UNIT 7
Introduction to Arnis
ORIGIN
 dates back before the colonization of the Spaniards,
during those periods it was called Kali and the
techniques of the art is focused on bladed weapons
fighting.
 Kali was widely practiced throughout the archipelago;
both nobleman and commoners were enthusiast and
practitioners of the said
 Also during those days Kali is being taught in a school
like training grounds, which was called Bothoan along
with military tactics
 On the dawn of April 27, 1521 the Portuguese navigator
and warrior named Ferdinand Magellan was defeated
by a native warrior chief named Raja Lapu-Lapu this was
the recorded incident which Kali was used against
foreign invaders.
DEVELOPMENT
 In 1873 the fighting system was renamed “Arnis”
derived from the word Arnes which means “colorful
trapping on defensive armors used on the Moro-Moro
plays.”
 Major Favian Ver also noted enthusiast and
practitioners of Arnis formed the National Arnis
Association of the Philippines (NARAPHIL) with the
objective to unite all Arnis group in the Philippines
 July of 1986 Arnis Philippines (ARPHI) was established
with the same objective as NARAPHIL.
Remy Amador Presas
(December 19, 1936 – August 28, 2001) Pride of Hinigaran,
Negros occidental
Founder of Arnis and recognized as the "Father of Modern
Arnis".
The Arnis is a Philippines’ National Martial Art or Sport ,
After President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed the
Republic Act. No. 9850 in 2009.
The act mandates the Department of Education to include
the sport as a Physical Education course . Arnis will be
included among the priority sports in Palarong Pambansa
(National Games) beginning 2010
BACKGROUND
Arnis is the National Martial Art Sport of Philippines and it is
also known as Eskrima and Kali.
It is a deadly form of original Filipino self-defense, which
basically uses the Garote - usually the rattan sticks as the
main weapon and as extension of the hands to maximize
reach and power.
ARNIS knows "no Downhill".
Arnis is a very intelligent form of exercise and self-defense. It
is never violent, and it is actually bloodless.
This sport actually emphasizes weapon-based fighting which
is done using knives, bladed weapons, sticks and various
improvised weapons. It also includes hand to hand combat,
grappling and weapon disarming methods.
The primary weapon used in this traditional martial art sport
of Philippines is called a cane or a baton.
The cane used in this sport is also considered sacred by the
Arnisadores practitioners, which is why the cane is hit on the
hand or forearm of the sparring partner and not at the
latter’s cane during the sport.
This sport was known as the defensing sport in the past by
the practitioners.
THE ASSOCIATIONS
WEKAF (World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation)
-it is the most common system used
internationally which was established in 1989.
Arnis Philippines (ARPI) system
-it is the most prominently used during the
2005 Southeast Asian Games. It was established in 1986.
UNIT 8 Facilities and Equipemnts
Facilities of Arnis:
Shall refer to the area by which the conduct of the
competition shall be set or held including the free zone
around it.
Facilities of Arnis:
Dimensions
The playing area is a square measuring 8.0 meters by 8.0
meters with a two (2) meters minimum free zone around it,
and a clear space without any obstruction up to a height of
not less than 5 meters from the playing surface.
Lines of the Playing Area
All lines of the playing surface are 5.08 cm. (2 inches) and
must be of different color from that of the floor and other
lines previously drawn for other purposes.
Boundary Lines
Four lines mark the boundary of the playing area. The free
zone distance measuring 2.0 meters are drawn outside of the
playing area.
 Match Lines
Two lines of 1 meter long and 2 meters apart mark the
horizontal match line. The horizontal match lines are drawn 3
meters from the boundary lines that run perpendicularly to
the official's table, and 3.5 meters from the boundary line
that run parallel to the official's table.
Equipment of Arnis:
Wooden Stick
The wooden stick shall measure not less than 60 cm and not
more than 90 cm in length with a diameter of not less than
1.3 cm and not more than 3.8 cm. It must not have sharp
edges or pointed ends.
Wooden Replica of a Bladed Weapon
The wooden replica shall measure not less than 60 cm and
not more than 90 cm in full length and should be Ethnic Asian
in origin. It must not have sharp edges or pointed ends.
Foam 
cushion material- should be foaming the padded sticks and
shall have a maximum grip diameter not greater than 3.81
cm.
Head Protector
refers to a pair of protective head gear to include an impact-
worthy face mask.
Scoreboard
A pair of scoreboards, either manually or electronically
operated. The specifications of which shall be in accordance
with the i-Arnis standard. Two scoreboards per contest shall
be placed at diagonally opposite corners outside the playing
area inside the competition within the free zone, right
where the judges are positioned.
Flags
Two sets of red and blue flags, the size of which is 30cm by
25cm, are used by the judges in declaring decisions or asking
for consultations. One set of yellow flags with same size as
of red and blue, used by the timers to signal the start and
the end of each round and to declare a time-out and
resumption of the game.
Stopwatch Used to keep the two-minutes per round. This
includes interruptions such as injury, changing of broken
stick.
Gong and Mallet or other similar audible substitutes such as
whistle, bell or buzzer shall be provided for the timer to
indicate the start and end of the round.
Table shall be provided for the Timer and Recorder which
shall be situated one (1) meter in front of the playing area so
that time signals are audible enough to both players and
referee.
UNIT 9
THE ARNIS GAME
FORMS OF THE ARNIS SYSTEM:
1. Espade Y Daga (Sword & Dagger)
2. Daga Y Daga (Dagger & Dagger)
3. Mano Mano (Bare Hand Fighting)
4. Doble Baston (Double Sticks)
5. Sikaran (Kick Fighting)
Similar Sports to Arnis:
Kendo
It is a form of Japanese martial art which means “the way of
the sword” and originated from Kenjutsu.
Kendo makes use of shinai-bamboo swords and boqu-an
armour.
It is a martial art form that requires rigorous physical activity
and ultimate skills which require practice inevitably.
Fencing
A modern art of combat sport, also known as Olympic
fencing. Two fencers face each other on a six-feet-by-40-feet
strip with sword weapon and attempt to touch each other
with the tip. Touches on the instrumented protective clothing
are scored electrically. Fencing is a sport at the Olympic
Games, and is actually one of only five sports which have
been featured in every modern Olympic Games.
Wheelchair Fencing
It is a version of Fencing in which disabled athletes sit in
wheelchairs which are tightly fastened to the floor. It is a
type of martial arts which use a hand-held long slender
wooden stick for fighting. Includes variations such as
singlestick and canne de combat.
Singlestick or Cudgel
A martial art that uses a wooden stick, which began as a way
of training sailors in the use of swords. The sport was
contested as a part of the Olympics in 1904, and was
discontinued after that due to lack of participation. The sport
is now not practiced widely. The art of singlesticks was
revived by the Royal Navy in the 1980s, and is used
occasionally as a form of weapon training.
 Dumog Matcher
It is a style of wrestling practiced in the Philippines, which is a Arrange the matches prior to the tournament and update
standing upright style of wrestling that uses grappling the matches between players during the tournament.
techniques of Filipino martial arts. The objective of the sport
is same as any other BENEFITS OF ARNIS
wrestling, where wrestlers have to force the opponents onto
the ground. This style of wrestling is practiced only in the
Benefits of Arnis:
Philippines and the wrestlers use techniques like pushing,
pulling, and grabbing that move the opponents and throw
them off balance. 1. It can be used as self-defense. It can help you to ensure
your safety especially if you are a girl.

TYPES OF ARNIS: 2. You can use your stick as a weapon. If someone wants
to harm you, you can protect yourself from using your
Anyo or Form wooden sword.
Athletes would perform sequences of movements using 2
batons. 3. Arnis teaches us discipline and control.

Laban or Full Combat Competitions 4. t provides a full body workout. It helps you to improve
Players are required to strike their opponents’ different body your stamina, muscle tone, flexibility, balance and
parts with one baton. strength.

5. It gives you a healthy lifestyle. It helps you to improve

your physical fitness, mental and emotional health.
UNIT 10
TEAM OFFICIALS and BENEFITS OF ARNIS 6. It gives you positive encouragement and respect for
values in martial arts.
Tournament Director
The administrator and chairperson who ensure proper 7. It helps you to improve your cardiovascular health
implementation of all procedure. because it stresses the heart if you do the arnis.

Screening Committee 8. It helps you to be focused on your goals.

Include the Tournament officials and a Physician as
members. 9. It helps you to have a good mood because you are
participating in exercise.
Referees and Judges
Officials who enforce the conduct of all tournament in
accordance with the rules and regulations of the game. UNIT 11
Five Fundamental Forms of Arnis and Basic Skills
Timer
Keep time during the actual match. A gong , whistle or bell
1. Solo Baston-In this form, the arnisador fights with a
shall be provided for his/her use in announcing the start
single stick or baston.
and the end of the game and other calls.
2. Double Baston- The arnisador uses two bastons of
Recorder
equal length.
Recording the results of the actual games. A record sheet
shall be provided for his/her use in recording results.
3. Espada-The arnisador wields a long baston and a
shorter one simultaneously.
Tabulators
Composed of the Chairman of the Judges, Recorder and
4. Dos Manos-The arnisador grips the stick with two
Timer. They shall be tasked in recording the scores,
hands. In this form the stick is longer, from thirty-five to
violations, and the time of the actual performance/s. They
forty-five inches tip to tip.
shall give the final results to the official’s table.
5. Bare-Hand Fighting called Mano-Mano-The empty
Flag Officials
hand techniques of arnis.
Officials who will declare the violation/s of the
performer/s by raising the corresponding flag/s.
12 STRIKING TECHNIQUES IN ARNIS
#1 – Left side of the head attack or strike to left temple.
A diagonal downward forehand swing to the left temple.
From the position, the warrior will hold the stick with one
hand at 1 o’clock moving his stick in slashing motion while
his free hand on his chest.
#2 – Right side of the head attack or strike to right
temple.
A diagonal downward backhand swing striking to the right
temple. Assuming a fighting stance like the left temple
strike, the warrior this time held his stick at 11o'clock with
his free hand kept on his chest.
#3 – Left side of the body or torso, to the left arm or
elbow.
The 3rd striking technique allows the practitioner to
extend his weapon hand making it easier for him to strike
any part of the opponent between its shoulder and hips.
The stick will be draw in a diagonal forehand slashing
swing making it easier to deliver a damage.
#4 – Right side of the body or torso, to the left arm or
elbow.
Same as the 3rd strike but this time the practitioner will
extend the weapon hand to strike any part of the body
between the shoulder and the hips in a backhand slashing
swing located on the right side
#5 – Thrust to the stomach or abdomen.
In this strike, the practitioner will thrust the weapon hand
to the stomach and is followed by an upward motion that
will cut through his opponent's body.
#6 – Left chest stab
In this strike, the weapon hand is then extended to the
front with the palm facing outward and the elbow kept up
where this strike can cause damage to the rib cage.
#7 – Right chest stab
In this stance, the practitioner will practice the scooping
action. The weapon hand is then extended forward with
the palm facing outward. To deliver the strike properly,
the elbow should be kept up puncturing the opponent’s
right lung.
#8 – Left lower leg
In this technique, the practitioner will deliver a powerful
strike to the opponent’s lower leg, mainly the knee, the
angle or the ankle which throws off the opponent’s
balance and immobilize him. By doing this, the warrior is
supposed to lower his body (extending the weapon arm).
Holding his palm upward and hit any part of the
opponent’s lower leg.
#9 - Right lower leg
Again, like the 8th strike, the main target here is the right
lower leg which immobilize the opponent. By doing this,
the palm should face downward.
#10 - Left eye poke
The target here is the left eye socket. In order to execute it
properly, the practitioner should assume fighting stance
then extend the weapon hand forward with the palm
facing outward with its elbow kept down.
#11 - Right eye poke
Same as the 10th strike technique. To execute it properly
the practitioner will have to hold his elbow down poking
the right eye of the opponent.
#12 - Strike to the crown/top of head
The last strike will be a straight downward overhead swing
directed towards the crown of the head which could
throw off the opponent’s mobility and balance.
The First 5 Strikes:
#1 – Forehand strike to the left temple.
#2 – Backhand strike to the right temple.
#3 – Forehand strike to the left elbow.
#4 – Backhand strike to the right elbow.
#5 – Thrust to midsection.
STANCE
Stances is a “way of standing or being placed”.
Solid and correct stances serve as the “root” for
martial artists that keeps him standing.
Stances enables the martial artist to maintain
stability and balance when doing a particular
technique or a sequence of techniques.
By knowing the correct stance, the body weight or
center of gravity is perfectly placed to either the
front leg (as in the case of forward stances), back
leg (as in the case of back stances) or in the middle
(as in the case of straddle stances).
Another purpose of stances is for maneuverability.
-Maneuvering or going from one position to
another is achieved through a sequence of steps or proper
foot placement - that is basically a sequence of stances.
In martial arts, there are many kinds of maneuvers or
footwork that includes:
“striking maneuvers”
“blocking maneuvers”
“evasive maneuvers”
The seven most common used stance when you are
standing at ease.
The ready stance is commonly used when standing at
ease during training or tournaments.
1. Ready Stance
 Stand with your feet apart parallel to the shoulder
with both toes pointing forward.
 The knees should be straight, the waist and the body
facing forward.
 Hands are on waist level and the hands should hold
the sticks on both sides.
The stance is commonly used in preparation for courtesy
or “bowing” at commencement of sparring.
2. Attention Stance
 Stand with your feet forming a 45 degrees angle.
 Heels should be close to each other, knees should be
straight, the waist and body facing forward.
 Shoulders are dropped to the side and both hands
are at waist level.
Forward Stance are commonly used with frontal striking
or blocking techniques
3. Forward Stance
 Starting with the ready stance, move one foot
forward until the knee and the toe are in line to each
other.
 Both toes are pointing in front, the waist and the
body is facing forward.
 The body should not be too low or the lead foot too
extended otherwise it will be hard to maneuver.
 Distribute the weight or center of gravity to both
legs.
Oblique Stances are commonly used for forward blocking
and evasion techniques.
4.Oblique Stance
 Starting with the ready stance, move one foot
forward 45 degrees away from the body until the
knee and the toe are in line to each other.
 Move on the same direction as the lead foot (ex: for
right foot lead, move 45 degrees forward to the
right).
 Both toes are pointing in front, the waist and the
body is facing forward.
 The body should not be too low or the lead foot too
extended otherwise it will be hard to maneuver.
 Distribute the weight or center of gravity to both
legs.
Straddle stances are commonly used for blocking the
strikes of the side of the body.
5.Straddle Stance
 Starting with the ready stance, move one foot about
two feet (2’) to the left or the right direction until
both lower legs are almost perpendicular to the
ground.
 Both toes are pointing in front, the waist and the
body is facing forward.
 The body should not be too low or extended
otherwise it will be hard to maneuver.
 Distribute the weight or center of gravity to both
legs.
 Straddle stance are also called Horseback Riding
Stance since it mimics position when riding on a
horse back.
Side Stances are commonly used for strike deflection and
evasion techniques.
6.Side Stance
 Starting with the ready stance, move one foot about
two feet (2’) to the left or right direction.
 Moving foot will be perpendicular to the ground
while the other leg is extended thereby creating a
position like that of a side kick.
 Both toes are pointing in front, the waist and the
body is facing forward.
 The body should not be too low or extended
otherwise it will be hard to maneuver.
 Distribute the weight or center of gravity to both
legs.
Back stances are used for blocking and backward evasion
techniques.
7.Back Stance
 Starting with the ready stance, move one foot
backward 45 degrees away from the body.
 The heels of the foot should form an imaginary “L”
shape while the legs are in a straddle position.
 The body should not be too low or extended
otherwise it will be hard to maneuver.
 Distribute the weight or center of gravity to both
legs.

UNIT 12
Rules and Regulation (ARNIS)
ARNIS COMPETITION RULES GENERAL FORMAT
 The Arnis Martial Arts Competition is a continuous,
full contact, live weapon, stick fighting venue.
 Competitors will fight each other with sticks:
 slender, cylindrically-shaped rattan weapons in 2
round matches at 1 minute per round
with 30 seconds of rest between rounds.
 This is an open-style competition.
 Single stick fighting and double stick fighting contests
will be conducted in a round robin tournament
format.
 All matches will be scored by judges using a 10-point
must system.
 This means that the winner of the round will
always be rewarded with 10 points, unless there
is a deduction from a foul. In a standard round
the loser of the round would receive 9 points.
 Divisions of these contests will be based on weight,
age, gender, rank and martial arts experience level.
RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
 Opponents will begin and end all matches with
a salute or bow to each other and the judges.
 Referee will position fighters beyond largo
range at the start of every round.
 Only attacks with the stick and feet are
allowed.
 Hits, slashes, and wit ticks are all legal. Punots,
pokes and stabs are all illegal.
 Target areas are: 1) front and sides of the
body, 2) arms and hands, 3) top, front and
sides of the helmet.
 Kicks are allowed below the neck and above
the waist only.
 In single stick competition, it is NOT legal to
block a stick with your free hand. However,
“arm stopping” at quarto range or arm
checking is allowed.
 Fighters are required to exhibit a realistic
defense (movement, parrying, intelligent
blocking…)
 No takedowns. No grappling, wrestling or
hooking.
 No pushing or striking with any part of your
body.
 No foot sweeps or throws, thrusting or butt
strikes, 2 handed strikes.
 No strikes or kicks below the waistline or
direct strikes to the back.
 No kicks below the waist or above the neck.
 No knee strikes or elbow strikes.
 Checks may be used to create distance but
may NOT be directed to the face. Checks are
allowed below the neck and above the waist
free hand or two hands on weapon (AKA rifle
checking).
 Trapping and parrying are allowed. Locking
and holding are not allowed.
 An instantaneous “Hold and Hit” with
immediate release is allowed.
 In the event inaction or ineffective action in
the clinch, referee will call time and break
clinch.
 Disarms must be immediate, or have an
immediate release (1 – 2 rule applies).
 Joints may not be locked or twisted for a
disarm.
 You may use the ring to control the action. You
may not use it to avoid action.
 To signal surrender or stop action for an injury,
equipment failure, etc., raise both hands and
back up. Do not turn away.

CORNER AND COACHING

 Fighter is required to have at least one corner person

with maximum of two.

 Coaching may only be done during break in the

action.

 Corner men are not to communicate with their

fighter while action is in progress.

 Do not remove any equipment, until the end of the

match. Helmet may be removed between rounds.

JUDGING, SCORING & OFFICIATING

 In single stick competition:
 disarms shall be scored as part of the match as a
mandatory point deduction.
 3 disarms will result in a TKO.
 The 3 disarm rule may be waived at the
tournament directors discretion.
 In double stick competition:
 a fighter will not be deducted if disarmed
 the fighter will continue to fight with one
weapon until the end of the round.
 A fighter who loses both weapons will
automatically lose the match.

PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT AND ETIQUETTE OF ATHLETES,

COACHES AND SPECTATORS

 All participants are expected to exhibit professional

behavior.

 Excessive foul language and un-sportsmanlike

conduct will not be tolerated by any fighters,
coaches, or spectators.

 Fighters and coaches will not discuss fights with the

judges or referees while tournament is in progress.