ARNIS

ARNIS

Arnis is an indigenous

martial arts sport that
originated from the
Philippines. Arnis was
designed as a self-defense
system for an injury-free
training method as well as
effective self-defense
system.
THE NATURE AND
BACKGROUND
T
H
E
N
A
T
U
R
E
A
N
D
B
A Arnis has been recognized as a Philippine national de jure sport.
C
K The discipline, which was transmitted for  generation to
G
R
generation, improves the abilities, speed, accurateness and agility
O of the practitioners of the  art martial arts, characterized by the
U
N
use of "swinging and turning moves," alongside striking,
D thrusting and  parrying techniques for defense and crime.
THE HISTORY OF
ARNIS
 THE HISTORY OF ARNIS

Arnis was developed by the indigenous peoples of the Philippines, who

used a variety of weapons for fighting and self-defense. Encompassing
both simple and edged weapons, arnis traditionally involved rattan, 
swords, daggers and spears. 
 THE HISTORY OF ARNIS

Filipino islanders defeated Ferdinand

Magellan's armored musket, carrying Spanish
conquistador forces in 1521., armed with
nothing more than bladed weapons and their
frightening arnis abilities.
When the Spanish finally returned and
successfully conquered parts of the
Philippines, the traditions of the arnis were
preserved, despite their prohibition, in the
form of ritual dance, performance and mock
battles.  Although former Filipino martial arts
were influenced by Spanish colonization,
modern forms were affected by  the country's
contact with both the United States and Japan
after becoming independent in 1898.  Just over
a century later, in 2009, the Government of the
Philippines declared Arnis to be the martial
arts and national sport of the Philippines.
 THE CULTURE AND
TRADITIONS OF ARNIS
 THE CULTURE AND TRADITIONS OF
ARNIS

Arnis is otherwise known as eskrima, kali and garrote, and even more so
in different Filipino regional  languages. Although the influence of Spain
had a pacifying effect on Filipino martial culture, the original  warrior
ethos remained on the fringes of art. Arnis' "death-matches" were still
outlawed  as late as 1945, as In Filipino Martial Culture, Mark V. Wiley
states that today they are all privately owned.
HOW IT WORKS THE
ARNIS?
 HOW IT WORKS THE ARNIS?

Like all martial arts, arnis is primarily defensive, involving hand-to-

hand combat,  grappling and disarming techniques. However, the
fighting style also includes the use of bladed weapons and sticks, as
well as improvised weapons. The baton-like cane is the primary
melee tool used and the weapon  used in official arnis competitions.
 Competitive Arnis generally takes one of two forms: an allo model based on
performance or a combative  leban. Anyo competitions are judged on the basis
of the overall choreography of the performances, including the gracefulness,
strength and strength employed. Meanwhile, the Albanians are testing the
agility and  reactions of the participants, as competitions are judged on the basis
of the number of strikes.  Although most Albanian competitions exclude contact
with the body, such as grappling, blocks and disarming  the opponent by means
of hands or legs, there are exceptions where full contact is allowed.
FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT OF ARNIS
 FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT OF ARNIS

• WEAPONS

• MATS

• GEARS
 FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT OF ARNIS

WEAPONS

Before we ended up with the modern arnis. Weapons categorized into three, namely:

Edged Weapons

Flexible Weapons

Impact Weapons
 FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT OF ARNIS

Edged Weapons

Karambit Dagger Balisong Bolo

 FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT OF ARNIS

Flexible Weapons

Tabak - Toyok Sarong Latigo Handkerchief

 FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT OF ARNIS

Impact Weapons

Dulo y dulo Bangkaw Largo mano yantok Panangga

And Baston, which is the main weapon that we will use for this subject.
BASTON

• Is Spanish and Filipino for "cane".

• Is one of the primary weapon of arnis and filipino martial

arts.

• It is also known as yantok, olisi, palo, pamalo, garrote, caña,

arnis stick, eskrima stick or simply stick
BASTON

Traditional common materials for wooden bastons are usually:

Rattan Kamagong Bahi Wood Modern Material

RATTAN

• Is the most commonly used material for bastons in Arnis training.

• They are light, flexible, and good for training in speed. 

• They are made from dried and cut reeds and are typically cut 26''-30" in
length, ¾"-1" in diameter and rounded at both ends.
KAMAGONG

• Also known as Mabolo. 

• It is a dark dense, expensive type of wood known for its weight and
hardness.

• It is said that bone will break before a good kamagong baston will, but
those of low quality can splinter or shatter on impact due to their
hardness and lack of flexibility.
 BAHI WOOD

• Type of wood made from the heart of a palm tree.

• In weight and density, it is a similar to kamagong, but is made of a

porous material, which tends to slightly dent on impact, making it
less prone to shattering than kamagong.

• Kamagong is a critically endangered lumber species so it is recommend

that practitioners purchase bahi instead.
MODERN MATERIALS

• More modern materials are also used such us Fiberglass and Plastics,
as well as metals like aluminum.
 MATS

• Gives you comfort during

training and demonstration.

• It is also giving you additional

padding between the floor
and your body.
P
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ARNIS PROTECTIVE GEAR
ARNIS BODY ARMOR

Is designed to provide thorough

upper body protection while allowing
mobility and protection. The armor is
composed of hard plastic and vinyl
lightness, increased comfort, and
impact absorption. Lower panels are
extended to increase protective
coverage.
ARNIS HEADGEAR

Is the necessity in arnis combat. Its

materials provide vital protection
from head strikes, while maintaining
motion capability. It is covered with
high-grade leatherette and vinyl,
printed with ethnic art. Multi-
thickness metal frame strategically
developed for impact protection.
ARNIS LEG GUARDS

Provide complementary protection to

the other arnis battle gear. They were
designed not only for protection, but
also for comfort and practicality. The
guard can be used to protect both the
thigh and the shin area. 
MALE GROIN GUARD

Has padding for the lower abdomen

and a special contoured groin cup to
provide complete protection to the
groin area. The male groin guard kept
in place by a dual – velcro strap, which
ensures comfort and ease in wearing.
ARNIS HAND GLOVES

Serve as a protection from strikes as

the stick is held in hand. Its design and
structure further ensure that a stable
grip is maintained. Open palm design
for easy grip and finger flexibility.
Thick rubberize protection and hard
plastic for impact absorption.
OFFICIATING RULES OF THE GAME
 OFFICIATING RULES OF THE GAME

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. Competitors will compete in an 
open matted surface whose inbound space ranges from 15’x15’ to 20’x20’. 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. 
Divisions of these contests will be based on weight, age, gender, rank and martial arts 
experience level.
 OFFICIATING RULES OF THE GAME

PAIRINGS AND FORMAT

The tournament format will at the discretion of tournament officials. In adult divisions, 
we will try as much as possible to form pairs that are within 8% of each other by 
weight. Directors will combine divisions where competitors are scarce. In those cases, 
the directors are authorized to adjust rules for fairness without compromising the 
primary objective – to showcase martial skill and reward those that are better able to 
use their weapon. Fighters will be evaluated based on accumulation of points on all 
matches combined. Gold, silver, and bronze medals will be awarded in each division to 
fighters accumulating the highest scores. If two fighters accumulate equal scores, the 
following will apply:
• If the pair previously fought, precedence will be
given to the fighter who achieved the 
higher point total during their match. 

• If the pair previously fought to a tie or never

fought, then tie-breaker will be decided 
by best of three, weapon only point fight. Judges
will only count head shots.
RULES OF ENGAGEMANT
 • 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 witticks 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. 
• 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
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
JUDGING, SCORING & OFFICIATING

All matches scored by 3 judges on the “10 Point Must” system prior to
deductions. Deductions will be issued by referee only. Judges may issue
bonus points for exemplary technique. Referee will ID rule infractions, issue
warnings and mandatory point 
deductions. Scoring is based on: Quantity of strikes, Effectiveness of Striking
and Ring Generalship.

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. 
JUDGING, SCORING & OFFICIATING

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
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.
THANK YOU!