ARNIS

1. What is Arnis?
Arnis is the national martial art sport of Philippines. It is also known as Eskrima and Kali. This
sport actually emphasizes weapon based fighting which is done using knives, bladed weapons, sticks and
various improvised weapons. It also includes hand to hand combat, grappling and weapon disarming
methods.

2. Origin of Arnis
The Philippines is an island nation rich in both culture and history. The Filipino martial art of
Arnis/Kali/Escrima has contributed to both the history and diversity of the Philippines. There are an
abundance of styles and systems of Arnis/Kali/Escrima that are taught throughout the world to this day,
that have survived and developed throughout the different regions, families and teachers who have
preserved what is sometimes called a “complete” martial art.

Arnis/Kali/Escrima was originally developed by the people native to the islands using simple
impact and edged weapons such as kampilans, rattan, swords, daggers, spears and other assorted
weaponry for combat and self defense. These weapons were also sometimes used as farm implements.

The arrival of Ferdinand Magellan’s force in 1521 was met in battle with a group of islanders, led
by Raja Lapu Lapu, who defeated Magellan using only a bladed weapon. Magellan’s armored and
musket bearing conquistadors were overpowered by the fierce fighters and retreated. The Spanish
returned in the 1570’s and this time the Philippines came under Spanish rule unable to contend with the
modern weaponry the Spanish used. The practice of Arnis/Kali/Escrima was prohibited, but continued
and was preserved through native ritual dance, performance, and mock battles. Thus the arts were
passed down in families from generation to generation, honing their skill, speed, accuracy and agility.

The terms Arnis, Kali and Escrima are all used to refer to the Filipino martial arts. There has been
some confusion as to what word refers to which part of the martial art. It is believed that Arnis, Kali, and
Escrima are all a part of the same art and depending on the location, dialect and type of training taught.
Also, any of the three names may apply to a certain part of training. One interpretation is that Kali is the
mother art of Arnis and Escrima. Arnis focuses on the knife, including dagger, sword, and any other form
of bladed weapon. Escrima is based on the baston or stick. It has also become very popular in the sport
aspect of full contact stick fighting.

To this day Arnis/Kali/Escrima has retained a strong Spanish influence not only in the names and
titles used in training, but in the impact it has had on Filipino culture. Filipino martial arts continue to
encompass a large range of weapons training and hand-to-hand combat, enriching the culture of Filipino
society. Thus the reference to it being a “complete” martial art.
3. What are the equipments in Arnis?
Sticks – The sticks used in Eskrima are called a ‘yantok’ and commonly known as rattan sticks, as
they are made from the rattan palm. They are very strong and lightweight. Other materials are also used
and can include various hardwoods, metals and high-impact plastics.

Knife/dagger – Knifes are also used and can be of any size/shape.

Gloves

Forearm Pads

Elbow Pads

Body Protection

4. What are the fundamental skills in Arnis?

Proper Hold of the Stick - Hold the stick one fist away from the punyo (butt) of the stick. Close
the grip with the thumb.

Basic Stance and Salutation - Feet are positioned shoulder width apart. - Stick is held in front of
the body.

Basic Stance and Salutation - Place the weapon hand across the chest. - Bow by bending at the
waist.

Fighting Stance - One foot in the front (foot the same as the weapon hand), the other foot on
the rear. - Keep feet apart, distance of one foot. - Both knees slightly bent. - Toes facing forward. -
Weight evenly distributed on both feet.

Forward Stance - Distance of 5 steps between the feet. - Back leg kept straight, rear foot is held
at a 45 degree angle. - Keep the front knee bent. - Weight is evenly distributed on both feet.

Backward Stance - Distance of 4 steps between the feet. - Both knees are slightly bent. - Rear
foot held at a 90 degree angle. - 70% of the body weight on the rear foot while 30% is placed on the
front foot.