🇵🇭 A NOTE ON TERMINOLOGY & HISTORY

The discussion in this video reflects my personal perspective and specific family oral tradition regarding the terms "Kali," "Arnis," and "Eskrima."

I am aware that the etymology of "Kali" is a subject of passionate debate among historians and practitioners.

While the oral tradition I share connects "Kali" to pre-colonial roots (often taught as "Kamot" + "Lihok" or "Hand/Motion"), many academic historians note that the term likely gained popularity in the 20th century to distinguish the art from Spanish loanwords.

Whether you call it Arnis (Armour), Eskrima (Fencing), or Kali, the goal of this conversation is to honor the warrior spirit and the survival of the culture. I respect the deep research done by historians and the diverse lineages that keep these arts alive.

📚 RESOURCES FOR A DEEPER DIVE If you are interested in the history, linguistics, and debate surrounding these terms, I highly recommend checking out these resources:

1. "Cebuano Eskrima: Beyond the Myth" by Dr. Ned Nepangue & Celestino Macachor — A critical historical look at the origins of FMA terms and the "Kali" debate. 🔗 https://www.amazon.com/Cebuano-Eskrim...

2. "Filipino Martial Culture" by Dr. Mark V. Wiley — An anthropological deep dive into the ethos, history, and classification of the arts. 🔗 https://tambulimedia.com/bookshop/fil...

3. "The Kali Controversy" (ResearchGate Article) — An academic overview of the public history and differing theories on the name. 🔗 https://www.researchgate.net/publicat...

4. "Does the word Kali actually exist?" (Traditional Filipino Weapons) — A discussion on the linguistic evidence vs. oral tradition. 🔗 https://www.traditionalfilipinoweapon...

WIP-LINK TO COLLEGE THESIS PUBLICATION Will update Khryztine finishes her thesis :) (2026-02-01)