Kali vs Escrima vs Arnis: Understanding the Differences in Filipino Martial Arts
Kali, Escrima, and Arnis may look similar, but each Filipino martial art has its own approach. This guide breaks down their origins, tactics, and training styles.
In the world of Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), the terms Kali, Escrima, and Arnis are often used interchangeably. But despite their overlap in weapon use and shared cultural roots, these systems differ in focus, range, strategy, and even history. Understanding those differences is essential not just for practitioners, but for anyone exploring FMA for the first time.
At a Glance: Key Differences Between Kali, Escrima, and Arnis
| Martial Art | Range | Footwork Style | Weapon Control | Common Weapon Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kali | Long | Elaborate, angular | Minimal – flow focused | Long sticks or blades |
| Escrima | Medium | Compact, fencing-inspired | Moderate – balanced | Mid-length sticks/blades |
| Arnis | Medium to Close | Simplified, direct | High – focused on disarms and trapping | Shorter sticks or knives |
Summary:
Kali is blade-oriented and fluid, ideal for long-range flow and footwork.
Escrima emphasizes structured dueling and reactive movement.
Arnis is the most controlling and direct, built for real-world use.
Shared Roots of Filipino Martial Arts
All three styles—Kali, Escrima, and Arnis—trace their origins to indigenous Filipino fighting systems, developed long before Spanish colonization. These arts emphasized bladed weapons, stick fighting, and empty-hand techniques, often passed down through family lines or tribal groups. Over time, they evolved under foreign influence, regional adaptation, and modern standardization efforts, giving rise to the three terms used today.
While they all belong under the broader FMA umbrella, each name highlights a particular approach to combat.
What Is Kali?
Kali is often considered the oldest term for Filipino martial arts. While there’s debate among historians over its precolonial usage, many systems today that emphasize blade-first combat, long-range strategy, and fluid footwork identify as Kali.
Range Focus: Primarily long-range, with a strong emphasis on maintaining distance and using reach to advantage.
Footwork: Known for being the most elaborate and angular of the three. Drills often train practitioners to move in triangular or diamond patterns.
Weapon Control: Kali tends to prioritize flow and mobility over controlling the opponent’s weapon directly.
Weapon Types: Typically emphasizes longer weapons, including blades like the kalis or extended rattan sticks.
Kali systems often appeal to those interested in the fluidity and adaptability of Filipino combat, particularly with blades. It’s heavily represented in the West, especially due to its influence on military and tactical training.
What Is Escrima (Eskrima)?
Escrima, sometimes spelled Eskrima, gained popularity during the Spanish colonial period, derived from the Spanish word esgrima (fencing). This system integrates medium-range engagements, combining weapon techniques with concepts borrowed from European swordplay.
Range Focus: Focused on medium-range combat where both offense and defense are rapid and reactive.
Footwork: More linear and compact, inspired in part by fencing-style movement.
Weapon Control: Offers moderate emphasis on parries, deflections, and controlling the line of attack.
Weapon Types: Often employs mid-length sticks and swords, with some regional blade variations.
Escrima is highly adaptable and found in many Visayan systems. It maintains a strong connection to dueling and counter-timing—skills critical in both armed and unarmed scenarios.
What Is Arnis?
Arnis—also known as Arnis de Mano—is the most recent term and was officially declared the national martial art of the Philippines in 2009. Arnis systems are known for their simplicity, close-range tactics, and practical weapon control.
Range Focus: Typically used in medium to close-range scenarios, including clinch or disarm ranges.
Footwork: Simplified and efficient, with fewer elaborate patterns than Kali or Escrima.
Weapon Control: Arnis places heavy emphasis on trapping, disarming, and controlling the opponent’s weapon.
Weapon Types: Tends toward shorter sticks and blades, which are easier to maneuver in tight quarters.
Many Arnis systems have been adapted for military, police, or sport applications, making them highly functional and easy to teach in institutional settings.
Why the Confusion?
The overlap in techniques and terminology between Kali, Escrima, and Arnis is largely due to the regional nature of Filipino Martial Arts and the lack of a single governing body. Depending on the island, lineage, or even political era, different systems adopted different names—sometimes for the same methods.
Western exposure—particularly through cinema, military adoption, and the influence of instructors like Dan Inosanto—also led to the rise of “Kali” as a catch-all term, especially in the U.S.
In short:
Kali is often used for blade-heavy, flow-focused systems.
Escrima tends to emphasize balance and dueling structure.
Arnis is practical, direct, and officially recognized in modern Filipino policy.
Which One Should You Learn?
For most students, the differences between Kali, Escrima, and Arnis matter less than the quality of instruction and the goals of the system. That said, knowing the distinctions can help guide the right fit:
Want to focus on bladed flow and longer-range tactics? Look into Kali-based systems.
Interested in balanced dueling and timing-based reactions? Explore Escrima schools.
Need something efficient, controlling, and real-world applicable? Arnis is a strong choice.
The Pro Arnis Approach: Integration Over Labels
At Water Mountain, the Pro Arnis program embraces the strengths of all three systems. It uses Arnis as its foundational term, but integrates the long-range tactics of Kali, the refined medium-range fencing of Escrima, and the close-quarters control unique to modern Arnis.
Rather than dividing Filipino Martial Arts by name alone, Pro Arnis prioritizes employable-level skill across real-world scenarios, whether for self-defense, coaching, or personal mastery.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the differences between Kali, Escrima, and Arnis isn’t about choosing sides—it’s about appreciating the rich, adaptable legacy of Filipino Martial Arts. Each system reflects a different emphasis within a shared cultural and combative tradition. Together, they offer one of the most comprehensive self-defense frameworks in the world.
References
Wiley, Mark V. Filipino Martial Culture. Tuttle Publishing, 1997.
– A comprehensive study on the roots, systems, and philosophies of Filipino Martial Arts, including regional distinctions between Kali, Arnis, and Escrima.Inosanto, Dan. The Filipino Martial Arts. Know Now Publishing Company, 1980.
– A foundational text by one of the leading figures in promoting FMA globally, emphasizing the term “Kali” and its training approach.Rafael, Vicente L. White Love and Other Events in Filipino History. Duke University Press, 2000.
– Provides context for colonial influence on language and terminology in Filipino traditions, including the emergence of terms like “Eskrima” and “Arnis.”National Commission for Culture and the Arts (Philippines). RA 9850: An Act Declaring Arnis as the National Martial Art and Sport of the Philippines, 2009.
– The official recognition of Arnis and its modern institutional framework.Feria, Felicisimo R. “The Evolution of Filipino Martial Terminology.” Philippine Studies, vol. 32, no. 2, 1984.
– Academic paper analyzing how and why terms like Kali, Eskrima, and Arnis evolved in use and meaning.Grossman, Dave. On Combat: The Psychology and Physiology of Deadly Conflict in War and in Peace. PPCT Research Publications, 2004.
– While not FMA-specific, provides context for real-world applicability of systems like Arnis in law enforcement and military settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kali the same as Arnis?
No. Kali, Arnis, and Escrima are all forms of Filipino Martial Arts, but they differ in range, tactics, footwork, and terminology. Kali tends to focus on long-range bladed movements, while Arnis emphasizes close-quarters control and simpler footwork.
Which is better: Kali, Escrima, or Arnis?
Each has its strengths. Kali is known for blade fluency and flow, Escrima for mid-range dueling, and Arnis for practical self-defense and disarming. The best system depends on your goals and the quality of instruction.
Why are there so many names for Filipino Martial Arts?
Different terms emerged from regional dialects, colonial influence, and modernization. While techniques often overlap, the names reflect historical and cultural distinctions across the Philippines.
