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Basic Positions Where Most Exercises Begin
Basic Positions Where Most Exercises Begin
Basic Positions Where Most Exercises Begin
The feet are about one (1) inch apart, toes The feet are apart about 12 inches wide. The
pointing forward. Arms at the sides. stride may be made wider than 12 inches. The
weight of the body on both feet and the trunks is
at the center. Arms at sides.
Bend one knee, the other leg straight. Weight on Feet together, bend knees to about 450 angle; feet
both feet. Hands on hips. flat on floor, body erect. Hands on hips.
B. Sitting Positions
Legs and toes are extended forward; hands at the rear on the
floor. Elbow and body straight.
8. Heels Sit
C. Kneeling Position
Kneel on both knees; knees close together; body Kneel on both knees with knees apart.
erect; hands on hips.
Kneel right or left in half- kneeling position in Extend sideward kneeling on one leg, the other
front. Hands on hips. extended sideward, forward or backward.
D. Lying Position
From a kneeling position, place the hands on the From a hook sitting lift the trunk; legs and arms
floor, elbows straight, toes pointed; the knees in right angle with the trunk.
and hands are the base of support.
7 Arnis Stances
1. Ready Stance. This is the most common used stance when you are
standing at ease.
2. Attention Stance. This stance is different from the ready stance, since you
stand with your feet forming a 45 degrees angle. This attention stance is usually used for
courtesy in preparation for a fight at the beginning before sparring.
3. Forward Stance. It is usually used in striking or blocking
techniques.
4. Oblique Stance. This stance is used in blocking and evasion.
5. Straddle Stance. This stance is one of the most efficient
stances used to block the strikes especially to the side of the body.
6. Side Stance. This stance is usually used in evasion
techniques or strike deflection.
7. Back Stance. Back stances can be done by extending the
right or left foot. They are used in back evasion techniques and
in blocking.
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.
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.
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’s 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.
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.
First the right hand strikes a high forehand, then the left hand strikes a low backhand, then the right hand
hits a high backhand to complete the right hand side of the sinawali. Then the mirror image left hand side is
performed to complete one cycle of Double Sinawali.
Right Hand Side
3R 1R
2L Left Hand Side
1L 3R
2R
Reverse Sinawali
In the Reverse Sinawali, the right hand strikes a low forehand, then the left hand strikes a low backhand,
then the right hand strikes a low backhand to complete the right hand side of the sinawali.
Right Hand Side
3R 1R 2L
Left Hand Side
1L 2R 3L