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Kali is a martial art of the Philippines, and was originally developed by the native people during the centuries before the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan and the Spanish in 1521. At that time, the principle weapon used, called a kalis, was a wavy-edged sword typically 30 inches long, and made of wood. When the Spanish took control over the island, the kali was banned because it was considered too brutal, and the traditional weapons were confiscated.

The use of kalis shifted to sticks called bastons which are commonly made of rattan. Through the years the name of the art changed to the Spanish derivative arnis de mano and escrima/eskrima, and can be referred to as Kali, Arnis, or Escrima. Collectively, these three types of martial arts are commonly referred to as Filipino stick fighting.

Unlike many martial arts, weapons training is introduced first, followed later by hand and foot techniques. Although Kali is best known for the use of stick fighting, it also covers the use of projectile weapons, anatomical weapons and bladed weapons. The first training weapon is the stick, as any technique done with a stick can be done with an empty hand, knife or another weapon. Kali is a very practical and interchangeable martial art, viewing any weapon as just the extension of the hand.

There are numerous fighting styles in Filipino stick fighting, but they all are based in a pattern of angles that all attacks must fall into. The patterns take the form of combinations that translate into symbols: the addition sign (+), the multiplication sign (x), and a dot (?). The addition sign stands for the vertical and horizontal strikes, and the multiplication sign stands for the diagonal strikes. The dot pattern represents all thrusting or jabbing motions, as opposed to the wide swinging blows.

There are four striking motions that are used in Kali, and these motions can be used in any type of attack. The Lobtik is a blow delivered in an arc, and can either be long or shortened. The Witik is a rap type of blow, and the Saksak is a thrust or jab. Each strike should take less than 2/10ths of a second to hit its target.