Since I have been writing my blogs on FMA, I have delved into history, and the various influences upon what we know as, FMA.

I have written about the European influences, but I do not make or assert that FMA is somehow only of European origin. Nevertheless, this brings me to this blog's subject.

When looking through the internet a few years ago, a friend pointed me to a web page that made an interesting, but flawed argument for FMA being of African origin. Now I understand that the continent of Africa is the cradle of humanity and because of this, one might be able to say that all martial arts are technically African. However, I would say it is a technicality, and there is a lot of stuff in between that I am simply not going to argue.

Now the crux of this individual’s argument, stemmed from the word Moro, or Moro-Moro.  His teacher had said something vague about FMA being originally called Moro-Moro, or something to that effect. The individual then proceeded to say the “Moors” come from North Africa, and since the word “Moro” means “Moor” hence all FMA is of African origin.

It should be mentioned at this point, that in previous blogs, I have discussed these terms in-depth. Needless to say, the improper Socratic linking one needs to push the previous argument is very flawed. Using the same line of reason, I could say the Kalis Ilustrisimo must be of African origin because the signature sword they use is called a sansibar (Zanzibar).  Since Zanzibar is in Africa, KI must be African.

The reality is… We will slide down a long dark rabbit hole, if we fall for such arguments. Nevertheless, what do you think?