ARNIS

GENERAL Physical education 4

What is arnis?

Is the system of Filipino martial arts founded by the late Remy Presas as
a self-defense system . His goal was to create an injury-free training method as
well as an effective self-defense system in order to preserve the older Arnis
systems . The term Modern Arnis was used by Remy Presas’ younger brother
Ernesto Presas to describe his style of Filipino martial arts ; since 1999 Ernesto
Presas called his system Kombatan . It is derived principally from the traditional
Presas family style of the Bolo(Machete) and the stick-dueling art of Balintawak
Eskrima , with influences from other Filipino and Japanese martial arts .

ARNIS is known throughout the world as, ESKRIMA, KALI, GARROTE,

as wall as various indigenous names throughout the Philippines like
PANANANDATA (Tagalog), PAGKALIKALI (Ibanag), KALIRONGAN
(Pangasinan), KALIRADMAN (Bisaya), DIDYA (Ilokano), ESTOCADA,
ESTOQUE, and ESCRIMA.

“ARNIS” does not merely refer to the sticks or implements used in

practice; it pertains to as system of fighting encompassing striking, kicking,
locking, throwing, and even choking.

Sometimes practiced with bare hands, ARNIS is often done using rattan
sticks or other similar tools in three different forms: single cane, double cane
of the same length, or two implements with varying lengths (espada y dagal
sword and dagger).

ARNIS is designed for self-defense against armed or unarmed attacks. It

is a combination of the force-against-force and go-with-the-force martial arts
principles, which implies that it can be classified as a complete style.

The practitioner could also use his other hand to parry when his opponent
strikes, which is a clear example of the go-with-the-force principle.
 The force-against-force principle is in play when a practitioner blocks an
attack with a stick or with a bolo, which is much safer than blocking with bare
hands.

There is also a performance element in Arnis. The graceful and animated

movements of the arms, legs, head and body in executing offensive and
defensive techniques in dance. The harmony of movements to create impact is a
result of skillful practice and dedicated repetition of different strokes.

Martial art is self-expression and in Arnis, this translates to varied styles

resulting from the differing personalities of the masters. There are also
differences in body type, which leads to differences in movements. These factors
explain why there are variations and different schools in Arnis.

EARLY HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT

Arnis is a martial art that is uniquely Filipino and intimately linked to our
own history as a nation. Early colonial records imply that an indigenous system of
fighting was used by Lapu-Lapu and his men to defeat Ferdinand Magellan in the
famous Battle of Mactan in 1521. According to ANTONIO PIGAFFETA,
Magellan’s Chronicler, the Filipino natives used bladed weapons and “Sticks
hardened by fire” in battle.

In February 1564, 43 years later, Don Manuel Lopez de Legaspi and his
380- strong army were welcomed in a feast by chieftain Malitik of Abuyog, Leyte.
Part of the festivities was an exhibition of indigenous martial marts. Realizing the
potential threat, the Spanish colonial government in the late 18th century banned
the practice of Filipino martial arts. But the avid practioners adapted the fighting
system into dance-like patterns and practiced it with music to disguise its combat
applications.

It is believed that the practice of Arnis was also hidden in the guise of
these mock battles, which is how it survived through 400 years of repression.
The term “Arnis” is even a corruption to the Spanish word arnes or the
harness/prop worn by the actors playing the roles of Christian soldiers.
 The Christian natives in Luzon may have adopted and modified some of
the Kali techniques and replaced the bladed weapons of the indigenous peoples
in the Visayas and Mindanao (such as the kris and the kampilan) with the
common and ubiquitous bolo ( a Filipino bladed tool for farming purposes), and
then later substituted with rattan sticks.

The information and knowledge of Arnis were transmitted from one

generation to the next only through oral tradition and without detailed records.
These arts have been in danger of deformation--- which means that the art
becomes warped due to the influence of foreign culture and concepts--- or even
extinction.

The most recent development in Arnis history is the passing of RA 9850 or

the Arnis law, which declares Arnis as the National Martial Art and National Sport
of the Philippines. The Arnis bill was signed into law on December 11, 2009, with
Mr. Richardson C. Gialgo as the writer and one of its main proponents.

The passing of the bill is guided by the Philippine Constitution (Article XIV,
Section 19), which calls upon the State to:

promote education and encourage sports programs, league competitions, and

amateur sports, training for international competitions, to foster self-discipline,
teamwork, and excellence for the development of a healthy and alert citizenry.

The Arnis Law mandates that the Department of Education implement the
teaching of Arnis in all public elementary and secondary schools. The law
mandates that Arnis be required and included in all national games, programs,
and activities that are promulgated and sanctioned by other government
institutions like Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the Department of
Education (DepEd), and the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA).

The Act mandates the Department of Education to include the sport as a Physical
Education course. Arnis will be included among the priority sports in Palarong
Pambansa (National Games) beginning 2010.
The father of modern arnis

• Name : Remgio Amador Presas

• Born : December 19 , 1936

Hinigaran , Negros Occidental

• Died : August 28 , 2001 (brain cancer) Victoria , Canada

• Occupation : Teacher and Martial artist

• Known for : founding Modern Arnis and he is brother of Ernesto

Why study arnis?

Arnis develops physical abilities especially strength, coordination, agility

and speed. The less dominant arm and hand are exercised and trained, making
the practitioner almost ambidextrous and more efficient in the use of the upper
extremities. The coordination of the left and right arm is improved.

Through Arnis experience, the student gains an understanding of

symmetry, coordination, balance and timing in the execution of the striking,
evading and blocking maneuvers.

Arnis is also good to learn for self-defense---- it is a complete and effective

system, with or without using weapons. Statistics say that there are at least 5,000
crimes that occur nationwide every month, making it necessary to know how to
defend and attack against wrong-doers.

Arnis can help sharpen mental qualities such as decisiveness, precision,

and alertness. Many techniques call for quick thinking such as the decision to
strike or to counter. Creative talents are also developed--- putting together
various combinations of techniques to come up with forms and dance-like
routines require imagination and creativity.

Desirable character traits such as self-confidence, perseverance, and self-

discipline are honed through the practice of Arnis. Students need to practice with
dedication in order to make progress; they need to learn discipline in order to
master the different skills. With mastery comes composure of one who has self-
confidence.

Arnis should be taught in schools because it contributes to the holistic

formation of a student. Schools should not only develop the mind but also the
body. Moreover, Arnis also teacher history and culture appreciation, since this
art has been passed down from our early Filipino ancestors. Arnis is a cultural
heritage and to teach this to our students could mean we are contributing to its
preservation during these relatively peaceful times.