Life, learning and the Filipino martial arts | Felipe Jocano Jr. | TEDxDiliman

Summary

The speaker shares a personal journey into martial arts, focusing on the Filipino art of Arnis. Initially inspired by a desire for self-defense, the speaker explored various forms of martial arts, eventually connecting with Arnis through cultural roots and its historical significance in Filipino resistance. The speaker highlights Arnis as not just a martial art, but a way of embodying warrior values such as courage, honor, and humility. Through practicing and teaching Arnis, the speaker finds deeper meaning in Filipino identity, community, and the importance of cultural heritage.

Takeaways

• 🥋 Martial arts became a personal journey for the speaker after being bullied and looking for ways to defend themselves.
• 📚 The discovery of Filipino martial arts, particularly through the book by Daniel Sanka, deeply influenced the speaker's understanding of their culture.
• 🗡️ Filipino martial arts, or Arnis, uses weapons like sticks, knives, and swords, and is based on indigenous practices mixed with Spanish combat methods.
• 🇵🇭 Practicing Arnis helped the speaker connect with their Filipino identity and history, which is often underappreciated.
• ⚔️ Arnis played a significant role in resistance movements during World War II, and local fighters used it effectively against invaders.
• 💪 The practice of Arnis goes beyond physical skills, embodying values like courage, honor, respect, and humility.
• 🌍 The speaker highlights similarities between Filipino warrior values and those of other cultures, like Japan's Bushido or Europe's knightly code, while emphasizing their uniqueness.
• 👥 A core aspect of Filipino martial arts is community focus, as warriors are meant to protect and serve others, not just themselves.
• 👩‍🦰 Filipino mythology also includes stories of female warriors, exemplifying bravery and strength in defending their communities.
• 🔄 The speaker reflects on how Filipino martial arts can be used to challenge cultural perceptions and transform local spaces through advocacy.

Q & A

What prompted the speaker to explore martial arts, and how did their journey begin?

The speaker was motivated to explore martial arts after experiences of bullying and a personal journey to defend themselves. Their journey began in college, when they decided to try martial arts, initially practicing a form of self-defense with a pillow.

How did the book on Filipino martial arts influence the speaker’s perspective?

The book on Filipino martial arts, brought home by the speaker’s father from Singapore, opened the speaker’s eyes to the uniqueness of their own culture. It inspired the speaker to learn more about Filipino martial arts, marking a turning point in their understanding of Filipino identity.

What was the significance of Filipino martial arts in the context of global martial arts choreography?

Filipino martial arts played a significant role in global action choreography. The speaker mentions that students of Filipino martial arts were responsible for choreographing action scenes in popular movies like 'The Bourne Identity' and '300.' This highlights the international influence of Filipino martial arts.

What challenges did the speaker face in finding a teacher for Filipino martial arts?

The speaker faced difficulties in finding a teacher for Filipino martial arts because it often required a personal referral. They eventually found one through a law school classmate, which led them to study judo and other martial arts.

What is the meaning of the term 'Arnis' in Filipino martial arts?

The term 'Arnis' comes from the Spanish word 'arnés,' meaning armor or arts. In Filipino martial arts, it refers to an indigenous martial art that emphasizes the use of weapons such as sticks, knives, and empty-hand applications.

How did Filipino martial arts evolve historically?

Filipino martial arts evolved from a combination of indigenous combat techniques and Spanish sword methods, which were taught to the local militia during the Spanish occupation. This fusion led to the contemporary form of Arnis.

How did practicing Filipino martial arts help the speaker connect with their Filipino identity?

Practicing Filipino martial arts allowed the speaker to connect with their Filipino heritage by learning about a warrior ethos deeply rooted in Filipino history and mythology. It became an important part of their understanding of what it means to be Filipino.

What qualities are important for a 'magani' or warrior in Filipino culture?

A 'magani' or warrior must embody several key qualities, including courage, strength, honor, respect for others, humility, helpfulness to the community, and a deep connection to protecting and defending their people.

What role do warrior values play in Filipino culture, according to the speaker?

Warrior values in Filipino culture are not just for individual benefit but are meant to serve the community. The values help warriors live in harmony with others and come together in times of crisis to protect and support their communities.

How does the speaker relate their personal growth through martial arts to broader societal changes?

The speaker reflects that martial arts taught them to think beyond small, limited ideas about themselves and the Philippines. They believe these lessons have shaped their advocacy for using Filipino martial arts to challenge cultural norms and transform the spaces in which they live and work.