Lesson 1: A BRIEF HISTORY OF ARNIS
o Kali is being taught in a school like training grounds, which
was called Bothoan
o On the dawn of April 27, 1521 - Ferdinand Magellan was
defeated by a native warrior chief named Lapu-lapu
o Forty years after that event, on April of 1564 another
warrior navigator from Spain named Miguel De Legaspi
landed in Abuyog Leyte.
o Years have passed by Spain was able to colonize the
Archipelago thru the use of religion and what was then
regarded as modern weapons such as Muskets and
cannons. The Spaniards claimed the Archipelago and
named it “Philippines” in honor of the King Philip of
Spain.
o dark age of Kali - 1764 the Spanish overlords banned the
practice of Kali to the natives
o The natives, hidden from the watchful eyes of their
colonizers, practiced Kali secretly. Due to some cultural
influence of the Spaniards the term Escrima, Estoque,
Fraile, and Kaliradman were used to regard the native
fighting system.
o It was also during these period when the natives were able
to develop the stick fighting techniques of the art, which was
proven to be as versatile as the bladed weapons
techniques.
o Even the Moro-Moro stage play to entertain the colonizers
was utilized as an excuse to practice the fighting system.
o 1853 - fighting system was renamed “Arnis”
o Arnes - means colorful trapping on defensive armors
used on the Moro-Moro plays.
o Some of the heroes of the Philippine revolution were also
practitioners of Arnis.
o The Filipinos fought side by side with the Americans.
Natives with skills in the fighting art signed up to be freedom
fighters known as "Guerillas".
MODERN ARNIS
• Is the system of Filipino martial arts founded by the late
Remy Presas as a self-defense system. His goal was to
create an injury-free training method as well as an effective
self-defense system in order to preserve the older Arnis
systems. The term Modern Arnis was used by Remy
Presas’ younger brother Ernesto Presas to describe his
style of Filipino martial arts; since 1999 Ernesto Presas
called his system Kombatan. It is derived principally from
the traditional Presas family style of the Bolo (Machete) and
the stick-dueling art of Balintawak Eskrima, with influences
from other Filipino and Japanese martial arts.
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.
Name: Remgio Amador Presas
Born: December 19, 1936 Hinigaran, Negros Occidental
Died: August 28, 2001 (brain cancer) Victoria, Canada
Occupation: Teacher and Martial artist
Known for: founding Modern Arnis and he is brother of Ernesto
Presas
TRAINING
• One of the characteristics of Filipino martial arts is the use
of weapons from the very beginning of training and Modern
Arnis is no exception. The primary weapon is the rattan
stick, called a cane or baston (baton), which varies in size,
but is usually about 28 inches (71 cm) in length. Both single
and double stick techniques are taught, with an emphasis
on the former; unarmed defenses against the stick and
against bladed weapons (which the stick is sometimes
taken to represent) are a part of the curriculum.
BELT RANK
• Isa (pronounced as i-sah or e-sah; which literally means
"one")
• Dalawa (pronounced dah-la-wah; as literally means "two")
• Tatlo (pronounced as tat-loh; literally means "three")
• Apat (pronounced as Ah-pat; literally means "four")
• Lima (pronounced as li-mah;literally means "five")
• Anim (pronounced as ah-neem; literally means "six")
• Pito (pronounced as pi-toh; literally means "seven")
• Walo (pronounced as "wah-loh"; literally means "eight")
• Siyam (pronounced as si-yam; literally means "nine")
• Sampu (pronounced as sam-po; literally means "ten")
• Labing-isa (in some organizations) (pronounced as lah-
bing-i- sah; literally means "eleven")
Many groups use a "zero-degree" black belt rank as a
probationary stage that comes before Isa. The actual name of
the ranks is gender-specific. For men the rank is referred to as
Lakan (Tagalog for male) while for women it is referred to as
Dayang (Tagalog for "female"). Thus, a first degree black belt in
Modern Arnis would be referred to as either a Lakan Isa or a
Dayang Isa, depending on his or her gender. The "zero-degree"
rank, if used, is referred to as simply Lakan or Dayang. The
black belt is traditionally bordered with red; however, some
groups use a plain black belt.
In addition to rank, titles such as Datu, Commissioner, Master
of Tapi-Tapi, Senior Master, Punong Guro, etc., have
occasionally been granted to certain high-ranking individuals.
The title Guro is typically given to all Lakans and Dayang.
WHAT IS ARNIS?
• The word Arnis was used by Filipinos during the 18th
century Spanish colonial period.
• It refers to the system of skirmish using sword, stick and
empty hands.
• It means similar to common folks’ word of ‘espadahan’ or
swordplay.
• It was derived from the Spanish word “arnes,” which means
harness, armor, or weapons.
• In other regions Arnis is known as eskrima, baston, garrote
and estocada.
REPUBLIC ACT. 9850
• Decelerating Arnis as National Martial Art and Sport of the
Philippines.
• Arnis is an indigenized martial art and sport characterized
by the use of one (1) or two (2) sticks or any similar
implements or with bare hands and feet also used for
striking, blocking, locking and grappling with the use of the
same principle as that with the cane.
THREE FORMS OF PRACTICES IN ARNIS
• Solo Baston - which only one stick is used
• Doble Baston’ or “Sinawali - which two long sticks are
utilized
• Espada y Daga’ (sword and dagger) - wherein one long
and one short stick are used by the performers Additional
• Mano-mano at buno’ (hand to hand and grappling) are
also integral part of arnis training
TRADITIONAL PRACTICES OF ARNIS
• is a form of practices which focuses more on the effective
response to actual self-defense combat.
• Technical skills were based on experiences of old masters
or how the way they were taught by the older generations.
• Typical training started from mimicking the movement of the
master, independent maneuvering, some have their
partnered drill, and some practicing controlled free spar
using a live stick.
• Traditional arnis practices mostly in the backyards of the
masters, no prescribed uniform, and selection or
acceptance of students were based on affinity.
MODERN PRACTICES OF ARNIS
• Started from the practitioners of arnis which studied other
martial arts such as shotokan karate, judo, Chinese wushu
and juijitsu.
• Practices typically follows procedures (bow, warm-up,
including stances, basic attacks, defenses, freestyle etc.)
• started to wear uniform for training, and most of them tried
to standardize uniform for students.
• The wearing of belt showing students’ rank is typical to
these practitioners
DECS Order No. 25, s. 1975 which allowed exhibition and
demonstration of arnis in the Palarong Pambansa (National
Games), the DECS Order No. 58 (1990) known as the
Guidelines and Standards for College Service Physical
Education which in effect, included arnis in the “dual sport’
category, then the DECS Memo No. 294, s. 1995 that issued
instructors’ training to PE teachers for teaching arnis in physical
education.
Philippine Eskrima, Kali, and Arnis Federation (PEKAP) which
united most of the arnis practitioners in the country.
VALUES OF TRAINING ARNIS
• ARNIS STICK
o The stick usually used in practicing arnis is made of
rattan. It is advisable to use rattan stick other than
hardwood, which is flexible and lighter compare to
other hardwood.
o Length of the sticks:
▪ 24 inches long and not more than one inch in
diameter for school children
▪ 28 to 30 inches long for adult students.
• TRAINING UNIFORM
o A typical PE uniform is readily available training
uniform for arnis; or a comfortable shirt or training
pants can be used.
• WOODEN OR RUBBERIZED DUMMY KNIFE
o this dummy equipment is good for practicing self-
defense drills on disarming and knife taking
techniques.
PREPARATORY EXERCISES AND PRELIMINARY SKILLS
• THE CORRECT GRIP
o The stick should be held from the butt end. The extra
length from the butt end allows balance in gripping. It
can also be used in disarming techniques and
attacking. Hold the stick with your four fingers with the
blade of the palm about two to three inches from the
base or butt of the stick. Tighten your grip and press
the thumb over the forefinger. Each strike must be
made with a firm grip. While the grip is firm, the wrist
must be flexible and very pliable. Keeping the wrist in
this state will ensure that the blows are delivered with
force and quickness.
• THE SALUTE
o Salute or Bow of Courtesy is a way of giving respect
to partner, to opponent, to instructor and to our own
selves.
1. Stand at attention like soldier in line formation,
but relaxed, with feet apart and feet pointing at
an angle of 45 degrees. The hands are in front of
the thighs, holding the stick at both ends.
2. (a) From Open Leg Stance, move left foot to
assume Attention Stance. Bring the gripping
hand into left chest and slightly bow the head.
(b) If holding two sticks, extend the left arm in line
with shoulder and bring the left arm to left chest.
3. Then return in Open Leg Stance or assume on-
guard position.
• WARMING UP AND STRETCHING
o The benefits of warming up and stretching are:
1. The prevention of injury
2. Increased muscle flexibility
3. Increased heart rate and blood flow
4. Setting the mind for training
• WARMING UP
o Warming up the muscles and increasing blood flow is
crucial. The following are some routines that should be
done at a very gentle pace; the tempo can be slowly
increased as the player warm-up. Jumping and
Jumping Jack.
• STRETCHING ROUTINE
o A good habit to adopt is to start at the top of the body
and gradually work downward. When stretching, it is
important to breathe and to relax. Stretching
movements should be done slowly and under control.
The following routine should be performed 15 to 20
times each.
▪ NECK
• With the arms and shoulders relaxed, dip
the chin to touch the upper chest. Return to
the natural position, and then lift the chin
toward the ceiling.
• Next, look from side to side, rotating your
head through the full natural range.
• While facing forward, tilt the head from side
to side. The feeling is that placing your ear
down onto your shoulder.
• Finish with gentle circles in both directions.
▪ ARM CIRCLES
• Hold the sticks, swing the entire arms in a
gentle, vertical circle, first forward and then
backward.
▪ TORSO ROTATION
• Holding the sticks with both hands, keep
the arms loose and allowing to swing freely,
rotate the upper body from side to side. The
legs should be mostly stationary and the
rotation will twist the trunk and the lower
back.
▪ FORWARD AND BACK BENDING
• Stand with the feet slightly wider than
shoulder width apart. Bend forward to touch
 the ground between your feet, then swing
upward and back.
▪ TOE TOUCHES
• Arms on the side, feet apart, slightly wider.
Bring your right hand downward and touch
your left toe, then back to standing position
and repeat it to the opposite side.
▪ KNEE BENDS
• Go into a squat with the knees together,
and then rise up into a knees-locked
position with the heels down
▪ FOOT ROTATION / FOOT CIRCUMTATION
• Raised your right leg and rotate your right
foot clockwise then counter-clockwise.
Repeat on the left foot.
▪ FORWARD LOUNGE
• With the hips square to the front, step
forward with right foot and bend the front
leg. Keep the back leg straight for a slow
count. Repeat on the other side.
▪ SIDE LOUNGE
• Place the feet twice shoulder width apart.
Bend your right knee and lean deeply to
that side, while keeping the left leg straight,
the sole of that foot on the floor. Hold this
position for a slow count. Without
straightening up, move your torso to the left
side, straightening your right leg and
bending your left leg as you do so. You can
use the stick to support your balance.
STICK MANEUVERING EXERCISES
▪ WRIST TWISTING
o Hold the sticks at the middle and pointing vertically
upward, knuckles facing back.
o Rotate the wrists forward and backward alternately and
continuously
o Do two sets of 16 counts
▪ WRIST CIRCLING FORWARD AND BACKWARD
o Hold the sticks with normal grip, both resting on
shoulders
o Circling the wrists forward and backward alternately and
continuously;
o Do two sets of 16 counts
▪ WRIST CIRCLING, UP & DOWN
o Starting Position: Hold sticks with normal grip, both
resting on shoulder.
o Bring both sticks downward, circling the wrists outward
on the way down;
o Bring both sticks upward, circling the wrists outward
once on the way up
o Do two sets of 16 counts
▪ ALTERNATE WRIST CIRCLING, UP & DOWN
o Starting Position: Hold sticks with normal grip, right stick
resting on shoulder while the other stick held down.
o Bring the right stick downward; simultaneously bring
upward the left stick, circling both wrists outward while
moving the sticks.
o Repeat in alternate manner.
o Do two sets of 16 counts.
Lesson 2: STANCES AND ON-GUARD POSITION
1. ATTENTION
a. Stand at attention like Soldier in line, and feet pointing
at an angle 45 degree.
b. The hands are in front of the things holding the stick both
ends.
2. OPEN LEG STANCE or OPEN LEG
a. Same as above but with two legs about shoulder
3. STRADDLE STANCE or STRADDLE
a. This is similar to the open leg stance, except that the
beyond shoulder width distance, knees bent and weight
evenly distributed on booth feet.
b. Stick diagonally across the body and left hand in chest
level between the stick and chest.
4. FORWARD STANCE
a. Slide or step one foot forward with knee bent, the back,
weight is greater on the front leg.
b. Maintain the center of balance in the center between the
two legs.
5. BACK LEANING STANCE or BACK LEANING
a. Step or slide one foot backward, shifting the trunk
slightly bent backward.
b. Keep the balance in the center between the two legs
MODULE 4: BASIC STRIKING TECHNIQUES
o Striking the target is very important, but getting to the target
is just as important. Therefore, when one goes into the
target to strike, they must have conviction and a sense of
balance to effectively execute the hit.
o All basic strikes should deliver into a specific target with
vigor. All should be executed and practiced as one
sequential movement. However, once they are mastered,
they can be executed in any sequence.
1. FOREHAND STRIKE
o From On-guard position step in and strike the left
upper side of the opponent.
o Forward Swing <- Back Swing <- Preparatory (right
person)
o Target Area: Left Temple, Left Face, Left Neck, Left
Shoulder, and Left Trunk.
2. BACKHANG STRIKING
o From On-guard position step in and strike the upper
right side of the opponent.
o Forward Swing <- Back Swing <- Preparatory (right
person)
o Target Area: Right Temple, Right Face, Right Neck,
Right Shoulder, and Right Trunk.
3. LOW FOREHAND STRIKE
o From On-guard position step into deep lounge and hit
the lower limb of the opponent.
o Forward Swing <- Back Swing <- Preparatory (right
person)
o Target Area: Left Thigh, Left Knee, Left Shin, and Left
foot
4. LOW BACKHAND STRIKE
o From On-guard position step into deep lounge and
strike the right lower limb of the opponent.
o Forward Swing <- Back Swing <- Preparatory (right
person)
 o Target Area: Right Thigh, Right Knee, Right Shin, and
Right Foot

5. MID-THRUST
o From On-guard position execute a direct attack to
opponent's trunk with the tip of the stick, usually done in
lunge or reverse forward step.
o Forward Swing <- Back Swing <- Preparatory (right
person)
o Target Area: Stomach, Chest, Throat, and Groin.

6. FOREHAND THRUST
o From On-guard position withdraw and raised the arm
3. LOW INWARD BLOCK
upward with the knuckles turned towards your face, the
o A method of blocking use to absorb the attack of
stick into horizontal position pointing forward, and thrust
opponent delivered to hit the lower limb.
at the left eye or the chest of the opponent. This is also
called as Inward Thrust.
o Forward Swing <- Back Swing <- Preparatory (right
person)
o Target Area: Left eye, and Left Chest

7. BACKHAND THRUST
o From On-guard position, move the stick inward with
point facing forward, palm facing your face, and
execute a reverse thrust to your opponent right eye or
chest.
o Forward Swing <- Back Swing <- Preparatory (right
person)
o Target Area: Right Eye, Right Chest 4. LOW OUTWARD BLOCK
o From On-guard position withdraw right foot or side step
or evade an attack to R leg. The block can also be used
BASIC BLOCKING TECHNIQUES against mid-thrust.
o Blocking is a movement of defense executed with the
weapon to deflect the weapon of the apparent offense
action at the target so that a hit is avoided.
o As in striking techniques, the blocking technique should be
practiced in a sequential or segmental manner. Once these
basic skills are mastered, they should perform in response
to the striking blows being delivered by their sparring
partner.

1. INWARD BLOCK
o From On-guard stance, step R foot forward and twist
trunk to face obliquely left with the stick held vertically
pointing upward, left hand with open palm is placed at
the middle of the stick to cushion the impact of the blow
delivered by the opponent.
5. SWEEPING BLOCK
o From On-guard position step R foot and simultaneously
pivot on the R foot and twist truck to face left, and
moving the arms with elbow bent in front of the chest
with the point of the stick pointing downward and the
end of the stick pointing upward. This block can use
against a mid-thrust or strike on your left side.

2. OUTWARD BLOCK
o The same movement with Inward Block, but the block
is executed in the opposite side.
6. OVERHEAD BLOCK
o This is to deflect frontal/overhead strike. From On-
guard, slide back and bring the stick overhead, left
hand supporting the block.

Lesson 3: SINGLE SINAWALI

Sinawali is derived from the Tagalog word “sawali” which refers
to the pattern used in weaving bamboos which have been split
lengthwise and the resulting frame is used as walls of a
nipa/bamboo house.

Lesson 4: REDONDA
o The Redonda is one of the traditional forms of striking
wherein the blows are directed to the opponent’s upper
body. It involves synchronized movements of the shoulders,
arms, wrists and trunk. It is a very graceful movement if
executed well and can be performed in several directions
and movement levels.

STEPS:
1. From open leg stance, do proper execution of ‘pugay’ (1,2,3)
4. Initial position – assume Open Leg Stance, bring both arms
with sticks over the shoulder.
5. Strike inward with your right hand into opponent’s left temple;
6. Bring R hand to the left side; prepare to execute R low
backhand strike. Sinawali is derived from the Tagalog word
“sawali” which refers to the pattern used in weaving bamboos
which have been split lengthwise and the resulting frame is used
as walls of a nipa/bamboo house.
7. Strike downward outward with your right hand aiming at your
opponent’s right knee;
8. Then bring your right arm in your shoulder, and strike your left
hand inward aiming at the opponent’s right temple.
9. Bring L arm to right side, prepare to execute l
STEPS:
Redonda is a Spanish word that means ‘round’, some call it as o When was Ferdinand Magellan defeated by Lapu-lapu?
“rapilon”. Redonda is executed in the following manner: o May 5, 1521
o June 12, 1521
Initial Position: Right forward stance or open-leg stance, with o April 27, 1521
one stick in R hand (with elbow bent, stick above the R shoulder) o December 12, 1521
pointing backward and the L arm with another stick under the R
armpit pointing backward. o When was the dark age of Kali?
o 1764
1. R hand executes Inward Strike and continues moving the R o 1521
arm across the body to the L side until the stick is over the o 1564
L shoulder. o 1751
2. L hand executes Outward strike by twisting the L forearm
outward left to bring the L arm to the left side. At this o What is the native Alphabet of the Filipinos?
position, both arms are on the left side, the R arm over the o Alibata
L shoulder, with both sticks pointing backwards. o Kali
3. Simultaneously bring the right stick under the L armpit, and o Botohan
the L hands executes Inward Strike and continue moving o Arnis
the L hand across the body to the left side until the stick is
over the R shoulder. o This title in is typically given to a male and female teaching
4. R hand executes frontal strike by twisting the R forearm arnis.
outward right to bring the R arm to the right side. At this o Guro
position, both arms are now on the right side, the L arm over o Sensei
the R shoulder, with both sticks pointing backward. o Shifou
5. Repeat the sequence. In performing the Redonda, the o Master
execution should be done continuously in a “windmill” and
crisscrossing fashion, with the trunk and body twisting left o The Filipinos fought side by side with the Americans.
to right in a synchronized action with the arms as these go Natives with skills in the fighting art signed up to be freedom
from side-to-side. fighters known as "_____".
o hernes
o Due to some cultural influence of the Spaniards the o Actividt
following term were used to regard the native fighting o Revolutionaries
system except one. o Guerillas
o Escrima
o Katipunan o The primary weapon of arnis is the rattan stick called a ___.
o Estoque o kombatan
o Estoque o arnis
o baston/baton
o The rank for women in arnis is referred to as o martial arts
o Lakan
o Dalang o The rank for men in arnis is referred to as ___.
o Dayang o Lakan
o Ginang o Dalang
o Ginoo
o When was the fighting system kali named as "Arnis"? o Mister
o 1837
o 1764 o What is the length of arnis stick for adult student?
o 1783 o 28 to 30 inches long
o 1873 o 24 to 25 inches long
o 1853 o 18 to 20 inches long
o 26 to 40 inches long
o Who is the Filipino martial arts artist founded modern arnis
as a self-defense system? o It is known as colorful trapping on defensive armors used
o Lapu-Lapu on the Moro-Moro plays.
o Remy Presas o Escrima
o Kali
o Arnis is a Philippines' natiomal martial art or sport. After o Botohan
Prsident Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed the Republic Act o Arnes
No. ___ in 2009
o 9850
o 1953
o 1760
o 1897

o It is fighting skill being taught in a school like training

grounds, by the native Filipino, which was called Bothoan
o Escrima
o kali
o taekwondo