Mutya Filipino Fighting Arts Academy Showcases Kali, Arnis, and Eskrima at the One Asia Cultural Program During the 20th Asian Games 2026  by Mildred M. Nakamura

The Mutya Filipino Fighting Arts Academy (MFFAA) was honored to showcase traditional Filipino Martial Arts at the One Asia World Culture Program during the 20th Asian Games 2026, held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Representing the Philippines, the academy was given a valuable opportunity to introduce the richness of the country's cultural heritage to an international audience.

MFFAA participated in two significant occasions: the opening program on September 19, 2026, and a special demonstration on October 3, 2026, held ahead of the closing ceremony. Through these performances, the academy brought the rich and practical martial arts heritage of the Philippines to the international stage, sharing the traditions of Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) and their importance to Filipino cultural identity.

During the demonstrations, MFFAA presented the beauty, discipline, precision, and practical techniques of Filipino Martial Arts, also known as Kali, Arnis, and Eskrima. Passed down through generations, these traditional martial arts reflect the courage, resourcefulness, and fighting spirit of the Filipino people. Their practice preserves not only valuable self-defense and survival skills but also a cultural legacy that deserves to be recognized and passed on to future generations.

For MFFAA, the opportunity to represent the Philippines on an international cultural stage was more than just a martial arts demonstration. It was a meaningful opportunity to share Filipino heritage, promote cultural understanding, and strengthen friendship between the Philippines and Japan through the universal language of martial arts.

The academy's participation also highlighted the important role of cultural exchange in bringing together people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. By introducing Filipino Martial Arts to a wider international audience, MFFAA hopes to deepen global understanding and appreciation of these traditional Philippine fighting arts while encouraging more people to discover the values they represent: respect, discipline, perseverance, and unity.

MFFAA extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Philippine Consulate General in Nagoya for its valuable support and encouragement. The academy is deeply honored to have had the opportunity to represent the country and share its Filipino martial arts heritage at such a significant international event.

As a representative of Mutya Filipino Fighting Arts Academy, I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to the organizers of the One Asia World Culture Program, as well as to all our branch chief instructors and members who continue to dedicate themselves to the practice, training, and preservation of Filipino Martial Arts. Our gratitude also goes to everyone who contributed to making these demonstrations possible.

MFFAA remains committed to preserving and promoting Filipino Martial Arts in Japan and around the world. We will continue to build bridges between cultures, strengthen international friendships, and keep the traditions of our ancestors alive for generations to come.

We are proud to represent the Philippines. We are proud of our heritage. And we are proud to share Filipino Martial Arts with the world.

Mutya Filipino Fighting Arts Academy (MFFAA)

Preserving Tradition. Building Friendship. Sharing Filipino Martial Arts with the World.