Who we are
Founded in 2003, Combat Science: Warrior Arts of Asia is a distinguished Filipino martial arts institution specializing in Arnis, Kali, and Eskrima, situated in Toronto, Canada.
Our establishment is dedicated to the advancement and dissemination of Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) and the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines.
Our primary objective is to cultivate and endorse the exploration of FMA disciplines, including Arnis, Kali, and Eskrima, concurrently emphasizing the profound cultural significance they embody.
Through our comprehensive curriculum, we endeavor to empower individuals by equipping them with essential personal safety and self-defense proficiencies rooted in the principles of FMA, augmented by trauma-informed methodologies.
OUR MISSION
Since its establishment in 2003, Combat Science – Warrior Arts of Asia has been steadfast in its commitment to advancing the appreciation and practice of FMA (Filipino Martial Arts: Arnis/Kali/Eskrima) in its diverse manifestations.
Our instructional sessions are designed to provide both enjoyment and engagement, fostering an atmosphere of inclusivity, safety, and camaraderie conducive to effective learning.
Here, students are encouraged to progress at their own pace with ample support. At the heart of Combat Science’s curriculum lies a comprehensive regimen comprising rigorous training in various disciplines, including personal safety and self-defense, traditional forms, impact and edged weapons techniques, hand-to-hand combat, and sports eskrima.
This structured approach also incorporates elements aimed at cardiovascular conditioning, strength development, and enhancing flexibility and agility. Moreover, a dedicated emphasis on Filipino culture and heritage is woven throughout our teachings, enriching the educational experience with a deeper appreciation of tradition and history.
WHY TRAIN WITH WEAPONS FIRST?
While most other martial arts begin to teach the use of weapons only after years of unarmed training, students of Arnis learn to use weaponry first. The Arnis philosophy is that the same technique can be performed with any weapon — including stick, knife, sword (bolo), rope, or empty-handed — and that this connection among the various weapons and unarmed combat is best taught by introducing weapons at the very beginning. Traditionally, weapons were considered to be merely extensions of the fighter’s hands, a perspective that guides us in the practice of Arnis to this day.
THE PHILIPPINES: WARRIOR ARTS AND CULTURE
The Philippines is an island nation rich in both culture and history. The Filipino martial art of Arnis/Kali/Eskrima has contributed to both the history and diversity of the Philippines. There are an abundance of styles and systems of Arnis/Kali/Eskrima that are taught throughout the world to this day, that have survived and developed throughout the different regions, families and teachers who have preserved what is sometimes called a “complete” martial art.
Arnis/Kali/Eskrima was originally developed by the people native to the islands using simple impact and edged weapons such as kampilans, rattan, swords, daggers, spears and other assorted weaponry for combat and self defense. These weapons were also sometimes used as farm implements.
The arrival of Ferdinand Magellan’s force in 1521 was met in battle with a group of islanders, led by Raja Lapu Lapu, who defeated Magellan using only a bladed weapon. Magellan’s armored and musket bearing conquistadors were overpowered by the fierce fighters and retreated. The Spanish returned in the 1570’s and this time the Philippines came under Spanish rule unable to contend with the modern weaponry the Spanish used. The practice of Arnis/Kali/Eskrima was prohibited, but continued and was preserved through native ritual dance, performance, and mock battles. Thus, the arts were passed down in families from generation to generation, honing their skill, speed, accuracy and agility.
The terms Arnis, Kali and Eskrima are all used to refer to the Filipino martial arts. There has been some confusion as to what word refers to which part of the martial art. It is believed that Arnis, Kali, and Eskrima are all a part of the same art and depending on the location, dialect and type of training taught. Also, any of the three names may apply to a certain part of training. One interpretation is that Kali is the mother art of Arnis and Eskrima. Arnis focuses on the knife, including dagger, sword, and any other form of bladed weapon. Eskrima is based on the baston or stick. It has also become very popular in the sport aspect of full contact stick fighting.
To this day Arnis/Kali/Eskrima has retained a strong Spanish influence not only in the names and titles used in training, but in the impact, it has had on Filipino culture. Filipino martial arts continue to encompass a large range of weapons training and hand-to-hand combat, enriching the culture of Filipino society. Thus, the reference to it being a “complete” martial art.
The introduction to Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) underscores their cultural significance in the Philippines, encompassing Eskrima, Kali, and Arnis. FMA’s rich history, influenced by native practices, local traditions, and historical events, is characterized by a focus on practicality, adaptability, and weapons training. Examining pre-colonial origins reveals indigenous martial arts practiced by elite warriors, the “Mandirigma,” rooted in tribal communities. Diverse weapons like the Kampilan sword and Sibat spear held cultural significance, reflecting the dynamic nature of FMA during tribal conflicts.
Throughout history, FMA evolved through Southeast Asian influences, leading to regional variations. Spanish colonization impacted FMA significantly, with practitioners adapting to suppressive measures, and later playing a vital role in the Philippine Revolution. In times of war, FMA demonstrated its effectiveness. In the Philippine-American War, Moros utilized bladed weapons against modern firepower, highlighting FMA’s adaptability. During World War II, martial artists resisted Japanese occupation, emphasizing FMA’s role in guerrilla warfare. Despite challenges during the American colonial period, FMA persisted underground. Efforts to revive and promote FMA globally led to its modernization, with different styles contributing to its diversity.
The declaration of Arnis as the national sport of the Philippines and the global spread of FMA through different organizations mark significant milestones. The future outlook depends on efforts to integrate FMA into education, foster international collaboration, and preserve cultural heritage. Filipino Martial Arts carry historical and cultural significance, embodying the resilience and diversity of the Filipino people. Future rpeesearch areas include indepth studies on specific FMA styles, their impact on Filipino identity, and comparative analyses with Southeast Asian combat systems. In conclusion, FMA represents more than combat skills; it symbolizes the rich history and cultural identity of the Filipino people. The journey from ancient origins to global recognition reflects the enduring spirit of Filipino martial artists in preserving their heritage worldwide.