Origin and History

Realising the need for a body of impartial and senior Filipino martial arts instructors to ensure fair and unbiased promotion of the real martial art styles of the Philippines, a group of leading instructors in Ireland united to make this dream become a reality.

The Irish Council of Kali Eskrima Arnis Instructors was formed in Jan 2007 by what is considered to be some of the leading instructors of the FMA in Ireland and even Europe.

Paul Cox one of the few European Instructors to have received a Doce Pares Black Belt from the Philippines is the prime moving force behind the Irish Council and it has always been his dream to bring together the various unique styles of the Filipino martial arts. This dream has now become a reality.

There are many who claim to be teaching the Filipino martial arts mainly due to it’s rise in popularity in the world of martial arts, but there are a few individuals who have no real qualifications or linage back to the Masters of the art in the Philippines who are informing the public that they are bonifide instructors of the art simply to make money from the unsuspecting general public.

There are also many who are competing for recognition in the Filipino martial arts sector of the martial arts and unfortunately, some are attempting to give the impression that their style or organisation is superior or the only qualified body to represent the Filipino martial arts. This has resulted in divisiveness and discontent and the Council is concerned about the observations and impressions that will be made by the general public and the martial arts community as a whole.

The Filipino martial arts have suffered from such problems and we feel there is nether reason or excuse for this syndrome to continue in the Filipino martial arts community anymore. Kali, Eskrima or Arnis, whichever term one may use this martial art is part of the Philippine national heritage and should be promoted as such.

The Irish Council of Kali Eskrima Arnis Instructors seeks only to unify the practitioners of Filipino martial arts on a national scale and to see equal acceptance and recognition for all qualified instructors regardless of style. The enclosed mission statement describes the focus of our Council.

We welcome all input and suggestions from any and all who share our vision of uniting the Filipino martial arts under one organisation.