The Filipino martial arts, both deadly and beautiful, were developed over 2000 years of warfare. Originally, the Filipino martial arts or warring arts were known as Kali, a word derived from the word kalis, which is a type of sword used by the ancient warriors from the Philippines, previously known as the Maharlikas or "beautiful islands."

In the 16th Century, Spain invaded the Maharlikas looking for wealth. The Spanish renamed the islands after the young King Philip II and after the many island pine trees to become - the "Philippines". Once in power, the Spanish banned the practice of Kali and the possession of bladed weapons. Kali was then practiced in secret using sticks instead of blades, and the movements were sometimes hidden in dance.

Filipinos analyzed Spanish fighting styles and sometimes appropriated Spanish terminology to teach their own fighting methods. The Spaniards referred to Kali as Eskrima, "to skirmish, fence" or as Arnes de Mano. Eventually, Kali was commonly known as Arnis de Mano or Arnis for short.

In the 20th century, Kali was put to the test with modern weapons. American forces entered the Philippines in 1898 and defeated the Spanish. Filipino resistance to American rule was encountered, and the indomitable spirit of the Filipinos forced the Americans to design the .45 caliber Colt model 1911 sidearm. The original issue at .38 caliber did not have enough power to stop the valiant Filipinos who continued to attack despite injury.

From this same conflict, American marines got the nickname "Leathernecks." Many marines were dying from Filipino blades so leather neck protection was issued to keep the marines from getting their throats cut. Later, in WWII, Americans and Filipinos fought side-by-side against Japanese forces. No matter what weapons of war were encountered, the Filipinos used their guerrilla strategies to bring the battles to close range where their blades proved effective.