Human Weapon (2007)

Episode Overview

Eskrima, a martial art originating from the Philippines, is thought to have developed from various Chinese, Malaysian, and Indonesian fighting styles brought by traders in the South China Sea around the 2nd century. This weapons-focused discipline blends punches, kicks, takedowns, and joint locks with techniques for fighting with sticks, swords, or knives. The art was first encountered by outsiders in 1521 when Spanish explorers, led by Ferdinand Magellan, arrived in the Philippines, where Magellan was later killed on Mactan Island by native warriors led by Lapu-Lapu. Although Spain eventually dominated the Philippines and banned indigenous martial arts, many practitioners secretly continued their training, disguising Eskrima techniques as ceremonial dances. The ban was lifted in 1898 when the U.S. took control, but Eskrima remained shrouded in secrecy. During World War II, Filipino fighters employed these stick-and-sword techniques against Japanese invaders, capitalizing on their speed and power.