CHAPTER 3: INTRODUCTION

AND LEGAL BASIS

 Republic Act No. 9850
ARNIS AS THE NATIONAL MARTIAL ART AND
SPORT OF THE PHILIPPINES
SECTION 2.

ARNIS
• Eskrima, Kali, Garrote and other names in various regional
languages.
• Pananandata; Tagalog
• Pagkalikali; Ibanag
• Kabaraon and Kalirongan; Pangasinan
• Kaliradman; Bisaya
• Didja; Ilokano
SECTION 2.

ARNIS
 is an indigenous Filipino martial art and sport
characterized by the use of swinging and twirling
movements, accompanied by striking, thrusting and
parrying techniques for defense and offense. This is
usually done with 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 canes.
Historical background
Presas E. (1996) and Presas R. (2009)

 Arnis can be traced from the ancestors of the

Philippines' aboriginal inhabitants -the Negritos or
Aeta who came from the Asian mainland, crossing
shallow seas and land bridges. Arnis evolved from a
bladed weapon into its present systematic martial
arts which for span a history of over a thousand
years.
 Arnis used to be known as “Kali”, an ancient Malayan
word which implies a large bladed weapon longer than
knife, it must have been derived from Tjakalele- a native
fencing in Indonesia.

 Sources tell us that the Philippines once had link with the
Asian countries like China and Japan which led to cultural
penetration. However, their influence on Filipino life was
mainly economic and there were no traces that the art of
Arnis originated from them.
 Filipinos became expert in the use of bladed weapons and
daggers.

 Circumstantial evidence infers that Lapu-lapu was a kali

expert on April 27, 1521, Lapu-lapu felled the great Spanish
navigator and warrior Pigafetta Magellan, with a bladed
weapon (Kampilan) thus marking the Filipino’s first
victorious stand against foreign invader.
 Kali became so popular during the early days that it was
known as the sport of kings and of the members of the royal
blood. Kali declined in popularity as early as 1596 when the
Spanish authorities discouraged, and eventually banned the
practiced of the art in 1764.

 In 1673, the friars introduced the moro-moro, socio religious

play dramatizing the triumph on the Christian Spaniards
over the Muslim.
 In the said play, the Spanish soldiers were supposed to
wear Arnes, a Spanish word for the English Harness.

 ARNES ARNIS-- a tagalog orthographic translation of

the Spanish Arnes. However, some regions retain the word
Kali.
 oriental fighting arts attracted the attention of the world. The
propagation of oriental fighting arts in the world contributed
to the resurgence of the art of Arnis. Modification of Arnis
techniques was also made for utmost effectivity until a new
way of arnis fighting was introduced which is now called the
―Modern Arnis‖ or ―Presas Arnis‖
Modern Arnis

 is the system of Filipino

martial arts founded by the
late Remy Presas as a self-
defense system. His goal
was to create an injury-free
training method as well as
an effective self-defense
system in order to preserve
the older Arnis systems.
Equipment
Plain Rattan Sticks

 Ideal for Arnis forms

(Anyo) training and
Competition

 Size: 28 inches long for

College Level
The Parts of Stick
10 Benefits of Arnis as Physical Activity
1.Total body workout: Martial arts are a high-aerobic workout
that uses every muscle group in the body.

2.Healthy lifestyle: Due to the total-body nature of a martial

arts workout, tons of calories are burned during every class.

3.Self-confidence: Due to the goal setting, positive

encouragement and respect for values that are part of all
martial arts programs, the greatest benefit usually reported
by martial arts students is greater self-confidence.
4.Improved cardiovascular health: Research has found that
the only real way to improve the status of the cardiovascular
system is by participating in activities that stress the heart,
such as martial arts.

5.Weight loss: A one-hour session of moderate intensity

martial arts can burn up to 500 calories.

6.Improved reflexes: Research has found that by participating

in martial arts, you not only improve your reflexes while
performing the activity, but actually experience faster reaction
times during all activities of your life.
7.Focus and stillness: As Bruce Lee pointed out, behind the
punches, kicks and knees, a true martial artist learns to sit
with himself and see where his weaknesses are.

8.Teaches great morals and values: Martial arts wisdom

has it that after consistent practice, one becomes less
impulsive and aggressive towards others.
9. Muscle tone: By participating in martial arts, you can
greatly improve the amount of muscle mass you have in
your body.

10.Better mood: Researchers have found that participating

in a regular exercise routine is one of the best ways to
improve your mood.
Six Cardinal Rules in Arnis
(Remy Presas, 1974)
 The cardinal principle in Arnis is respect for one's
opponent as a person and as a fighter, and as a
sportsman.

 Sportsmanship on the other hand is the measure of a

fighter or player. The laurels of victory should never be
worn with superiority but with humility. Victory is not a
stamp of invulnerability but rather a reason for
magnanimity.
Six Cardinal Rules in Arnis
1. Character - a violent person has no place in Arnis.
Refinement in character is important.

2. Sincerity - sincerity for victory's sake is not the all-

consuming end of an Arnis player. It is the sincerity in him
to his fellowman and to his art that makes him shine in
the array of men.

3. Discipline - Arnis is a molder of discipline. Proper

behavior in the sport and in life itself will be the gauge of
success. Personal discipline is important.
4. Self-control - losing one's head means defeat. One
should learn to control his temper if he hopes to achieve
success in every endeavor. In Arnis, self-control is
important for without it, life and the good health of
another may be lost.

5. Etiquette - etiquette is allied to the main cardinal rules in

arnis. One's norm and standard should never be imposed
upon others. One should learn how to respect others.

6. Student's loyalty - loyalty should be emphasized to the

student, loyalty to the art, to a fellow player, and to his
teacher. Ingratitude to one is ingratitude to the other.
Proper Grip

 Holding the cane one fist

distance from the butting
part and tightening one’s
your fingers around it with
your thumb compressed
against your fore finger.
 Proper Grip

 Hold firmly when striking

and the wrist must be
pliable. Keeping the wrist in
this condition will assure
that each execution will be
delivered with force and
speed.
Pugay

Being courteous or giving pugay at all times is one of

the means of training in any kind of martial arts. It is
important that common courtesy is displayed between
opponents. Remember that we do not demand respect,
but rather earn it. Courtesy means behavior marked by
polished manners or respect for one’s opponent and for
the fundamental rules and principles of sportsmanship.
Thank you and God
bless! 