independence, but maintained close relations. Many Filipinos emigrated to America, bringing their Escrima skills and interest in the discipline with them. Most settled in Hawaii and Californis where Escrima has become well established. Movie actor and martial artist Matthew Helm is skilled in Escrima which involves the use of sticks. His costume is not Filipino and would not be approved by Escrima purists. It is more of a Hollywood creation suggestive of Chinese martial arts.

Created: 2:20 PM 11/21/2005
Last updated: 2:20 PM 11/21/2005