National Filipino Martial Arts - Manila, Philippines

In Ancient Philippine History, the Filipinos were always regarded as skillful swordsmen. Sword fighting was both an art and a skill, and it protected our ancestors from invaders who wished to conquer their beloved islands. Such skills became recognized as a powerful weapon during the Spanish regime, hence, the people were prohibited from carrying their bolos and the practice of their use was forbidden. Determined not to lose the skill, the Filipinos revolutionized their drill into a dance, and a new weapon replaced the sword, emerging into existence in the form of a long wooden stick.