MANILA -- Filipino martial arts “arnis” has been named as the new national martial arts and sports of the Philippines.
This was declared by Press Secretary Cerge Remonde Friday, saying that the President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has already signed the new law.
Remonde said that in recognition for a local sport which has been making name internationally, Arroyo added arnis in the list of national sports officially Under Republic Act (RA) 9850.
Arnis is an ancient Filipino Martial Arts also known as Kali or Eskrima. It is originally known as Arnis de Mano which means harness of the hand. This martial art incorporate empty handed fighting as well as techniques with a variety of weapons like short sticks and knife. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)