Arnis is a martial art that originated in the Philippines and is also known as Kali or Eskrima. It is the official national sport and martial art of the Philippines. The origin of Arnis can be traced back to native fighting techniques during conflicts among the various Prehispanic Filipino tribes or kingdoms. Arnis was developed as a way of defending oneself when attacked, and it was necessary for Filipinos to hone their own effective and simple form of combat. The art has been influenced by numerous systems and cultures in its development, including Chinese and Malaysian martial arts, as well as Spanish fencing.

Arnis was originally practiced by peasants or commoners, and most practitioners lacked the scholarly education to create any kind of written record. Therefore, almost all of its history is anecdotal, oral, or promotional. Arnis has experienced changes in the weapons used, and it has relied considerably on the use of the cane as a self-defense weapon.

Arnis is a composite art that encompasses both simple impact and edged weapons, and it traditionally involved rattan, swords, daggers, and spears. The fighting style includes the use of bladed weapons and sticks, in addition to hand-to-hand combat, grappling, and disarming techniques. Depending on the use of weapons and sticks, Arnis is differentiated into two styles: Classic Arnis, which is all about the use of blades and weapons, and Modern Arnis, which deals with the art of sticks and everyday objects.

Arnis has spread outside the Philippines, and it was brought to Hawaii and California as far back as the 1920s by Filipino migrant workers. Arnis has played a significant role in the Philippine revolutionaries against the Spaniards. Arnis was declared as the Philippines’ National sport and martial art on December 11, 2009.