Filipino martial arts (FMA) is an umbrella term used to describe the numerous martial art forms that originated in the Philippines.
The three major branches of Filipino martial arts are
1) Arnis, styles typically from the northern Luzon regions
2) Eskrima from the central Visayas
3) Kali from the southern Mindanao regions.

The martial traditions of other cultures often teach unarmed skills first, and then teach the students to regard a weapon as an extension of the empty hand. In FMA (Filipino Martial Arts), weapons are used from the earliest stages. This has the following advantages:

• It is found to be an efficient way of increasing concentration and coordination, and of reducing reaction time.
• It creates an awareness of using anything as a weapon wherever possible.
• A knowledge of how weapons can be used is the key to being able to defend against them.
• The transference of movement principles from weapon to empty hand, or one weapon to another, becomes apparent from an early stage, increasing understanding and flexibility of response.

Among the enormous variety of teachers and systems in the Philippines, there have been many successful fighters and influential teachers. Sometimes these individuals and their systems concentrate on a particular area of training, reflecting their particular interest and skill. There are systems which concentrate on the use of five angles of attack, on thrusting rather than slashing, or on figure-8 movements; those with an emphasis on single stick and empty hand; those who regard the foundation of their skills as stick-and-knife (in combination, i.e. the stick held in one hand, the knife in the other). Many systems do however cover a wide mixture of weaponry and types of skill, both with and without weapons.
The following systems are taught by Guro Jan Van den Borne:

1) Kali Sikaran is a very complete system of South East Asian Martial Arts that was founded by Punong Guros Jeff Espinous and Johan Skalberg. This highly effective and all-roud system was strongly influenced by Modern Arnis, Silat, Thaiboxing and submission grappling. ntries. Kali Sikaran is one of the styles of the International Kali Arnis Eskrima Federation. IKAEF is represented in over 20 countries.

2) Inayan System III Eskrima is a system that encompasses all 7 styles of the late Mangisursuro Michael G. Inay. The current Master is Suro Emanuel Hart. This system centers around three core styles, Inayan Kadena de Mano, Inayan Serrada, and Inayan Largo Mano. Each of these styles are taught in their entirety and giving the students the knowledge and skills to become an accomplished practitioners. Along with the core styles IS3 students learn Inayan Sinawali, Inayan Dequerdas, Inayan Sibat/Bankow, and Inayan Espada y Daga. Each style gives the student additional skills to adapt to different environments, attackers, and/or engagement responsibilities.

3) Sayoc Kali is a family system that originated in Imus, Cavite. It’s current grandmaster is Tuhon Christopher Sayoc. The system has 12 categories but the focus today in mostly on the use of and defense against the knive. This focus has made this dynamic art one of the most thorough and well-structured knife-fighting systems in the world. Sayoc kali is also renowned for cooreoghraphing fight scenes for Hollywood motion pictures like “The hunted” featuring Benicio del torro and Tommy Lee Jones.

4) Warriors Eskrima is a synthesis of various styles and systems studied by Grand Master Abner G Pasa of Cebu City in the Philippines. GM Pasa is a gifted individual, with the spirit of a warrior and the unusually analytical intelligence of a philosopher. He had serious combative experience (as a police officer in Cebu, and in response to challengers). His system integrates intelligence, cunning and awareness with technical depth and range. In the UK and the rest of Europe, Warriors Eskrima is under the charge of the senior student of GM Pasa, Pangulong Guro Krishna Godhania.