Kali, Arnis, and Eskrima are terms referring to the traditional martial arts of the Philippines, known for their use of sticks, bladed weapons, and empty-hand techniques. While they are often used interchangeably, there are historical, regional, and stylistic differences associated with each name.

Kali is considered the most ancient term, with possible roots in the pre-Hispanic period. Some scholars suggest it derives from the word "kalis", meaning blade or sword. It tends to place greater focus on blade-oriented techniques, assuming weapons training before progressing to empty-hand techniques. Kali is often associated with systems that integrate fluid movements and emphasize the flow of techniques between different ranges of combat.

Arnis is derived from the Spanish term "arnés", meaning harness or armor. It reflects the influence of Spanish colonization on Filipino culture and martial arts. The term is commonly used in the Visayas and Luzon regions and is known for using rattan sticks (baston) as primary training weapons. Modern systems, like Modern Arnis, focus on drills, stick disarms, and self-defense applications. Arnis has a strong emphasis on defense and counterattacks, often with practical applications for self-defense.

Eskrima (or Escrima) comes from the Spanish word "esgrima", meaning fencing. It reflects the influence of European swordsmanship on Filipino martial arts. The term is used predominantly in the Cebu and surrounding areas. It is similar to Arnis, it often uses sticks and bladed weapons, with some systems emphasizing stick-to-stick combat and close-quarters tactics.

Term	Origin	Regional Usage	Weapon Focus	Emphasis
Kali	Pre-Hispanic (possible Austronesian)	International, Mindanao	Blades first, sticks second	Flow and blade awareness
Arnis	Spanish (from "arnés")	Luzon, Visayas	Sticks (primary)	Practical self-defense, disarms
Eskrima	Spanish (from "esgrima")	Cebu, Visayas	Sticks and blades	Stick-to-stick combat, close range

In the Philippines, "olisi" is a term from Cebuano, a major language spoken in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. It refers to a stick or rod used for various purposes, including as a weapon in traditional martial arts like arnis, also known as eskrima or kali. Olisi (Cebuano, Hiligaynon, and other Philippine languages) directly translates to "stick" or "cane." The term is often associated with the baston (sticks) used in Filipino martial arts, where olisi denotes a lightweight, durable stick, typically made from rattan or hardwoods.

The word is likely derived from Proto-Austronesian or Proto-Malayo-Polynesian roots, as similar terms exist in related languages referring to cylindrical objects or rods.

Olisi plays a key role in Filipino martial arts, where practitioners use olisi sticks to simulate bladed weapons for safe training. The term reflects a broader tradition of indigenous weaponry and self-defense techniques passed down through generations.