‘Game of Thrones'’ Arya Stark uses Filipino martial arts at Battle of Winterfell

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines might not exist in George RR Martin’s epic saga “Game of Thrones,” but Arya Stark, played by Maisie Williams, used a Filipino martial arts called Eskrima, also known as Arnis or Kali, to kill the TV series’ infamous villain, the Night King.

In an interview with Inverse, “Game of Thrones” stunt coordinator Rowley Irlam said his team drew from as many martial arts styles they possibly can, and Filipino stick is one of them.

“Kali is a style we drew from. My team comes from a very wide background of martial artists and weapons experts, so we draw from all styles we possibly can. Filipino stick work is definitely one of them for this piece, as are double sword work,” Rowley said.  

The Filipino martial arts technique was seen during Arya’s close encounter with the White Walkers, where her new spear forged by lover Gendry Baratheon turned into two sticks. 

“When it comes to double stick work, (it’s) the Filipino martial art. When her spear is split into two sticks, the nearest weapon is the Kali sticks. You draw from all styles and you try and incorporate them,” Rowley explained.

Since Maisie has been known for her dancing skills, the show’s team took advantage of this ability, which goes well with Filipino martial arts. 

“Everything she learns, it’s learned in a sort of dance style. With double stick work, often the sticks are following each other. You strike with one, and the other follows through. It’s fluid,” he said. 

Rowley added that the final result of the episode was worth it. 

“We were always looking for something new and original; we never wanted to repeat anything we’ve done before. None of us wanted to repeat the horse battles in the Battle of the Bastards. We wanted to make it feel grim and gruesome and scary. It needed to feel like the whole world was lost. Until Maisie’s big moment came, it needed to feel that all was lost,” he said.