Filipino Martial Arts(called Eskrima) date back many hundreds of years. In 1932 twelve masters banded together and formed the Doce Pares multi-system combining all of their skill and knowledge into one style. This system incorporates the use of unarmed striking and grappling, staff, single and double stick, knife and machete. Contrary to the majority of other martial arts, training in the Filipino Martial Arts begins with both weaponry and empty hand techniques.
This is simply because they are Warrior Arts (arts intended for the battlefield), thus there was no intention of going in empty-handed against armed enemies in ancient battle. By learning how to use weapons in combat, it in turn teaches the student how to defend against an armed attacker.