PATH – FIT 2 COMBATIVE SPORTS

ARNIS
INTRODUCTION
It is one of the oldest and systematic martial arts of the Filipinos. Arnis was patterned to a bladed weapon from Malay
known as “Kali” which was used by the Indonesians for fencing called “Tjakalele”. When Spain colonized the
Philippines, kali was already a standard fighting art of the early Filipinos. Native rulers like Lapu-Lapu of Mactan was
kali expert. And this was according to Magellan’s’ chronicler and historian. Arnis is also known as the Filipino martial art
of attack and defense with cane or barehand.
Modern Arnis attracted many practitioners because of its interesting features and for being known as Filipino martial arts.
The first book on Arnis was written by Master Remy Amador Presas, known to be the Father of Modern Arnis. Its
inclusion to the Physical Education classes of the Filipinos truly promotes it as an indigenous game.
CHARACTERISTICS
It is also called eskrima, pang-or, pamalo, muton, baston or estocada. It is a stick fighting of the Filipinos. An extension of
the arms was used which is a stick and the fighting form was called Arnis de Mano which has three forms of plays known
as;
Espada y daga – a combination of short and long dagger
Solo Baston – single stick is used. This is the major fighting system of Arnis. It is not limited to stick alone. It also
applies to bladed weapons. It can be extended to other ordinary objects such as umbrella, pen, sticks, comb, magazines
and newspapers that are good examples of weapons. The solo baston has traditional, modern techniques and applications.
These techniques are the basic systems that develop skills in catching, grabbing, pulling and pushing, disarming, locking,
striking and blocking techniques
Sinawali – two sticks being swing in intricate movement of a criss – cross fashion. This term is derived from the word
“Sawali” meaning to weave. Sawali is the material used by early Filipinos in building the nipa hut or Bahay Kubo. The
sawalis are interwoven into each other
EQUIPMENT

 Rattan Stick – the standard length of the cane measures 28” – 32” long and a diameter of ¾ to 1”
 Body armor – it is used for official competition in Arnis
BASICS OF ARNIS
GRIP – There are five different types of hold for the sticks;
Proper Holding of the Arnis stick

Pet Nicolas believed that “how one handles the sticks is how one handles his/her life”. Respect the stick because even if
how simple as it may appear, it represents your knowledge, dignity, honor and principle as Arnisador.

The grip or hold is the soul of all fighting techniques in Eskrima. It is the correct hold that packs power to and controls the
cane. The hold must be firm when striking. The cane must be held either from the base edge, an inch, or at center with
tightened fingers around and thumb is pressed against the forefinger. Others hold it four to six inches from the tip
downward. This is called “susi” a tagalog term for key, or it is sometimes called a “daga”, or knife

FOOTWORK

It is essential in the system of Arnis, for without footwork, there’s difficulty in hitting and avoiding the strikes of the
opponent. The feet are the foundation of the body, for without them you can’t stand, walk, run, jump and kick.

There are several ways in which one can train one’s legs; jogging, skipping rope and walking like a duck. The following
are the different foot works;

 Reverse triangle stride – serves as a concealing drill to hide the direction of one’s own counter attack
 Left and Right-Side stepping – serve also in evading the thrust to the opponent towards the middle section of the
body
 Left side triangle – is used for attacking as well as avoiding the attacks of the opponent

STANCE AND POSTURE

 Attention Stance – stand with feet at 45-degree angle, heels closed together, hands at the side and relaxed.
 Open – leg Stance – stand with legs spread apart about shoulder width with toes pointing slightly outward.
 Straddle leg stance – spread legs are about twice the width of shoulders and bend knees outward, heels are
firmly planted and toes are pointed straight forward. Weight is in both legs.
 Forward Stance - move one leg forward at a distance about twice the width of the shoulders and about 30
degrees to the side and bend front leg at the knee with the cane diagonally and in the fighting form.
 Back Stance – stand with one foot backward with rear foot toes pointing outward and front foot toes pointing
forward to form an L – shape. The rear foot should point either left or right depending on what foot is in-front
 Oblique forward Stance – this is executed by stepping either foot obliquely forward and obliquely to the left or
right. The reverse of the oblique forward stance is executed with the withdrawal of either foot. In both
movements, the L-shape position of the feet should be maintained.
 Cross Stance – either the left or right leg is crossed over the other leg with leaning forward or backward.

FIGHTING FORM
When a person fights back and holds his stick for self – defense or offense and is really determined to attack his opponent
without reservation and hesitation, then he is emotionally motivated to strike his opponent with his stick at all cost.
Generally, a person will never engage in a fight if he is not mentally agitated to fight back.
12 striking techniques in Arnis:
#1 – Left side of the head attack.
#2 – Right side of the head attack.
#3 – Left side of the body or torso, to the left arm or elbow.
#4 – Right side of the body or torso, to the left arm or elbow.
#5 – Thrust to the stomach.
#6 – Left chest stab.
#7 – Right chest stab.
#8 – Left lower leg.
#9 – Right lower leg.
#10 – Left eye poke.
#11 – Right eye poke.
#12 – Strike to the crown/top of head

PRICIPLES OF GOOD ARNISADOR

1. The real Arnisador holds firmly to his stick until the day he dies. The sticks represent the virtues of a
martial artist. The stick is not just a stick but an extension of oneself. An extension of the hand and of
the spirit. It also represents the knowledge that you earn, displaying itself in the way it is yielded.

2. The Arnisador and sticks are one. A person's character is reflected in how he/she behaves during
training. Individuals who are willing to learn, learn fast and others who do not have an interest, their
movements are careful.

3. The Art of the hand is the art of the cane. The hand is the source of the force that manipulates the cane.
Empty hand is not the start of Arnis training but a development. The stick is just an extension of the
Arnisador body and has the potential to be as dexterous (expert) as a hand.

4. If someone throws rice grains to a skilled Arnisador, "not even a single grain can hit him". This implies
a manner of reaction from an Arnisador. When one throws a handful of rice at him, they have an option
to step to the side and avoid getting hit. They may use a particular move, abaniko, or twirling technique
to deflect the rice thrown. Rice however has an integral role in the Philippine culture as a part of the
staple diet. Rice may represent knowledge for the part of arnis.

5. The match and the candle represent an authentic disciple of Arnis. The candle represents the
practitioner. The match represents the teacher/instructor. The light represents the flow of knowledge.

6. The Art of Arnis is like a wind; you can feel it but necessarily see it. Arnisador must have a strong sense
of reality, where they are aware of their surroundings and their situations.

7. Minimum effort maximum effect.

8. The triumph of a genuine Arnisador can be likened to a mountain. A good Arnisador is like a mountain,
that he or she will be steadfast in their beliefs. He must learn to be resilient and fight for their beliefs
even if others dispute their style and belief.

9. A good Arnisador respects their opponents, even during a match.

A good arnisador never strikes or uses his skill in anger or for his own personal gain. An Arnisador
should still have a warrior's honor and respect for others, martial artist or not. Control is one of the most
important facets of martial arts, a little more extra force could mean the difference between unconsciousness
and death. One's mind control is just as important as one physical control.
10. The best Arnis Instructor is the one who can give wisdom to his student regarding the essence of being
real Arnisador.

The greatness of the art is defined by how well the practitioner apply the skill in life, not their martial
skill, but the personal skills and qualities they had learned throughout their training course of learning the
sport. Being a good arnisador is similar to being a well-rounded individual, one that can find the balance
between being humble and self-satisfied.