ARNIS

PHED 1032 Module 5

By Prof. Jei-ar Burgos
Basic Stances
According to Grandmaster
Ciriaco “Cacoy” Caňete,
stance is the manner in which
the body is poised while
standing. Proper stance allows
rapid, strong, and effective
olisi strikes.
 Salutation
On the playing area,
individuals, as a matter of
practice and tradition, show a
gesture of courtesy with an
olisi and hand salute as they
face the instructor or sparring
partner before and after
every practice session.
Forward Stance
1. Starting with the ready stance, move one foot
forward until the knee and the toe are in line with
each other.
2. Both toes are pointing in front, the waist, and
the body is facing forward.
3. The body should not be too low or the lead
foot too extended otherwise it will be hard to
maneuver.
4. Distribute the weight or center of gravity to
both legs.

Note: Forward stances can be right foot lead, which is

the Right Foot Forward Stance or it can be left foot
lead which is Left Foot Forward Stance. Forward
Stance is commonly used with frontal striking or
blocking techniques.
Oblique Stance

1. 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.
2. Move in the same direction as the lead foot. Both
toes are pointing in front, the waist, and the body is
facing forward.
3. The body should not be too low or the lead foot
too extended otherwise it will be hard to maneuver.
4. Distribute the weight or center of gravity to both
legs.

Note: Oblique stances can be right foot lead, which is the Right
Foot Oblique Stance or it can be left foot lead which is Left Foot
Oblique Stance. Oblique Stances are commonly used for
forwarding blocking and evasion techniques.
Straddle Stance

1. Starting with the ready stance, move one foot

about two feet to the left or the right direction
until both lower legs are almost perpendicular to
the ground.
2. 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.
3. Distribute the weight or center of gravity to
both legs.

Note: Straddle stance is also called Horseback Riding

Stance since it mimics position when riding
on horseback. Straddle stances are commonly used
for blocking the strikes to the side of the body.
Side Stance
1. Starting with the ready stance, move one foot
about two feet 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.
2. 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.
3. Distribute the weight or center of gravity to both
legs. If the left foot moves to the side it becomes
Left Foot Side Stance, if the right foot moves to the
side it becomes Right Foot Side Stance.

Note: Side Stances are commonly used for strike

deflection and evasion techniques.
Back Stance

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Back stances can be right foot lead, which is
the Right Foot Back Stance or it can be left foot
lead which is Left Foot Back Stance.
Note: Back stances are used for blocking and backward
evasion techniques.
Activity 5
Watch and memorize the warm-up exercise for Arnis
on the video posted on Group Chat Room. Perform
the exercise by group.
Do a 16-count repetitions for each exercise. You
may use music accompaniment if desired.
ACTIVITY 5
Execute the following stances.

1.Salutation
2.Natural or Open Leg Stance
3.Forward Stance
4.Oblique Stance
5.Straddle Stance
6.Side Stance
7.Back Stance
Safety Reminders:
1.Wear proper and complete uniform or attire while
performing practical tests.
2.Be careful not to hit anyone or anything around you.
3.Always include warm-up exercise and proper
salutation before and after each practical tests.
4.Keep the arnis sticks on safe place when not in use.
THANK YOU