MODERN ARNIS

HISTORY OF ARNIS
This martial art originated in the
Phillippines. The primary weapon
used in this traditional
martial art is the cane or baton. It
also involves hand to hand combat,
grappling, and weapons
disarming.
Arnis was developed by the
indigenous populations of the
Philippines who used an
assorted range of weaponry
for combat and self-defense.
Arnis is otherwise known
as eskrima, kali and garrote, and
by even more names in different
Filipino regional languages.
Encompassing both simple
impact and edged weapons,
arnis traditionally involved
rattan,
swords, daggers and spears.
In 1521, equipped with
nothing more than bladed
weapons and their fearsome
arnis
abilities, Filipino islanders
defeated Ferdinand Magellans
armored, musket-bearing
Spanish
conquistador forces when they
tried to invade.
When the Spanish eventually
returned and successfully
conquered parts of the Philippines,
the traditions of arnis were
preserved, despite its
prohibition, in the forms of
ritual dance,
performance and mock battles.
While earlier Filipino martial arts
were influenced by Spanish
colonization, the modern forms
have been affected by the
countrys contact with both
the
United States and Japan after
gaining independence in 1898. Just
over a century later, in 2009,
the government of the Philippines
declared arnis to be the martial art
and national sport of the
Philippines.
It is a Filipino Martial art that can
be performed individually or with
a partner. Using a
single stick or a pair of sticks for
striking and blocking. It was
founded by Remy Presas and he
used it as a self-defense system.
Nowadays it is considered as one
of the events in Palarong
Pambansa wherein Anyo is
one of the popular one. It is
a combination of pre-arranged
or
choreographed striking, blocking
and body shifting techniques
HISTORY OF ARNIS
This martial art originated in the
Phillippines. The primary weapon
used in this traditional
martial art is the cane or baton. It
also involves hand to hand combat,
grappling, and weapons
disarming.
Arnis was developed by the
indigenous populations of the
Philippines who used an
assorted range of weaponry
for combat and self-defense.
Arnis is otherwise known
as eskrima, kali and garrote, and
by even more names in different
Filipino regional languages.
Encompassing both simple
impact and edged weapons,
arnis traditionally involved
rattan,
swords, daggers and spears.
In 1521, equipped with
nothing more than bladed
weapons and their fearsome
arnis
abilities, Filipino islanders
defeated Ferdinand Magellans
armored, musket-bearing
Spanish
conquistador forces when they
tried to invade.
When the Spanish eventually
returned and successfully
conquered parts of the Philippines,
the traditions of arnis were
preserved, despite its
prohibition, in the forms of
ritual dance,
performance and mock battles.
While earlier Filipino martial arts
were influenced by Spanish
colonization, the modern forms
have been affected by the
countrys contact with both
the
United States and Japan after
gaining independence in 1898. Just
over a century later, in 2009,
the government of the Philippines
declared arnis to be the martial art
and national sport of the
Philippines.
It is a Filipino Martial art that can
be performed individually or with
a partner. Using a
single stick or a pair of sticks for
striking and blocking. It was
founded by Remy Presas and he
used it as a self-defense system.
Nowadays it is considered as one
of the events in Palarong
Pambansa wherein Anyo is
one of the popular one. It is
a combination of pre-arranged
or
choreographed striking, blocking
and body shifting techniques.
Arnis is the official national sport and the martial art of the Philippines. It is also known
as "Kali" or "Eskrima". These two terms are used for the traditional martial art of the
Philippines (“Filipino Martial Arts”, or “FMA”) that focuses on weapon-based fighting with
knives, sticks, bladed weapons and some improvised weapons. Arnis is a combat
sport to defend oneself from attacks using hand to hand combat, grappling and weapon
disarming in weapon-based fights

ORIGIN OF THE NAME

The word Arnis got originated from the old Spanish term, arnés,

meant “armor”and Eskrima is a Filipinization of the Spanish word, esgrima for fencing.
Whereas the name ‘Kali’ was derived from the pre-Hispanic Filipano term ‘Kalis’ which
meant Blades and Fencing.
Practitioners of the sport are called “arnisador” for male and “arnisadora” for female in
Arnis and “eskrimador” for male and “eskrimadora” for female in the Eskrima and Kali Art
 ARNIS HISTORY
Philippine is an island nation that is not only rich in culture, heritage, and history but
also in sports. The Filipino martial art widely known as Arnis / Kali / Eskrima has
contributed to both the history and diversity of Philippines.
Some common questions that arise in every reader’s mind are (a) “Where did this
Sport Originate From?” (b) “Why is it played?”  Therefore, to get a better
understanding about the sport we need to dig into the past.
Initially, the sport was practiced by peasants or by commoner class people.  But these
practitioners lacked the scholarly knowledge due to which this sport has no written
records. The origin of Arnis can be traced back to native fighting techniques during
the conflicts among the various Pre-Hispanic Filipino tribes or kingdoms. Whereas,
another form of Spanish fencing dating back to the 15th Century, also influenced the
current form of Arnis, moreover it also has the impact of Chinese, Arab and Indian
martial arts.
It is also believed by some people of Philippines that the Filipino art of Arnis has
some roots connected to India as the people who traveled
through Indonesia and Malaysia to the Philippine islands had brought this art with
them. Silambam, a stick based ancient martial art of Tamil Nadu, India, has
influenced many martial art forms in Asia like Silat among which it is also believed that
the Filipino Martial art sport, Arnis, also shares ancestry with India’s Martial art,
Silambam, as it has some similar moves with the short stick (kali or kaji) and other
weapon based styles of Silambam.
Arnis originally belonged to the people of Philippines, but as time passed by, the art
spread over to other countries and by the time of World War II; many continents
adopted it. Arnis also played a significant role during
the Philippine revolutionaries against the Spaniards..
1. WORLD ESKRIMA KALI ARNIS FEDERATION (“WEKAF”) 
WEKAF is the most common system of Arnis art which is used internationally. It was
established in 1989.  The system works on the 10-point ‘must’ system that
is quite similar to boxing. Here, the participants spar with live sticks wearing a long
padded vest, skirts and sleeves. In this system, hitting below the thigh is strictly
prohibited. This system emphasizes heavy offence at the expense of defensive
techniques, and the combatants are seen hitting each other in a disorganized manner.
Hence, the "four-second rule" according to which the participants were forbidden to
use the same strike for more than twice in succession. This system is preferred by
participants who want to test themselves. 
2. ARNIS PHILIPPINES SYSTEM (“ARPI”) 
The Arnis Philippines system was established before the WEKAF system (in 1986) and
adapted the scoring system similar to fencing. The matches are observed by multiple
judges to mark fouls and the loudness of the impact judges the strike strength. The
participants score points by disarming their opponent or by forcing them to step out of
the ring. In the ‘ARPI’ system, participants use padded sticks with light rattan cores
(wooden stem) in place of live sticks as they are tenderer and flex while attacking.
OBJECTIVE
The sport Arnis is played between two fighters with a main objective of earning more
points by legally attacking the opponent with the help of stick. It is said that Arnis
develops self-discipline and control because this sport is a simple martial art and it is
all about defending oneself by using sticks
PARTICIPANTS
For individual category event in Arnis, one player is selected per team and for team
category, three players are selected per team.
EQUIPMENT
Arnis / Kali / Eskrima are all part of the same art depending on the location,
dialect and type of training. The one interpretation common to all of them is
that Kali is the mother art of Arnis and Eskrima. Moreover, Arnis focuses on
the knife, including the dagger, sword, and any other form of bladed weapon
whereas Eskrima is based on the ‘baston’ or stick
1) Impact Weapon:
Baston: This is the most basic and common weapon in Arnis. Traditional common
materials used for wooden bastons are usually rattan, kamagong, and bahi wood. It is
also available in modern materials such as fiberglass and plastics and in metals like
aluminum
Rattan: This is usually constructed from a stem of Southeast Asian vine. This stem
is hard and durable yet lightweight that makes the weapon useful for defense against
blades. At present, fighters use padded Bastons. The Baston (Baton) is about 28
inches (71 cm) in length.
Kamagong (also known as Mabolo): This is a dark, dense, expensive type of wood
known for its hardness and weight. Kamagong is also an endangered species of ebony
wood.
Bahi: Bahi is a type of wood made from the heart of a palm tree. It is similar to
kamagong but is made of a porous material in weight and density.
2) Edged Weapons: Knife, dagger, spear, etc. are edged weapons used throughout
the history for combat
3) Head Gear: It is a necessity in Arnis combat. It is covered with high-grade
leatherette and vinyl that is printed with ethnic art. Its materials provide
vital protection from head strikes and a multi-thickness metal frame is developed for
impact protection.
4) Body Armor: It is designed specially to provide complete upper body
protection while allowing mobility and protection. The armor is usually made of hard
plastic and vinyl for lightness and the lower panels are extended downwards to
provide extra coverage.
5) Leg Guard: These guards can be used to protect both thigh and the shin area and
are not only designed for protection but also for comfort and practicality.
6) Groin: It is a special padding for the lower abdomen. It has a groin cup to provide
complete protection to the groin area.
7) Hand Gloves: It is a thick rubber protection which serves as a protection
from strikes as the stick is held in hand. Its open palm design ensures a stable
grip and finger flexibility for impact absorption.
8) Arnis Clothing: The basic Arnis Uniform is made from twill fabric, which
maintains durability and comfort. It is specially designed after the classic Arnis
uniform with Velcro straps to close the flaps easily
PLAYING AREA
The playing area is a square measuring 26.24 feet (8 meters) on one side with 6.56
feet (2 meters) of minimum free zone drawn outside it. All the lines of the playing
surface are 1.97 inch (5.08 cm) in width and four lines mark the boundary of the
playing area. The two lines of 3.28 feet (1 meter) long and 6.56 feet (2 meters)
aside mark the horizontal match line. When the horizontal match line runs
perpendicular to the official’s table it is drawn 9.84 feet (3 meters) from the boundary
lines whereas 11.48 feet (3.5 meters) from the boundary line if drawn parallel to the
official’s table.
GAMEPLAY
While playing this sport, the two fighters need to be fully equipped with
the protective gears and are allowed to hit their opponents only above their
thighs in two round matches at one minute per round with thirty seconds of
rest between rounds. Arnis has a four second rule that restricts the participants from
making the same strike more than twice in succession. Moreover, if a rule is broken
then the officials give a warning sign before disqualification. At the end of the game
the fighter with highest points wins.
SCORING
All matches are scored by 3 judges on the “10 Point must” system. Scoring is based
on Quantity of strikes, Effectiveness of Strikes and Ring Generalship (time spent
staying within the ring). In single stick competition, disarms shall be scored as part of
the match as a mandatory point deduction and if 3 disarms take place this would result
in a Technical Knockout (“TKO”) whereas in double stick competition, a fighter point
will not be deducted if disarmed and will continue to fight with one weapon until the end
of the round. If a fighter loses both the weapons, then he / she will automatically lose
the match.
  

HISTORY OF ARNIS
This martial art originated in the
Phillippines. The primary weapon
used in this traditional
martial art is the cane or baton. It
also involves hand to hand combat,
grappling, and weapons
disarming.
Arnis was developed by the
indigenous populations of the
Philippines who used an
assorted range of weaponry
for combat and self-defense.
Arnis is otherwise known
as eskrima, kali and garrote, and
by even more names in different
Filipino regional languages.
Encompassing both simple
impact and edged weapons,
arnis traditionally involved
rattan,
swords, daggers and spears.
In 1521, equipped with
nothing more than bladed
weapons and their fearsome
arnis
abilities, Filipino islanders
defeated Ferdinand Magellans
armored, musket-bearing
Spanish
conquistador forces when they
tried to invade.
When the Spanish eventually
returned and successfully
conquered parts of the Philippines,
the traditions of arnis were
preserved, despite its
prohibition, in the forms of
ritual dance,
performance and mock battles.
While earlier Filipino martial arts
were influenced by Spanish
colonization, the modern forms
have been affected by the
countrys contact with both
the
United States and Japan after
gaining independence in 1898. Just
over a century later, in 2009,
the government of the Philippines
declared arnis to be the martial art
and national sport of the
Philippines.
It is a Filipino Martial art that can
be performed individually or with
a partner. Using a
single stick or a pair of sticks for
striking and blocking. It was
founded by Remy Presas and he
used it as a self-defense system.
Nowadays it is considered as one
of the events in Palarong
 Pambansa wherein Anyo is
one of the popular one. It is
a combination of pre-arranged
or
choreographed striking, blocking
and body shifting techniques.
Courtesy: Salutation/ PUGAY
At close stance, the salutation is done by placing the right hand with the weapon pointing
upward over the left chest, while the left arm is at the side. This should be done before and after
every class. Both feet close together or form 45 degrees
ARNIS GRIPS
1. Overlap Grip – The thumb is placed overlapping the index finger, the wrist is relaxed.
2. Under Thumb Grip – The thumb is placed parallel to the stick, the wrist is Relaxed.

ARNIS STANCES
7 Arnis Stances
 Ready Stance. This is the most common used stance when you are standing at ease. ...
 Attention Stance. This stance is different from the ready stance, since you stand with your feet
forming a 45 degrees angle. ...
 Forward Stance. ...
 Oblique Stance. ...
 Straddle Stance. ...
 Side Stance. ...
 Back Stance
WHAT ARE THE 12 STRIKING TECHNIQUES IN
ARNIS?
These are the 12 basic angles or 12 striking techniques in Arnis. Traditionally,
these strikes were given names instead of numbers.

Practitioners of the Arnis decided that giving them names would be easier and
more convenient.

The number of the strikes and the order in which they are executed will differ
from one system to another.

Some systems will have as few as 5 basic strikes while others will have 72.

But these 12 strikes are the most famous and the most widely practiced and
used strikes among all Arnis practitioners across the world.

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.

#1 – Left side of the head attack

From the fighting stance, the warrior will hold the stick with one hand at 1 o’clock.
 He will then move the stick in a slashing action while keeping the free hand on the chest.
 This is a diagonal downward forehand swing to the left temple.
 #2 – Right side of the head attack
 Like the left temple strike the warrior assumes fighting stance, this time with the stick
held at 11 o’clock and the free hand kept on the chest.
 The strike to the right temple is then done in a diagonal downward backhand swing.

 First & Second Strikes strike towards the temple of a persons head
Source: https://sites.google.com/site/defensespecialists/grandmasterporfiriolanadaarni
slanada
 #3 – Left side of the body or torso
 In this strike, the practitioner will extend the weapon hand.
 Then he will proceed to strike any part of the trunk located between the shoulder and the
hips. The stick will be held in a diagonal forehand slashing swing.
 This is the way to deliver the maximum amount of damage.
 #4 – Right side of the body or torso
 Again the practitioner will extend the weapon hand to strike any part of the body located
on the right side between the shoulder and the hips.
 The weapon of choice will be moved in a backhand slashing swing.
 #5 – Thrust To The Stomach
 This is a strong thrust to the solar plexus or the stomach and can cause fatal damage to
the vital organs in the abdomen.
 In this strike, the practitioner will thrust the weapon hand to the target point, which is the
solar plexus.
 It is then followed by an upward motion that will cut through the opponent’s body.
 Strike to the Crown & Thrust to the Stomach
 #6 – Left Chest Stab
 In this strike, the practitioner will assume the fighting stance with the weapon of choice
in his hands.
 The weapon hand is then extended to the front with the palm facing outward and the
elbow kept up. This strike can cause real damage to the rib cage.
 A weapon like a knife, spear or sword will end your opponent’s life immediately as it
punctures the lungs and the heart.
 #7 – Right Chest Stab
 After assuming fighting stance, the practitioner will practice the scooping action.
 The weapon hand is then extended forward with the palm facing outward.
 The elbow should be kept up in order to deliver an efficient strike to the right lung that
will puncture it and end your opponent’s life immediately.
 #8 – Left Lower Leg
 A practitioner here will try to deliver a powerful strike to the lower leg, targeting the
knee, the shin or the ankle.
 The aim of the strike is to throw your opponent off balance and immobilize him.
 Using the right weapon, you might be able to break a bone or even cut a limb.
 The warrior is supposed to lower his body while extending the weapon arm.
 He should hold the palm upward and hit any part of the lower leg.
 #9 – Right Lower Leg
 This strike is just like the previous one.
 The practitioner will extend the weapon hand and lower his body to hit the knee, the shin
or the ankle.

 This time the palm should face downward

 #10 – Left Eye Poke
  A targeted thrust to the eye socket will not just blind your opponent, but will also deliver
real damage to the brain.
 Using a sharp weapon like a sibat or the right baston can end your opponent’s life right
there.
 The practitioner should assume fighting stance then extend the weapon hand forward
with the palm facing outward and the elbow kept down.
 #11 – Right Eye Poke
 This thrust is similar to the previous one except that the practitioner will have to hold his
elbow down.
 This will allow him to hit the eye precisely with the right weapon penetrating all the way
through to the brain.

 #12 – Strike to the crown/top of head.

 This is a straight downward overhead swing directed towards the crown of the head.
 Hitting the top of the head can immobilize your opponent, deliver damage to the brain
and throw him off balance.
 Using a real sharp or powerful weapon can even shatter the skull bones ending the fight
to your favor in a matter of seconds.

Arnis Blockings

stance with footwork twelve basic

blocks stationary position

left temple block

right temple block

left shoulder block

right shoulder block

stomach thrust block

left chest thrust lock

right chest thrust block

right knee block

left knee block

left eye thrust block

right eye trash block

rising block or umbrella block

Sinawali is the double-cane method of fighting of arnis, escrima and kali. The name sinawali
came from the Tagalog word “sawali,” a woven split bamboo mats used as walls of nipa huts.
The crisscrossing movements of sinawali weapons fighting mimic the pattern of these mats
hence the name

KINDS OF SINAWALI

1. SOLO BASTON SINAWALI

2. DOBLE BASTON SINAWALI

SINAWALI DRILLS

1.ADVANCE SOLO BASTON SINAWALI

2.DOBLE BASTON SINAWALI

3.ADVANCE DOBLE SINAWALI

4 .REVERSE DOBLE SINAWALI

5.PHILIPHERAL SINAWALI

6. REVERSE PHILIPHERAL SINAWALI

7 REDONDA

8. REVERSE REDONDA

ARNIS CLASSICAL SRTRIKES

1. ABANIKO KORTO
2. ABINIKO MIDYA KORTO
3. ABANIKO LARGO
4. ABANIKO SA ITAAS NG ULO
5. BADA Y BANDA
6. ROMPIDA
7. ROMPIDANG KANANG BAHAGI
8. ROMPIDANG KALIWANG BAHAGI
9. DOBLADA
10. RAPILON
11. PIGURANG OTSONG PATAGANG MULA PATAAS
12. PIGURANG OITSONG PATAGA MULA SA IBABA
13. SUNGKITENG PAHALANG
14. SUNKITENG MULA SA BABA PAITAAS
15. SUNGKITENBG MULA SA TAAS PABABA
16. PLUMA
17. LABUGAY
18. LABUGAY SALIWA
19. SINKO TEROS
20. HIRADA( BATANGUENYA)
21. PUNYO