FMA logo

The FMA logo clearly shows the Philippine flag. If you notice, the flag is on a wave tied from his hair, which represents Lapu-Lapu's conviction to use his craft (Filipino Martial Arts) to protect the sovereignty and peace of his motherland, Philippines. This skill is accompanied by responsibility, using it only when faced in danger, thus, giving the craft honor and sacredness. The wave also represents a legacy that needs to be passed on from generation to generation. The font used for "FMA" is also very Filipino using rattan as its inspiration."

-- Logo design and interpretation by:
Jaylord Padilla

The Creation of Filipino Martial Art Logo
By Punong Guro Abner Anievas

    A symbol that is simple and now recognized as the Official Logo that represents the FMA festival, gatherings, trainings or seminars. This symbol not only represents the identity of Filipino Martial Artist but the heritage of the Filipinos.
    But how was it created? Who are the people behind this simple logo? It began in the early stage of organizing the 1st National FMA Festival, Master Samuel “Bambit” Dulay’s wife Wilma Dulay acting as the secretary in the early stages drafted a letter to Senator Lito Lapid. “Honorable Lito Lapid is the Chairman of Senate Sports Commission in the Philippines.”
It was then that Wilma Dulay sent me a copy of this letter. I read it and made a few comments. But one thing that captured my attention is the logo on top of the letter. It was written “National Filipino Martial Arts Festival.”
    I talked to Wilma and said, “We can improve on this logo.” Wilma knew that I am a designer so she requested me to re-design the logo. I sat at my drafting table and began sketching. The first design came to my mind was a figure head of Lapu Lapu with the NFMA letters underneath it (Lapu-Lapu is truly an icon of ancient Filipino warrior. He uses ingenious and versatile fighting techniques with shield and sword as weapons. Lapu-Lapu embodies the character of a fearless leader with firm principles, which should also be the attitude of an individual performing Filipino martial arts).
    Very eager to show it to Wilma, I immediately emailed the graphics to her. She made a few comments and suggestions like putting the Philippine Flag on it. I quickly amended it and to my surprised it looked great.
    Not waiting another second I talk to Wilma and sent it to her, thinking I had created the final version of the logo. I realized when I did the test print that the graphics didn’t look too good due to the software I had used to convert the image.
    Going back to my office, I immediately thought of a better way to do it… but to my disappointment I had not come up with the right answer. I then turned to Wilma and asked her if she knew any graphics designer. Wilma thought for a few seconds and then she remembered about her office mate Mr. Jaylord Padilla.
    Since Jaylord is Wilma’s co-worker and Master Dulay’s student it didn’t take long to ask him to help improve the quality of the Logo. He worked on it during his free time and after about a week he came up with an excellent FMA Logo.
    When I first saw the logo after Mr. Padilla had completed his work, I knew I saw the symbol that would represent the Filipino Culture. It was simple and historically meaningful.
    Today most of the Filipino martial arts organizations use this logo not only as a symbol of a Filipino martial arts event but as a representation of the whole Filipino Culture. It is now time to spread it all over the world.