Arnis / Eskrima / Kali Arnis

Filipino stick and blade arts where weapon and empty-hand motion are the same. Systems: Doce Pares, Pekiti-Tirsia, Inosanto Kali, Balintawak.

Key characteristics

• Sinawali double stick
• Angles of attack
• Flow drills

Forms & curriculum

• Varies by school.

What training looks like

Weapon arts usually start with stance, footwork and handling using training tools (wooden or blunt). Solo patterns come first; partner drills and controlled sparring come later.

Questions to ask a school

• Are training weapons provided?
• What safety equipment is used?
• How do empty-hand basics connect to the weapon work?