Arnis was developed by theindigenous populations of the Philippines, who used an assorted range of weaponry for combat and self-defense. Just over a century later, in 2009, the government of the Philippines declared arnis to be the martial art and national sport of the Philippines. Arnis emphasizes weapons skill training, using knives, bladed weapons, bamboo sticks, and other improvised weapons. Unarmed combat and disarming techniques are also practiced.