The history of the Filipino martial art Escrima is long and varied. Its roots go back more than 500 years.

The name Escrima comes from the Spanish word "esgrima", which means "fight" or "skirmish". However, Escrima is also known as "Arnis" as a short form for "Arnis de Mano". Translated, it means "art or protection of the hand", but it refers to a Filipino self-defence system that uses sticks, sharp blades and other weapons. Weaponless techniques are only of secondary importance in this martial art.

Also called "Arnis de Mano" at the time, the martial art was taught in schools together with writing, reading, religion and Sanskrit. Children who attended the warrior class also had to learn the martial art as a form of military training.

In 1521, the Philippines came under Spanish rule. It was very difficult for the Spaniards to impose their will on the inhabitants, because they were so good with their machetes, sticks and daggers that these weapons often had a deadly effect. Only through the use of firearms did the Spaniards establish a little order. In the 18th century, the Spaniards had the Philippines firmly in their grip and from then on it was strictly forbidden to teach or perform "Arnis de Mano".

The origin of Escrima

In addition, machetes and daggers were no longer allowed to be carried. These measures were intended to civilise the hot-blooded inhabitants of the Philippines.

As a result, "Arnis de Mano" became a secret art and could only be practised in secret. Some time later, the martial art was no longer recognised by the Spaniards, for it reappeared on the scene as a dance to folk music. The movements were now performed dance-like and without weapons. This dance even met with approval from the Spaniards, which is why it was permitted to show it at public festivities. However, this did not mean that the real "Arnis de Mano" had died out. During revolts, it was shown time and again that there were still enough people who had mastered the martial art.

In addition, the Filipinos adopted the Spanish art of fighting with daggers and swords. From this they developed the "espada y daga", a fighting system with dagger and sword techniques, which they adopted in their own martial arts. From generation to generation,

these numerous regionally very different fighting styles were preserved under the name "Arnis de Mano" and passed down through the centuries.

The year 1898 also marked the end of Spanish reign and the Americans took over power in the Philippines. The ban on Arnis was now lifted. Friendly competitions were again allowed to be shown publicly on festive days. However, the doors of the Arnis masters remained closed and Escrima still remained a secret art.

Finally, when World War II began, the Japanese invaded the Philippines. Many Filipinos fought in guerrilla units alongside the Americans at that time. Many of them owed their lives to Escrima training, because it was the only way they could win in numerous close fights. The official fighting weapon at that time was the machete, with which the Filipinos were able to gain a lot of experience over a long period of training, so that they were well prepared for real combat.

After the end of the war, many Filipinos moved to the United States. Of course, they took their knowledge of the martial art Escrima with them. Most of the emigrants found a new home in California and Hawaii. In California, they were especially drawn to Stockton, so that Escrima made its entrance into American martial arts there. Many famous Escrimadores such as Dentoy Revillar, Angel Cabales, John Latosa, Leo Giron and Max Sarmiento lived there.

The rediscovery of Escrima, however, is primarily due to Bruce Lee. He introduced the use of the Filipino sticks in films such as "Game of Death" and "Enter the Dragon", bringing the somewhat forgotten martial art of Escrima back into the public eye. After this performance, the martial art flourished again and enjoys great popularity today.