Kali? Eskrima? Arnis?
The History of Filipino Weapon-Based Martial Arts
Arnis, Eskrima, or Kali, otherwise known as Filipino martial arts, boast a deeply entrenched and varied historical lineage that stretches back through the ages. Rooted in the necessity for self-preservation and defiance against external aggressors and colonizing forces, these martial arts epitomize the resourcefulness and efficacy of Filipino warriors. Armed with bladed weapons like the bolo, dagger, and sword, in addition to utilizing sticks and other improvised implements, they honed combat techniques that evolved over generations, fusing native methods with influences from Chinese, Malay, Spanish, and American martial arts. Today, they stand as a testament to their practicality, adaptability, and focus on both weapon-based and unarmed combat, garnering renown not only within the Philippines but also across the globe.
Who We Are
Embracing Tradition and Practicality:
The Philosophy of Dragon Sticks FMA
Established in 2003 by the esteemed Guro Arnel Mendoza, Dragon Sticks FMA has stood as a testament to the union of tradition and practicality in the realm of martial arts. Our system has been meticulously crafted to prioritize practical self-defense applications while remaining accessible to practitioners of all skill levels.
Rooted in the deep traditions of martial arts, our philosophy at Dragon Sticks FMA is centered around maintaining a harmonious balance between the art and the martial aspects. We steadfastly believe in not sacrificing one for the other, as both elements intertwine to form the essence of our system. By striking this balance, we ensure that our classes are not only empowering but also deeply enriching experiences for our students.
One of the hallmarks of Dragon Sticks FMA is the diverse and extensive martial arts backgrounds of our instructors. Hailing from varied and eclectic traditions, our instructors bring a wealth of experience and insight into our training sessions. Principles take precedence over techniques in our approach, as we are unwaveringly committed to uncovering the universal principles that underpin combat arts. This steadfast commitment enables us to discern how these principles can be applied to real-world situations, particularly when it comes to protecting ourselves in moments that matter the most.
At Dragon Sticks FMA, we are not just a martial arts system—we are a community united by our dedication to honing our skills, embracing tradition, and cultivating practical self-defense strategies in the pursuit of personal empowerment and safety. Join us on this journey as we continue to uphold our philosophy and strive for the harmonious fusion of tradition and practicality in every aspect of our training.