CHAPTER 2: FACILITIES AND

EQUIPMENT OF THE SPORT

Impact Weapon

The  BASTON  (Spanish and eskrima stick. Traditional common

Filipino for "cane") is one of Arnis's
primary weapons and Filipino
martial arts. It is also known as
yantok,
olisi, palo, pamalo,
materials for wooden bastons are
usually rattan, kamagong, and
bahi wood.

garrote, caña, cane, arnis stick,

Rattan
Rattan is the most commonly used material for bastons in
Arnis training. They are light, flexible, and suitable for
training in speed. They are made from dried and cut
reeds and are typically cut 26”-30” in length, 3/4 “-1” in
diameter, and rounded at both ends. Prolonged impact
training with rattan sticks will tend to splinter their
backs, so some practitioners use electrical or duct tape to

protect their bastons, as they are more expensive outside
of the Philippines.

Kamagong
Kamagong (also known as Mabolo) is a dark, dense,
expensive type of wood known for its weight and
hardness. It is said that bone will break before a good
kamagong baston will, but those of low quality can
splinter or shatter on impact due to their hardness and
lack of flexibility. Kamagong is also an endangered species

of ebony wood, and its export outside the Philippines is

illegal without a permit.

Bahi
Bahi is a type of wood made from the heart of a palm
tree. It is similar to kamagong but is made of a porous
material in weight and density, which tends to slightly
dent on impact, making it less prone to shattering than
kamagong. Kamagong is a critically endangered lumber

species, so it is recommended that practitioners purchase

bahi instead.
Modern materials
More modern materials are also used, such as Fiberglass
and plastics, and metals like aluminum.

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 EQUIPEMENTS

edged weapons Knife, dagger, spear, and other are melee weapons used
throughout the history for combat, hunting, and
ceremonies.

Baraw  is a Cebuano term used in eskrima that

means knife or dagger. The term  Baraw  is more
commonly used on Cebu Island in the Visayan region.
In contrast, other islands and regions more commonly

use  Daga, but both terms are often interchangeable

within the Filipino

martial arts •
Daga/Cuchillo (Spanish for  dagger  and  knife) or Baraw/ Pisaw:
daggers or knives of different shapes and sizes
• Balisong: fan knife or butterfly knife from Barrio Balisong
in Batangas province; the handle is two-piece and attaches to a
swivel that folds to enclose the blade when shut

• Karambit: claw-shaped Indonesian blade held by inserting the
finger into a hole at the top of the handle
• Bolo: a knife/sword similar to a machete
• Pinuti: a type of sword from Cebu blade shaped similar to a
Sundang but elongated
• Iták or sundáng: a farm or house hold bladed implement; its

blade has a pronounced belly, chisel ground edge with the handle

angled down
• Barong: wide flat leaf shaped blade commonly used by
women.
• Binakoko: long blade named after a porgy fish
• Dinahong palay: has a very narrow blade shape similar to a
rice leaf

Kalis or Kris: Indonesian dagger, often given a wavy blade; it is
•
most commonly used in the southern provinces
• Kampilan: fork-tipped sword, popular in the southern Philippines
• Sibat: spear
• Improvised weapons: Icepicks, box cutters, screwdrivers,
scissors, broken bottles, pens, car keys (using the push knife
grip)

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EQUIPEMENTS

FLEXIBLE weapons
•

Sarong: a length of fabric wrapped around the waist

• Ekut: handkerchief
• Tabak-toyok: chained sticks/ flail or nunchaku
• Latigo (Spanish for whip): consisting of a handle
between 8 and 12 inches (200 and 300 mm), and a lash
composed of a braided thong 3–20 ft (0.91–6.10 m) long.
The "fall" at the end of the lash is a single piece of
leather 10–30 inches (250–760 mm) in length.
•

Improvised weapons: Belt, bandana, handkerchiefs,

shirts,

towels/socks with hard soap bars/rocks, ropes,
power

cables, etc
Other

examples of weapons
Impact Weapons

Dulo y dulo Bangkaw Yantok Panangga

Edged Weapons

Karambit Dagger Bolo Balinsong

Flexible Weapons

Tabak Toyok Sarong Latigo Ekut

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 EQUIPEMENTS



protective gear
Headgear
Is a necessity in arnis combat. Its materials provide vital
protection from head strikes, while maintaining motion
capability. It is covered with high-grade leatherette and vinyl,
printed with ethnic art. Multi-thickness metal frame
strategically developed for impact protection.

Body Armour
Is designed to provide thorough upper body protection
while allowing mobility and protection. The armor is
composed of hard plastic and vinyl for lightness, increased
comfort, and impact absorption. Lower panels are
extended to increase protective coverage.

Leg Guard
Provide complementary protection to the other arnis battle
gear. They were designed not only for protection, but also for
comfort and practicality. The guards can be used to protect
both the thigh and the shin area.

Groin
Has padding for the lower abdomen and a special contoured
groin cup to provide complete protection to the groin area. The
Male Groin Guard is kept in place by a dual-velcro strap, which
ensures comfort and ease in wearing.

Hand Gloves
Serve as a protection from strikes as the stick is held in hand.
Its design and structure further ensure that a stable grip is
maintained. Open palm design for easy grip and finger
flexibility. Thick rubberized protection and hard plastic for
impact absorption.

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FACILITIES

mats
• Gives you comfort  during
training and demonstration.

• It is also giving you additional

padding between the floor
and your body.

Playing court

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Physical Education 6