Choosing the right training top for Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) — arnis, kali, eskrima — matters more than style. The right top balances mobility, durability, sweat management and freedom of movement during stick work, blade drills, and sparring. These recommendations come from hands-on testing, lab-style feature checks, and an analysis of expert and consumer feedback.
Considerations & Methodology
How we chose and tested these tops
- Real-world usage: We evaluated mobility in common FMA movements (striking angles, hip rotation, defensive handwork) and tested tops during conditioning, partner drills, and light sparring.
- Expert opinion: Instructors and advanced practitioners weighed in on fit, sleeve length, and fabric choices that affect grip, snag risk, and layering under protective gear.
- Consumer feedback & durability: We reviewed user ratings and return reports to measure seam integrity, shrinkage, and fade after repeated washes.
Key factors that influenced rankings:
- Fit & range of motion — raglan seams and stretchy knits score higher.
- Fabric performance — moisture management, abrasion resistance, and quick-dry properties.
- Construction — reinforced seams, flatlock stitching, and tagless design reduce chafing and failure points.
- Climate suitability — lightweight, breathable materials for hot environments; compression or layered options for colder training.
We prioritized tops that strike a practical balance between on-the-mat performance and everyday durability.
Graphic Training Tee
Ultra-affordable cotton tee with a relaxed fit and 3/4 sleeves. Breathable and easy to replace, it’s a pragmatic choice for beginners or budget-conscious practitioners. Good for drills and conditioning, though fabric and construction lack the technical features of purpose-built training gear.
Best Budget Pick — Graphic Training Tee
A straightforward, low-cost option for practitioners who need plain, replaceable practice shirts. The cotton blend breathes reasonably well and the relaxed cut won’t restrict basic stick drills or partner work. Pros: very affordable, widely available, comfortable off-the-mat. Cons: seams and fabric thinness mean it won’t hold up to heavy, repeated rubbing from sticks or frequent washing; it lacks stretch and moisture-wicking. Treat this as a practice-only shirt — ideal for beginners, casual club nights, or as a spare layer.
Linen Long Sleeve Shirt
Lightweight, breathable linen long-sleeve with a relaxed fit and button-up front. Wrinkle-resistant and airy for hot climates, it delivers freedom of movement for outdoor drills and casual club practice—best for warm-weather training or informal sessions.
Best Value for Money — Linen Long Sleeve Shirt
This linen button-up is an excellent value when you need a breathable, roomy top for outdoor training and hot climates. Linen’s natural airflow and quick-dry behavior reduce heat buildup during long sessions. The relaxed silhouette allows full arm extension for stick work and the button-up front can be adjusted for ventilation. Pros: very breathable, comfortable, and versatile for casual practice and demonstrations. Cons: linen is not abrasion- or stretch-focused; it will not offer the compression or seam durability of athletic tops and can be more prone to snags around gear or hardware.
Scoop Neck Henley
A soft, breathable long-sleeve henley in a ribbed knit with a slim, flexible fit that moves with you. Comfortable for layering, offering mobility and modest coverage for stick drills and conditioning while remaining durable enough for regular training.
Editors Choice — Scoop Neck Henley
This long-sleeve henley is our pick for balanced, everyday FMA training. The ribbed knit offers stretch without ballooning, helping maintain sleeve position during rapid handwork and stick transitions. The slim but forgiving cut layers well under protective pads and won’t snag easily. Pros: strong everyday durability, good range of motion, comfortable for long sessions. Cons: not a technical compression fabric — if you want muscle support or extra abrasion resistance, pair with a rash guard underneath.
Matman Rash Guard
Technical compression rash guard built for grappling and striking—moisture-wicking, flatlock stitching, raglan sleeves, and NFHS compliance. Made in the U.S.A., it offers reliable performance, fit and durability for dedicated Filipino martial artists.
Premium Choice — Matman Rash Guard
This is the most purpose-built option in the group. Designed for grappling and high-intensity striking, the rash guard uses superior moisture management fabric, flatlock seams to reduce chafing, and raglan sleeves for unrestricted shoulder rotation — all relevant to FMA. NFHS compliance is a bonus for organized competition or school programs. Pros: compression fit supports muscles, wicks sweat, dries fast, very durable. Cons: higher price and a compression fit that some practitioners may find too tight for casual sessions; sizing needs care to retain range of motion.
Comparison & Quick Overview
At-a-glance differences
- Matman Rash Guard (Premium Choice) — Technical, compression-fit, best for sparring and intense training; durable, moisture-wicking, US-made. Best overall for serious trainees. ($54.95)
- Scoop Neck Henley (Editors Choice) — Balanced everyday training top: stretchy, durable, and comfortable for regular practice and layering. Best for most practitioners who want a reliable all-rounder. ($17.99)
- Linen Long Sleeve Shirt (Best Value for Money) — Lightweight and breathable; ideal for hot-weather outdoor practice and demonstrations where comfort is priority. ($14.30)
- Graphic Training Tee (Best Budget Pick) — Cheapest, pragmatic option for beginners or spare shirts; limited durability and technical performance. ($8.36)
Best overall: The Matman Rash Guard offers the strongest combination of technical features and durability for committed FMA training. Alternatives: choose the Henley for everyday versatility, the Linen shirt for hot-weather comfort, or the Budget Tee for practice-only or spare use.
Final Recommendation
For most Filipino Martial Arts practitioners, the Matman Rash Guard is the top recommendation if you prioritize performance, sweat management, and durability — especially for sparring and high-intensity drills. If you need a durable, comfortable daily training top with more relaxed fit and easy layering, the Scoop Neck Henley is the Editors’ balanced pick. For warm-weather outdoor practice, the Linen Long Sleeve offers excellent value, while the Graphic Training Tee keeps costs to a minimum for casual or beginner use.
These recommendations are based on direct performance testing, expert input on movement and gear interactions, and an analysis of consumer durability reports. Choose based on your training intensity, climate, and whether you need compression/technical fabric or a breathable, casual option.