Lim, Athalie Mikhaela U. PED-0033 SEC.

5
BSBA FM 2 -2 Mr. Rogelio S. Angco

History of ARNIS

 At about 300 BC, the Malays settled in the Philippines. They brought the long knife with
them which was among the first bladed weapons in Filipino Martial Arts.
 Bladed knife called “Kris” from Java was the earliest foreign weapon that was
transported into the fighting arts of the Filipinos.
 Initially employing sticks and bows and arrows for combat, the native Filipino were first
introduced to the long bladed weapon by the migrating Malays in 200B.C. 
 43 years later, in 1564, the Spanish returned to the Philippines; this time landing in
Abuyog, Leyte. Led by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, the conquistadors expected another
violent encounter.
 Arnis – a martial art spawned in the Philippines; known as Kali in ancient/ early times.
 Kali – Malayan word; large bladed weapon longer than a knife; convenience
 It was practiced to self-defense by the pre-Spanish Filipinos who were noted for their
friendly nature and legendary hospitality
 Kali – derived from tjakalele; native fencing in Indonesia
 Sri Vishayan and Madjapahit empires whose sphere of influence reached the
Philippines.
 According to Scant records, there are possible ten Bornean datus who landed in the
island of Panay in the 13th century were subjects of either of the two empires.
 During the reign of ten datus of Panay, kali was taught to children in a school called
bothoan as part of their education.
 Early Filipinos were fighting people using a bow and arrow or the longbow; primitive
Negritos from Central Asia during prehistoric time, were expert in these weapons.
 200 B.C., Malaya migrated to the Philippines and brought with long knife. Their coming
enriched the Filipino arsenal in fighting arts.
 Besides sticks, bows, and arrows, early Filipinos were now also experts in the used of
bladed weapons and daggers.
 Art of hand-to-hand combat has always been an integral part of the Filipino in his long,
turbulent and bloody history. By force of necessity and self-preservation, he became an
expert in fighting with his hands; either bare, with stick, or a bladed weapon.
 This is especially true with the Muslims in Mindanao and Sulu who have a special
inclination of these weapons. Their skill in hand-to-hand combat with a bladed weapon
 had been proven in their untarnished history of successes in repelling foreign invaders
in their land. The numerous attempts of the Spaniards, the Americans and the Japanese
to conquer the Muslim and to colonize Mindanao always failed.

BEFORE DURING AFTER MODERN

SPANISH SPANISH SPANISH
During those periods it Years have passed by Spain The Filipinos fought In 1975, the National Arnis
was called Kali and the was able to colonize the side by side with the Association of the Philippines
techniques of the art is Archipelago thru the use of Americans. Natives (NARAPHIL) was formed by Gen.
focused on bladed religion. The Spaniards with skills in the Fabian C. Ver. This organization acted
weapons fighting. Kali claimed the Archipelago fighting art signed up as the first national organization for
was widely practiced and named it “Philippines” in to be freedom fighters Arnis in the Philippines. Its existence
throughout the honor of the King Philip of known as “Guerillas”. It however, faded after the radical
archipelago; both Spain. This was the start of is also these “Guerillas” change and total revamp in the
nobleman and commoners the dark age of Kali, in the who were usually front Philippine government caused by the
were enthusiast and year 1764 the Spanish liners during the Philippine Revolution of 1986.
practitioners of the said overlords banned the encounter and they
art. practice of Kali to the were usually sent on a
natives. commando mission for
reconnaissance against
the Japanese.
The History of Arnis Natives were able to After hundreds of In Palau, they call Filipinos as “chad a
dates back before the develop the stick fighting years with Spanish oles” meaning “people of the knife” due
colonization of the techniques of the art, colonization the to their reputation for carrying blades
Spaniards, during those which was proven to be as Japanese invaders took and utilizing them in fights.
periods it was called Kali versatile as the bladed their place to invade
and the techniques of weapons technique. the Philippines during
the art is focused on In 1873 the fighting the World War II,
bladed weapons fighting system was renamed again experts of the
“Arnis” derived from the native fighting arts
word Arnes which means were called upon to
colorful trapping on fight for the country’s
defensive armors used on freedom.
the Moro-Moro plays.
The Philippine Islands The Spaniards claimed the Kali, Escrima or Arnis In the meantime, in many parts of the
are located along Archipelago and named it was once again world, popular names and groups have
important trade routes, “Philippines” in honor of the employed on the battle been busy propagating the Filipino
and as a result their King Philip of Spain. This field. Its efficiency Martial Arts (FMA) and sports, pushing
inhabitants were was the start of the dark was put to a test again their teachings and techniques. Some
exposed to the martial age of Kali, in the year but this time against people successfully made their way into
arts of Chinese and 1764 the Spanish overlords the Japanese invaders. martial arts schools, police academies,
Malaysian cultures, banned the practice of Kali The Filipinos fought military
among others. to the natives. side by side with the schools, educational institutions,
Americans. government agencies, and even in the
entertainment world.
Also during those days On the dawn of April 27, Natives with skills in The Philippines has a blade culture.
Kali is being taught in a 1521 the Portuguese the fighting art signed Unlike in Europe where Renaissance
school like training navigator and warrior up to be freedom and Medieval fighting and self-defence
grounds, which was named Ferdinand Magellan fighters known as blade or weapon arts have gone nearly
called Bothoan along with was defeated by a native “Guerillas”. It is also extinct, Filipino blade fighting is still a
military tactics, Alibata warrior chief named Lapu- these “Guerillas” who living art. The local persons in the
(Native Alphabet), and lapu this was the recorded were usually front Philippines are considered more likely
 herbal medicines incident which Kali was used liners during the to carry bolos or knives than guns.
against foreign invaders. encounter and they
were usually sent on a
commando mission for
reconnaissance against
the Japanese.

MATRIX FOR BENEFITS IN ARNIS

Physical Emotional Mental Social Spiritual

Improves Feel more safe Focus and Teaches Series Institutionalizes
Stamina and everywhere Stillness of Morals and as the National
flexibility Values Sport
Can be used as self Teaches Gives you attention Opportunity for Develops Virtue
defense Discipline and to details Character of Perseverance
Control Development
Provides full body Have positive Fosters Good Social skills and Have an increased
workout encouragement Mental Health friendship sense of purpose in
life
Gives you a healthy Helps you become Be more stable and Develops Become the best
weight loss and goal oriented coordinated confidence you can be
lifestyle
Builds up muscles Learns to be Practices being Enables you to Motivate others
Respectful Mindfulness meet people with around you
the same interests

Improves stamina and flexibility Can be used as self defense

- Since Arnis is a hand-to-hand combat, it - Arnis can be executed even with just a
improves one’s ability to store energy and wooden stick so it is very easy to protect
to maximize the range of motion at a yourself when in need
given joint.

Provides full body workout Gives you a healthy weight loss and lifestyle

- Arnis is an excellent way to exercise - All movements being done or performed are
because it is an aerobically challenging intense and helps to burn calories faster.
training. Heavy calories are burned to total-body
workout that enables to regulate natural
craving thus, reducing food cravings.

Builds up muscles Physical

- It can improve amount of muscle mass in the body; the higher
muscle mass, the higher the metabolic demands.
 Emotional
Feel more safe everywhere Teaches self-discipline and control

- it allows a person to defend with a weapon - Allows a person to learn how to structure
against a weapon-wielding opponent. This has important aspects in their life in accomplishing
become prominent in the society due to the tasks and as well in performing Arnis.
rising number of violence and brutality in the
streets nowadays.

Have positive encouragement Helps you become goal oriented

- Have positive encouragement in learning arnis. Teaches how to focus on a particular task, set of
moves and reactions to an opponent’s moves.
This also goes together with the discipline built
through arnis.

Learn to be respectful

- Teaches children how to focus on a particular task, set of moves and reactions to an
opponent’s moves. This also goes together with the discipline built through martial
arts.

Social Aspect
Teaches Series of Morals and Values Opportunity for Character Development
Patience, insight, calmness; reminds a person of the right This will also help a person to improve his/her personal
attitude and frame of mind. attitudes to become better in all aspect.

Social skills and friendship Develops confidence

A deep sensitivity and bond develop among practitioners You will walk through the path towards building
who withstood training together confidence – conquering your fears and working through
pressure
 Enables you to meet people with the same interests

You will be able to foster strong bonds and hang out with
people who are similar to you

Mental Aspect
Focus and stillness Gives you attention to details

It teaches a person to sit with him and see where his You will learn how important every little movement
weaknesses are; it will teach oneself to be still, needs to be and how it can impact outcomes.
challenged, and focused.

Fosters Good Mental Health Be more stable and coordinated

Learning martial arts specifically Arnis gives assurance Arnis by making students more mindful about their
that a person will be okay and will be able to handle a bodies; how they move; and how the body functions.
possible life-threatening situation.

Practices being Mindfulness

Helps a person to improve both attention training and
attention state training.

Spiritual
Institutionalizes as the National Sport Develops Virtue of Perseverance
- Considered as the national sport of - enables a person to have
the country and a regular event in determination
the annual Palarong Pambansa.

Have an increased sense of purpose in life Become the best you can be
- Focusing your attention on an - Training in arnis will provide
exciting, positive and challenging you, and those around you, with
goal can give more purpose into physical proof that you are
your life and channel away some of capable of more than anyone
that restlessness. realises.

Motivate others around you

- The courage and determination you
show in Arnis may inspire those
around you to elevate their fitness
and their lives.
 Different Equipments
ARNIS- Stick made out of rattan that is 28 inches long.
It is a Filipino martial art, and is used as self-defense.
The two sticks being used are Live Stick and Padded
Stick.

WOODEN STICK- measures not less than 60 cm and

not more than 90 cm in length with diameter of not
less than 1.3 cm and not more than 3.8 cm. It must
not have sharp edges or pointed ends.

FOAM- cushion material- padded sticks should be

covered with foam and shall have a maximum grip
diameter not greater than 3.81 cm.
 HEAD PROTECTOR- refers to a pair of protective head
gear to include an impact-worthy face mask.

Terms in Arnis

• Dagger – Daga
• Distance (Long Range) – Largo
• Distance (Medium Range) – Medio
• Distance (Short Range) – Corto
• Goodbye – Paalam
• Grappling or Wrestling – Dumog
• Handle/grip of weapon – Puño
• Hello – Mabuhay (or) Kumusta
• How are you? – Kumusta?
• Instructor – Guro
• Machete – Bolo
• Poke – Tusok
• Respect – Pugay (form of salutation/greeting between
practitioners)
• Stab or Thrust – Saksak
• Stick (Single) – Solo Baston
• Stick (Double) – Doble Baston
• Stick Weapon – Yantok
• Sword – Espada
• Sword and Dagger – Espada y Daga
• Thank You – Salamat
• Unarmed Combat – Mano Y Mano
• You Are Welcome – Walang Anuman
• Weaving (Weapon Movement) – Sinawali
Counting:
 One – Isa
 Two – Dalawa
 Three – Tatlo
 Four – Apat
 Five – Lima
 Six – Anim
 Seven – Pito
 Eight – Walo
 Nine – Siyam
 Ten – Sampu

Cardinal Rules in Arnis

a.) CHARACTER
- Refinement in character is important
- A student must be taught the moral and religious values of everything
- An obligation of the leader of Arnis to mold the character of student; his
behavioral structure would be motivated by righteous desire
- “what a man counts not the number of trophies he own”
b.) SINCERITY
- Sincerity for victory’s sake is not at all
- Sincerity in him to his fellowmen and to his art that makes him shines in the array
of men.
- It should be remembered; good medium of developing man’s sense of dedication
in all his everyday endeavor and involvement
- It is the mother of trust that makes an institution of what has been shattered by
doubts
- “a man who is not sincere will never have a true friend”
c.) DISCIPLINE
- Arnis is a molder of discipline
- Responsibility therefore, of the teacher of the art to guide the students
- Strict compliance of rules and norms of conduct is an athlete’s obligation
- Proper behavior in the sport and in life itself will be the gauge of success
- Personal discipline is important
- Kaleidoscopic invitations and temptations of life should never undermine man in
his obligation to his art, to himself and his fellowman.
- Student should learn to control himself in the pursuance of his goal, not only to
his art but also to life in general.
d.) SELF-CONTROL
- Losing one’s head means defeat
- One should learn to control his temper; if he hopes to achieve success in every
endeavor
- Without it, life and the good health of another may be lost
- Possession of ability to kill or maim a person should be handled with the extreme
caution and prudence.
- Provocation is dishonorable but hasty reaction to is just as dishonorable if not
despicable.
Reference:

https://stickfightingsport.com/8-awesome-benefits-of-filipino-martial-arts-eskrima/
https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-health-benefits-martial-arts/
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/fitness/6-amazing-healthbenefits-
of-martial-arts/articleshow/70787541.cms
https://www.facebook.com/arniscombatmartialarts/posts/10-reasons-why-you-shouldlearn-
arrnislearning-self-defense-is-one-of-the-best-w/1606352109668947/
https://jkleeblackbelt.com/7924/10-mental-health-benefits-provided-by-martial-artsprograms/
https://brainly.ph/question/2499152
https://blog.perfectmind.com/10-health-benefits-of-martial-arts
https://www.slideshare.net/iHersheys159/history-of-arnis
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https://thriveglobal.com/stories/how-martial-arts-benefits-mental-health/
https://blackbeltwiki.com/eskrima-terminology
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