DEFINITION AND DESCRIPTION OF ARNIS

The word Arnis was used by Filipinos during the 18th century Spanish colonial period, to refer to the system of
skirmish using sword, stick and empty hands. It means similar to common folks’ word of ‘espadahan’ or swordplay. It
was derived from the Spanish word “arnes,” which means harness, armor, or weapons.
In other regions of the country, arnis is known as eskrima, baston, garrote and estocada. Nowadays, arnis is the
popular name used by practitioners and school teachers among Tagalog regions and some Visayan provinces.
The Republic Act 9850, known as the Law Decelerating Arnis as National Martial Art and Sport of the Philippines,
defined it as, the Filipino martial art of using impact, bladed weapons and empty hands. Arnis is an indigenized martial
art and sport characterized by the use of one (1) or two (2) sticks or any similar implements or with bare hands and feet
also used for striking, blocking, locking and grappling with the use of the same principle as that with the cane .
In arnis, it has three forms of practices; these are the ‘Solo Baston’ in which only one stick is used, ‘Doble Baston’
or “Sinawali’ in which two long sticks are utilized, and ‘Espada y Daga’ (sword and dagger) wherein one long and one
short sticks are used by the performers; “mano-mano at buno’ (hand to hand and grappling) are also integral part of arnis
training.
Three methods of teaching are employed by arnis teachers. The first consists of demonstrating the skill
(muestracion) of swinging and stroking in offensive and defensive maneuvers, with the students imitating the movements,
followed by repetitive drills. This method is known as Pandalag. Another method is to make the students perform
prearranged or choreographed sequence of movements in pair in which one act as attacker while the other is responding,
this referred to as the Sangga at Patama; and the Labanan (sparring) where two students using all the skills they have
mastered engage in free play whether in full contact (todo juego) or controlled way.

❖ ORIGIN OF ARNIS
The art of arnis evolved and was developed in the Philippines. There are many contesting beliefs on how arnis
originated. Some believed that arnis is the evolved form of ancient swordsmanship of ancient Filipinos. They traced the
origin of arnis to the word “kalis,” an ancient term which refers to the sword, or the use of the sword in the battlefield;
they also believe that the writing of Ferdinand Magellan’s chronicler, Antonio Pigafetta, who described that natives in
some villages used a fire hardened wood into battle and dances, was the early demonstration of the existence of the
sticking fighting among the natives.
Some of the proponents of this belief theorized that the present arnis was developed from the parenthood of the
ancient system of Silat (Malay art of fighting) and influenced by Spanish Destreza (Spanish art and science of
swordplay).
There are also recent studies which claimed that the traditional arnis was developed and passed on by Filipinos who
became volunteers in the Spanish crusades against Filipino moors in the south during the early 19th century Spanish era.
They said that the bulk of arnis repertoire was developed during the Spanish colonial times, and plausibly got its
inspiration from European swordsmanship (saber, rapier and dagger) techniques and short stick selfdefense concepts and
practices. It was also inferred that arnis was a version cane fighting during those times of colonial Filipinos. The 17th thru
19th centuries were period in which gentlemen typically carrying walking stick as part of fashion and as sidearm weapon
of self defense.
Most of the studies conducted by Filipino and foreign arnis enthusiasts help us to conclude that arnis origin is
difficult to trace, but they all agreed that arnis was developed from the Filipino creativity and necessity. Arnis reflects the
cultural identity of modern Filipinos, a culture melted with foreign influences while the inner ethos of the ancient martial
culture remains. And its evolution and development still continues.

❖ TRADITIONAL AND MODERN PRACTICES OF ARNIS

Traditional arnis is a form of practices which focuses more on the effective response to actual self defense combat.
Technical skills were based on experiences of old masters or how the way they were taught by the older generations.
The typical training started from mimicking the movement of the master, then independent maneuvering, some have
their partnered drill, and some practicing controlled free spar using a live stick.
Traditional arnis practices mostly in the backyards of the masters, no prescribed uniform, and selection or acceptance
of students were based on affinity. Giving ranks and certificate of proficiency were not part of the old masters tradition.
Most of the arnis groups in the Philippines started with this practice, but later generations incorporated other martial arts
into their repertoire.
 The earlier practices of the practitioners from the families of Canete, Presas, Illustrisimo, Lema, and Caballes
practiced in traditional way not until the next generation of their students incorporated systems and others bluntly
incorporated Japanese system such as stances, uniform, and rank system.
Modern practices of arnis started from the practitioners of arnis which studied other martial arts such as shotokan
karate, judo, Chinese wushu and juijitsu. Practices typically starts which formality, bow of courtesy, warm up exercises,
learning of fundamentals such as the stances, basic attacks and defenses, partnered self-defense drill, formal pattern
(anyo), and freestyle sparring while wearing padded armor.
Modern practitioners started to wear uniform for training, and most of them tried to standardize uniform for
students; initially the pulajanes motif was introduced, wearing of white shirt and red pants, later on the imitation of the
Moro motif. The wearing of belt showing students’ rank is typical to these practitioners. Modern practitioners of arnis
were the pioneers in promoting arnis into Philippine school system, such as the Presas and Canete families.

❖ ARNIS AS PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORT

The public acceptance of this martial art was also made possible because of the government support; making this
martial art compulsory to the public education system. There are several attempts made to introduce arnis into the
educational system.
Some initiatives done to introduce this martial art into education program such as the DECS Order No. 25, s.
1975 which allowed exhibition and demonstration of arnis in the Palarong Pambansa (National Games), the DECS Order
No. 58 (1990) known as the Guidelines and Standards for College Service Physical Education which in effect, included
arnis in the “dual sport’ category, then the DECS Memo No. 294, s. 1995 that issued instructors’ training to PE teachers
for teaching arnis in physical education.
Being integrated as part of education, arnis evolved into a competitive sport. In 1975, an organization named
NARAPHIL (National Arnis Association of the Philippines) was formed under the initiation of then President Ferdinand
E. Marcos. Its objective was to unite the various clubs and arnisadores throughout the country. Also a decree was issued
to include the teaching of arnis in the military and educational system.
Then, it was succeeded by the Arnis Philippines as the national sport association recognized by the Philippine
Olympic Committee, to act as the governing body in promoting the art and sport of arnis.
The proclamation of Republic Act 9850, during the administration of then Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, arnis was
declared as the National Martial Art and Sport of the Philippines. This includes the integration of arnis competition as
starting event in the annual Palarong Pambansa, an annual national competition among secondary schools.
Competitive arnis have many variations that depend on the concept and beliefs of of the organizers. The common
types of sport arnis are padded and live stick sparring. Padded type of arnis sparring is contested by players wearing
minimal protection and using the padded stick. Each delivered attack or counter-attack is evaluated to consider as a point
of merit.

While the use of live stick in sparring in which players wearing full armor in which the winner will be declared
based on his accumulated mass strike to the opponent. Still, some traditional oriented practitioners opted to remain in
their concept of hard hitting sparring with very minimal protection and not considering gathered points but the
effectiveness of techniques delivered.
The National Arnis Congress initiated by the Sen. Miguel Zubiri, author of the RA 9850 and former national
arnis champion, led to the organization of the Philippine Eskrima, Kali, and Arnis Federation (PEKAP) which united
most of the arnis practitioners in the country. This association is now facing the challenges of making the law into
practice and making arnis as a formal part of the Southeast Asian Games or SEAG.
The new K-12 program included arnis as one of the combative sports to be taught in junior and senior high school
physical education subject (DepEd Curriculum Guide on Physical Education for Grade 1 to Grade 10), and in the tertiary
educational level for the course of Bachelor of Physical Education major in School Physical Education, arnis is one of the
options for combative sport to be taken (CHED MO No. 23 series of 2011).
The art and sport of arnis were introduced in the Cavite State University and then became part of the Region IV
State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (now called as STRASUC) in 1996. The pioneers in this
introduction were Louelle Lledo and Joel Anajao, with the support of some known grandmasters and the modern arnis
association.

❖ VALUES OF TRAINING ARNIS

Like other forms of martial arts, arnis have lots of values for students such as:
1. The execution of various skills in arnis involves vigorous movements of different muscle groups, thus provide
training for muscle strength, muscle endurance, flexibility and cardio-respiratory endurance.
2. Agility, reaction time, balance and coordination are also developed through Arnis training.
3. As a sport, arnis develops quickness and coordination in execution of offensive & defensive skills.
4. Thrills of accomplishment provided by competition.
5. Desirable traits such as self-confidence, fortitude and self-discipline are developed in the practice of arnis.
6. Creativity by putting all learned basic combination into a self demonstration of skills.
7. National Identity as Filipino. Arnis can develop the sense of being a proud Filipino.

❖ GEARS & EQUIPMENT FOR BASIC ARNIS TRAINING

➢ Arnis Stick The stick usually used in practicing arnis is made of rattan. It is advisable to use rattan stick other than
hardwood, which is flexible and lighter compare to other hardwood.
A pair of rattan sticks for each student; twenty four (24 inches) long and not more than one inch in diameter for
school children, and twenty eight to thirty (28 to 30) inches long for adult students. It is advisable to carry the stick
in a case of synthetic materials for safety.
Other Training Materials
➢ Training Uniform: a typical PE uniform is readily available training uniform for arnis; or a comfortable shirt and
training pants can be used.
➢ Wooden or Rubberized Dummy Knife: this dummy equipment is good for practicing self defense drills on disarming
and knife taking techniques.
MODULE 2: PREPARATORY EXERCISES AND PRELIMINARY SKILLS
❖ THE CORRECT GRIP
The stick should be held about one (1) inch from the butt end. The extra length from the butt end allows balance in
gripping. It can also be used in disarming techniques and attacking.

In arnis, the correct grip is the basis of control, power and quickness in every blow that is delivered.
The correct grip is assured in this manner:
1. Hold the stick with your four fingers with the blade of the palm about two to three inches from the base or butt of the
stick.
2. Tighten your grip and press the thumb over the forefinger.
3. Each strike must be made with a firm grip. While the grip is firm, the wrist must be flexible and very pliable. Keeping
the wrist in this state will ensure that the blows are delivered with force and quickness.

❖ THE SALUTE
Salute or Bow of Courtesy is a way of giving respect to partner, to opponent, to instructor and to our own selves.
Giving a salute or Pugay is done in this manner:
1. Stand at attention like soldier in line formation, but relaxed, with feet apart and feet pointing at an angle of 45 degrees.
The hands are in front of the thighs, holding the stick at both ends.
2. (a) From Open Leg Stance, move left foot to assume Attention Stance. Bring the gripping hand into left chest and
slightly bow the head
(b) If holding two sticks, extend the left arm in line with shoulder and bring the left arm to left chest.
3. Then return in Open Leg Stance or assume on-guard position.

❖ WARMING UP AND STRETCHING

Before doing intensive training, a preparatory routine of warming up and stretching is very important.
The benefits of warming up and stretching are:
1. The prevention of injury
2. Increased muscle flexibility
3. Increased heart rate and blood flow
4. Setting the mind for training

Warming Up
Warming up the muscles and increasing blood flow is crucial. The following are some routines that should be done at a
very gentle pace; the tempo can be slowly increased as the player warm-up.
Jumping – begin with a slight bounce up and down, using the calf muscle and not the knees. Gradually increase the range
of motion to a low hop, and eventually jump as high as you can, using the spring in your
calves.
Jumping Jack – stand with feet together and arms on the side, bounce with your calf muscle while separating your legs
and raising your arms sideward or upward. Do it until 20 repetitions.

Stretching Routine
A good habit to adopt is to start at the top of the body and gradually work downward. When stretching, it is important to
breathe and to relax. Stretching movements should be done slowly and under control. The following routine should be
performed 15 to 20 times each.
1. Neck
a) With the arms and shoulders relaxed, dip the chin to touch the upper chest. Return to the natural position, and then lift
the chin toward the ceiling.
b) Next, look from side to side, rotating your head through the full natural range.
c) While facing forward, tilt the head from side to side. The feeling is that placing your ear down onto your shoulder.
d) Finish with gentle circles in both directions.
2. Arm Circles
a) Hold the sticks, swing the entire arms in a gentle, vertical circle, first forward and then backward.
3. Torso Rotation
a) Holding the sticks with both hands, keep the arms loose and allowing to swing freely, rotate the upper body from side
to side. The legs should be mostly stationary and the rotation will twist the trunk and the lower back.
4. Forward and Back Bending
a) Stand with the feet slightly wider than shoulder width apart. Bend forward to touch the ground between your feet, then
swing upward and back
5. Toe Touches
a) Arms on the side, feet apart, slightly wider. Bring your right hand downward and touch your left toe, then back to
standing position and repeat it to the opposite side.
6. Knee Bends
a) Go into a squat with the knees together, and then rise up into a knees-locked position with the heels down.
7. Foot Rotation
a) Raised your right leg and rotate your right foot clockwise then counter-clockwise. b) Repeat on the left foot.
8. Forward Lounge a) With the hips square to the front, step forward with right foot and bend the front leg. Keep the back
leg straight for a slow count. Repeat on the other side
9. Side Lounge
a) Place the feet twice shoulder width apart. Bend your right knee and lean deeply to that side, while keeping the left leg
straight, the sole of that foot on the floor. Hold this position for a slow count. Without straightening up, move your torso
to the left side, straightening your right leg and bending your left leg as you do so. You can use the stick to support your
balance.

❖ STICK MANEUVERING EXERCISES

1. Wrist Twisting
a. Hold the sticks at the middle and pointing vertically upward, knuckles facing back.
b. Rotate the wrists forward and backward alternately and continuously
c. Do two sets of 16 counts
2. Wrist Circling Forward and Backward
a. Hold the sticks with normal grip, both resting on shoulders
b. Circling the wrists forward and backward alternately and continuously;
c. Do two sets of 16 counts
3. Wrist Circling, Up & Down Starting Position:
Hold sticks with normal grip, both resting on shoulder.
a)Bring both sticks downward, circling the wrists outward on the way down;
b)Bring both sticks upward, circling the wrists outward once on the way up
c)Do two sets of 16 counts.
4. Alternate Wrist Circling, Up & Down Starting Position:
Hold sticks with normal grip, right stick resting on shoulder while the other stick held down.
a) Bring the right stick downward; simultaneously bring upward the left stick, circling both wrists outward while moving
the sticks.
b) Repeat in alternate manner.
c) Do two sets of 16 counts.