Alcera, Vincent Luigil C.

BSA 2-6

After learning the different basic skills in Arnis using single stick, what do you think is the
most essential skill that an Arnis practitioner should possess? Justify your reasons.

What I think the most essential skill an Arnis or Eskrima practitioner should possess is the will
to pursue such an art. Arnis, just like any martial arts, requires the capability to understand what
it takes to fully grasp the art of mastering this skill. Knowing that this practice includes hand-to-
hand combat, joint locks, grappling and weapon disarming techniques, the time one has to invest
in order to be aware of what can be utilized in this martial art should be purely committed. One
may assume that simply practicing the basics of Arnis is what brought many of these renowned
practitioners to their current place. However, the thought of even attempting to do so is what
distinguished these masters from others. There is no denying that Arnis is a sport that is less
frequently practiced among the newer generations of Filipinos. Even I myself admit that most of
my hobbies stay far from the fields of martial arts.

But considering the fact that this activity may be a practical way of not only showing pride as
the national sport of the country, it may also be seen as a practical way of defending ourselves.
There are so many benefits that Arnis can carry that we sometimes overlook these factors and
take them for granted. Discipline and self-control is a major element derived from investing one’s
time in learning this art. To execute a technique so seamlessly is not limited to “special”
individuals, for they too have gone through the process of not knowing the basics in the first place.
By basically understanding the imperative of knowing what it takes to excel this form of martial
arts will define one’s right to be called a true practitioner of Eskrima.

Kindly share your experiences in doing the activities or drills. Did you find them difficult
or challenging? After doing the activities, what are the values that you learned from them?

Trying to maneuver a single stick in one hand seemed tough at first since I’ve haven’t done
things quite similar to this activity. By trying to learn the fundamentals at first to attempting the
techniques that required balance and mastery of the weapon that is wielded is not something one
can grasp in just a few minutes. What made me more cautious while doing the activity is that a
lot of cats were around me, and I really didn’t want to accidentally hit one of them while filming
myself. Though the environment didn’t suit best for wielding an arnis stick, I did my best to adjust
so that I could control both the force and length of the weapon I was holding. In the end, no walls
were broken; no ceilings were damaged; and no pets were harmed in the process. I was able to
effortlessly do the activity while knowing the limitations that I had when performing it.
 As expected, it was no easy task. Though it seemed so simple at first glance, doing so was
different. While my wrists were aching from the weight of the arnis sticks, I learned that my body
was so unfit for my age in levels that were so underwhelming compared to others of the same
age. Having to be cautious of what limited my reach of doing the activity really took a lot of
discipline and patience. These factors were the only factors that made myself aware of my
surroundings while forcing my wrists to get used to stances that were straining when held on too
long. Recognizing what my body wasn’t used to is also what changed my perspective about
myself. There are more things that I had to do in order to make myself healthier while still at a
young age. Activities like these are what make those practitioners more deserving of respect,
since the willingness to adapt to what their body and mind must endure is only the beginning of
fundamentally learning the art of Eskrima.

作成した/終わった: 01-22-21
Alcera, Vincent Luigil C.