Philippines have a martial arts tradition like many other South-east Asian countries. Filipino martial arts are an integration of various fighting techniques. Traditionally, Filipino martial art forms are known for their extensive use of weapons. Various weapon techniques are integrated into the system.

The Filipino society is a mixed community. There are thousands of islands in Philippines with many dialects spoken in many regions. This diversity can also be seen in the martial art forms prevalent in the country. The vocabularies of the fighting systems vary depending on the region. But the techniques have similarities across the nation. These techniques were perfected by the masters and inherited to the disciples. Filipino martial arts are not styles, these are systems. During the Spanish colonization of Philippines, the use of weapons was banned. So, the practice of the martial arts was clandestine for many years. But the Spanish government was also aware of the importance of the Filipino fighting techniques. Many Filipino fighters were used by the Spanish army during battles. Filipino fighters were highly skilled and proved their fighting prowess on many occasions during the three hundred year occupation of Philippines by Spain. Martial artists continued to practice and the fighting techniques were kept alive and kicking even when use of weapons were prohibited by the Spanish.

In modern times, the government of Philippines has encouraged the promotion of its indigenous martial art discipline. It is recognized by the government as a sport and as a fitness regimen. Students at both high school and college levels are given martial arts lessons as a part of the physical education training. The military and the police departments of the country compulsorily impart martial arts training to its personnel. This enhances the overall quality of these esteemed organizations. With the impetus provided by the government, the Filipino martial art forms are sure to grow.

The hallmark of the Filipino martial arts is its use of weapons of various sizes, design and material. But that does not necessarily mean that bare hand techniques are totally overlooked. It is a full fledged martial art form consisting of numerous combat techniques. Like all other martial art forms, Filipino fighters use their elbows, fists, hands, etc for effective punches, kicks, and strikes. Traditional striking weapons include knife or dagger, sticks, spears, and different kinds of swords. Filipino martial artists also use other weapons such as slingshots, darts, blowguns, and the traditional bows and arrows. Filipino is a complete fighting system ideal for both close range and long range tactics. The emphasis is given to footwork. Grappling techniques too are taught to a Filipino martial artist. The initiative taken by the Philippines government has popularized the Filipino martial arts in countries such as the USA.