Flagstaff, AZ USA
Most Americans don’t realize that the Philippines has an official national martial art and sport—Arnis. It’s not just old tradition: it was legally declared the country’s national martial art and sport in 2009, cementing its place as a living symbol of Filipino heritage.
If you think it’s “just stick fighting,” think again. Arnis is a comprehensive, adaptive, and highly respected martial art that’s become a source of cultural pride for Filipinos worldwide.
In this article, we’ll look at how it became the national sport, the politics behind the decision, and why this matters for anyone wanting to understand Filipino Martial Arts (FMA).
TL;DR: Arnis was officially declared the national martial art and sport of the Philippines through Republic Act 9850 in 2009, reflecting a deep commitment to preserving Filipino heritage.
Arnis (also called Escrima or Kali) is the umbrella term for the Filipino martial arts tradition. It’s famous for stick fighting, but it’s much more than that:
Weapons training: sticks, knives, swords, improvised objects
Empty-hand techniques: striking, grappling, disarms
Adaptability: training ranges from sport competition to serious self-defense
👉 If you want a deeper introduction, check out our Beginner’s Guide to Arnis, Escrima, and Kali.
In December 2009, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed Republic Act No. 9850 into law.
This act declares Arnis as the national martial art and sport of the Philippines. The law calls Arnis “an indigenous sport that is truly Filipino in character” and requires that it be “taught in physical education classes” and promoted through national tournaments.
It wasn’t just ceremonial—it was designed to keep the art alive for new generations, especially in schools.
You might wonder: Why make it official?
The Philippines is wild about basketball and boxing—but those are imports. Arnis is uniquely Filipino.
✔️ Cultural heritage: Arnis traces centuries of Filipino combat traditions, blending indigenous and colonial-era techniques.
✔️ Post-colonial identity: Emphasizing a native martial art counters centuries of colonization.
✔️ Preservation: There was real worry that the art would fade away.
✔️ Education: Teaching it in schools ensures kids know their roots (as the law explicitly mandates for PE classes).
It’s a move about pride, heritage, and cultural survival.
🇵🇭 Arnis in Schools
Thanks to Republic Act 9850, Arnis is part of PE curriculum in many Philippine schools. It’s not just theory—kids really learn the moves (as the Philippine Sports Commission has promoted).
🎬 Hollywood Action
You might’ve seen Arnis techniques without realizing it. Filipino Martial Arts feature in choreography for Enter the Dragon, The Bourne Identity, and countless action films (Guro Dan Inosanto famously taught Bruce Lee these techniques – see Inosanto Academy).
🏆 SEA Games Sport
Arnis isn’t just tradition—it’s modern sport. It’s part of the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, where athletes compete in forms and sparring events.
📜 First National Arnis Congress
Held in the early 1970s, it was the first big effort to unify diverse regional styles and promote Arnis nationwide.
🗣️ Naming Debates
Is it Arnis, Escrima, or Kali? Different regions and schools prefer different names. The law uses “Arnis” officially, but they all describe related Filipino martial arts (for more on that naming history, check out Filipino Martial Culture by Mark Wiley).
Declaring Arnis the national sport wasn’t just for show. It has real, lasting effects:
✅ National Pride: Celebrating something unmistakably Filipino.
✅ Heritage Preservation: Ensuring the art is taught and practiced widely.
✅ Diaspora Connections: Filipinos abroad often learn FMA to reconnect with roots.
✅ Sport Development: Organized competitions and coaching systems help professionalize the art.
For many, Republic Act 9850 turned Arnis from a fading tradition into a source of modern cultural pride.
Arnis isn’t just a set of stick-fighting moves. It’s the official martial art and national sport of the Philippines—a living tradition that symbolizes the resilience, creativity, and fighting spirit of the Filipino people.
Next time someone asks about martial arts from around the world, tell them about Arnis—and why it holds such an honored place in its homeland.
Republic Act No. 9850 – Official Declaration: The 2009 law making Arnis the Philippines’ national martial art and sport.
Philippine Sports Commission: Promoting Arnis in schools and national competitions.
Arnis at the Southeast Asian Games (Wikipedia): Learn how Arnis is featured as a competitive sport.
Inosanto Academy: Featuring Dan Inosanto’s work on Filipino Martial Arts, including its influence on Hollywood choreography.
Filipino Martial Culture by Mark Wiley (Amazon): A deeper dive into the history, naming debates, and rich traditions of Arnis, Escrima, and Kali.
Arnis is the official national martial art and sport of the Philippines, declared through Republic Act 9850 in 2009.
Arnis was officially declared the national martial art and sport on December 11, 2009.
Arnis was chosen to preserve a uniquely Filipino martial art, strengthen cultural identity, and ensure it is taught in schools nationwide.
Republic Act No. 9850 is a Philippine law that officially declares Arnis as the national martial art and sport, mandating its promotion through education and competition.
