Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), also known as Arnis, Eskrima, and Kali, are a diverse range of martial arts systems that originated in the Philippines. These systems incorporate weapons-based techniques, empty-hand fighting, and grappling, all developed over centuries to survive and defend against various threats. FMA emphasizes the use of both weapons and empty hands, with the understanding that the weapon is simply an extension of the body. Some of the key aspects of FMA include weapons based techniques including the use of sticks, knives, and other weapons in combat, with a focus on disarming and controlling opponents; empty hand fighting including a wide array of techniques using empty hands, including punches, kicks, blocks, joint locks, and takedowns; Dumog grappling emphasizing close quarters combat and takedowns; and an emphasis on ambidexterity with practitioners learning to use both hands effectively with weapons and without.