Traditional

Sport
(ARNIS)
1. 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.
JHIMIE M. TABAT
JHIMIE M. TABAT
ii. History of the Game
Arnis was developed by the indigenous
populations of the Philippines, who used an
assorted range of weaponry for combat and self-
defense. Encompassing both simple impact and
edged weapons, arnis traditionally
involved rattan, swords, daggers
and spears.
JHIMIE M. TABAT
 Arnis, as a martial art, was spawned in
Philippine soil. It was known in ancient
Philippines as kali, an ancient Malayan word that
implies a large bladed weapon longer than a knife.
This art was practiced primarily for self-defense
by the pre-Spanish Filipinos who
were noted for their friendly
nature and legendary hospitality.
JHIMIE M. TABAT
 VARIANTS
declared on 11 December 2009

The first national organization for Arnis is the

National Arnis Association of the Philippines
(NARAPHIL) which was founded in 1975
by Gen. Fabian C. Ver.
The two major types of Arnis practiced as sports are
the system followed by WEKAF (World Eskrima Kali
Arnis Federation) which was established in 1989, and is
recognized internationally; and the other system
followed by Arnis Philippines (ARPI), established in
1986
WORLD ESKRIMA KALI ARNIS FEDERATION (“WEKAF”)

The system works on the 10-point ‘must’ system that is quite

similar to boxing. 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.
 ARNIS PHILIPPINES SYSTEM (“ARPI”)

The Arnis Philippines system was established before the

WEKAF system (in 1986) and adapted the scoring system
similar to fencing. 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.
 iii.Nature and
Characteristics of the
Game
Arnis, also known as Eskrima or
Kali, is a Filipino martial art that
emphasizes stick-fighting but also
includes empty-hand techniques
and weapon disarming.
CHARACTERISTICS
WEAPON-BASED
Mano y Mano
Balaraw (Dagger)
Solo Baston
Espada y Daga
Mano y Mano Often referred to as Empty
Hand, Kamao (knuckles),
Kuntao, or simply Mano
represents the
interpretation and
adaptation of weapon
techniques to empty hands.
BALARAW
(DAGGER) Tactical knife techniques in
Arnis simulates the use of
one short weapon such as
Balaraw (dagger), kutsilyo
(knife), Balisong (butterfly
knife), and Dulo-Dulo (Palm
stick).
 Solo Baston also called as solo olisi,

SOLO BASTON simulates a combative system

utilizing one Long weapon such as
stick (for blunt weapon) and
swords (for edged weapon) that
focuses on the use of the weapon
hand especially in Long range
while it goes in tandem with the
live hand (that is usually trained by
Espada y Daga) for medium to close
range.
ESPADA Y
Espada y Daga (sword and dagger) is
a system that simulates the use of
DAGA one Long and one short weapon as
well as shield and weapon
combinations and is unique to
Filipino Martial Arts due to its
combination of long and short
weapon, which teaches the
partitioner to transition from Long
to mid or mid to short ranges and
vice versa.
ECONOMY OF MOTION
Arnis emphasizes efficient and economical
movements. Practitioners aim for
effectiveness in executing techniques while
conserving energy.
FLOW AND FLUIDITY
The art encourages a flowing and
continuous style of movement, allowing
practitioners to seamlessly transition
between offensive and defensive maneuvers.
 VERSATILITY
Arnis is adaptable to various situations and
weapons. Techniques can be applied with
different types of sticks, improvised weapons,
or even bare hands.
 DISARMING TECHNIQUES
Arnis places a strong emphasis on
disarming opponents. Practitioners learn
how to disarm an armed adversary using
precise and calculated movements.
 CLOSENESS AND RANGES
Arnis encompasses different ranges,
including long, medium, and close-quarters
combat. Practitioners are trained to navigate
and control these ranges effectively.
EMPTY-HAND TECHNIQUES
While weapon training is prominent,
Arnis also includes empty-hand techniques
for self-defense, such as joint locks, throws,
and strikes.
 SIMULTANEOUS ATTACK AND DEFENSE
Arnis encourages the concept of
"defanging the snake," meaning practitioners
aim to disarm or disable their opponent
while defending themselves simultaneously.
 CULTURAL HERITAGE
Arnis is deeply rooted in Filipino culture
and history, reflecting the country's martial
traditions. It incorporates elements from
various regional styles.
 DRILLS AND PATTERNS
Training often involves repetitive drills
and patterns, helping practitioners develop
muscle memory and reflexes for effective
responses in real-world situations.
 Rules and
Regulations of the Game
1. Safety:
Participants must wear
appropriate protective
gear, such as helmets,
gloves, and padding, to
minimize the risk of
injury.
2. Respect:
Respect for instructors,
opponents, and the art
itself is fundamental.
3. Control:
Practitioners are
expected to
demonstrate control
and precision in their
strikes to avoid
causing unnecessary
harm.
4. Technique:
Emphasis is placed on
proper technique and
form, with
practitioners often
starting with basic
movements before
progressing to more
advanced techniques.
5. Scoring:
Points may be
awarded for clean
strikes, effective
defenses, and
tactical
maneuvering.
6. Weapon
specifications:
Competitors may be
required to use
specific types or
lengths of sticks or
blades.
7. Fair play:
Unsportsmanlike
conduct, such as
intentionally
injuring opponents
or disregarding
rules, is prohibited.
8. Referee's
decisions:
Referees or judges
oversee matches
and have the
authority to enforce
rules, make calls,
and determine the
outcome of disputes.
9.Training
ethics:
Diligence,
discipline, and
humility are
encouraged virtues
in arnis training.
 Basic Skill
Learning and
Development
6 fundamental skills
in Arnis
 1. Grip
Proper Hold of the Stick
-Hold the stick one fist
away from the punyo
(butt) of the stick. Close
the grip with the thumb.
 2.Handa
Basic Stance and
Salutation
a. - Feet are positioned
shoulder width apart.
Stick is held in front of
the body.
3. Pugay
Basic Stance and
Salutation
b. Place the weapon
hand across the chest. -
Bow by bending at the
waist.
 4, Handa sa Paglaban/Fighting
Stance
c. - One foot in the front (foot
the same as the weapon hand),
the other foot on the rear. -
Keep feet apart, distance of
one foot. - Both knees slightly
bent. - Toes facing forward. -
Weight evenly distributed on
both feet.
 5, Forward Stance
d. - Distance of 5 steps
between the feet.
- Back leg kept straight, rear
foot is held at a 45 degree
angle.
- Keep the front knee bent.
- Weight is evenly distributed
on both feet.
 6, Backward Stance
e. - Distance of 4 steps
between the feet.
- Both knees are slightly
bent.
- Rear foot held at a 90
degree angle.
- 70% of the body weight on
the rear foot while 30% is
placed on the front foot.
 Basic Skills:
12 Striking Techniques
in Arnis
 before and after
performing the 12
basic strikes of arnis
do not forget to
perform the pugay or
salutation.
Figure of
the
Arnis
strikes
1. Left side of the head attack.
(right forward stance)
A diagonal downward forehand swing
to the left temple.

Hold the stick with one hand at 1

o’clock moving his stick in slashing
motion .

Free hand on his chest.

2. Right side of the head attack.
(Left forward stance)
A diagonal downward backhand swing
striking to the right temple.

The warrior this time held his stick at

11o'clock.

Free hand on his chest.

3. Left side of the body or torso, to the
left arm or elbow.
(Right forward stance)
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.
(Left forward stance)
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.
(Right forward stance)
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.
(Right forward stance)
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.
(Left forward 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.
(Right forward stance)
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.

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.
(Left forward stance)
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.
(Right forward stance)
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.
(Left forward stance)
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.
(Right forward stance)
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.
6 Basic Blocking
Techniques
in Arnis
What is the purpose of Blocking Techniques
in Arnis?
In martial arts, blocking is the act of
stopping or deflecting an opponent's
attack for the purpose of preventing
injurious contact with the body.

A block is usually done by blocking the

attack or strike of an opponent using
the stick or baston.
 before and after
performing the 6
basic blocks of arnis
do not forget to
perform the pugay or
salutation.
1. Rising Block

-performed by
raising the cane
over the head to
block the
opponents blow.
2. Right Sideward- Downward Block
- performed by
positioning the hand
holding the cane above
the right shoulder then
swinging the cane
downward to block the
opponents attack.
3. Left Sideward- Downward Block
- performed by
positioning the cane
behind the left ear then
swinging it downward to
block the opponents
eblow.
4. Vertical Blocking
-performed by raising
the elbow of the hand
holding the cane to
shoulder level while the
other hand is supporting
it at the middle.
5. Outside Blocking

-Performed by bringing
the cane forward
supported by the left
hand at the middle of
the cane
6. Inside Blocking

-Performed as an
outside block,
however, on the right
side of the body
Thank You for
Listening!