The World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (WEKAF) was founded in Cebu City, Philippines, in 1989 under the leadership of Supreme Grandmaster Dionisio "Diony" Cañete. Building upon earlier national and international efforts to promote Filipino Martial Arts, WEKAF established standardized competition rules, protective equipment, and an international governing structure that allowed practitioners from different systems and countries to compete safely and fairly. The first WEKAF World Championships were held in Cebu City in August 1989 and marked the beginning of organized international competition in Eskrima, Kali, and Arnis. Since then, WEKAF has grown to include member nations from around the world and continues to host the WEKAF World Championships every two years.
WEKAF USA served for many years as the primary organization representing American athletes and officials in WEKAF competition, helping develop national teams and promote Filipino Martial Arts throughout the United States.
In 2024, the United States Escrima Kali Arnis Federation (USEKAF) was formed to provide a modern national structure dedicated to athlete development, instructor and club support, tournament sanctioning, Team USA selection, and international representation within the WEKAF system.
To further expand the sport throughout the Western Hemisphere, the Pan American Escrima Kali Arnis Federation (PAEKAF) was established as the continental organization for the Americas. PAEKAF held its inaugural Pan American Championships in Santo Domingo Xenacoj, Guatemala, in 2025 and continues to provide a pathway for athletes and member nations throughout North, Central, and South America to compete at the continental level while supporting the long-term goal of broader Pan American recognition.
