Last Friday, Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed Republic Act 9850, imposing the adoption of Arnis as the Philippines’ national martial art and sport.
As stated on the new law, the Arnis symbol shall be inscribed in the official seal of the Philippine Sports Commission. It shall also be the first sport competition to be played on the first day of Palarong Pambansa.
The declaration replaces Sipa as the nation’s national sport.
Arnis is also known as Kali or Eskrima.