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GUIDELINES AND GROUND RULES

For the 2018 Palarong Pambansa Tournament
I. RULES AND REGULATIONS
The Arnis Competition will be conducted in accordance with Philippine EskrimaKali-
Arnis Federation (PEKAF) Rules and Regulation to ensure the safety of the
student/players.
II. TECHNICAL COMMITTEE

The Technical Officials of the game are those Accredited by the Head Quarters of the
Philippine Eskrima-Kali-Arnis Federation (PEKAF).

III. DISQUALIFICATION OF PLAYER

a. Incomplete requirements or documents.
b. A participant who commits a dangerous intentional foul that may inflict injury to
the opponent like throwing, bone breaking, kicking, kneeing, elbowing, boxing,
sweeping, and hand/stick/head butting.
c. Any disruptive action or behavior of the participant, teammate, trainers, coaches,
club instructors or team followers which may lead to violence breaking the spirit
of sportsmanship.
d. Any official/s of the delegation that interrupts the orderly manner/conduct of the
event.
e. Attempting to influence the officiating officials.
f. Aggressive behavior toward the referees and judges during and after the contest.

IV. TOURNAMENT FORMAT

a. In the Sparring Competition, drawing of lots shall apply and pairing for the Single
Elimination system shall be used. In the Anyo Form (Karanza), the order of
performance shall be decided through drawing of lots.
b. A team shall be allowed specified number of players per division in the
Anyo/Sayaw/Karanza Events.

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c. A team shall be allowed specified number of players per division in the Full-Contact
Events both in the Live Stick Continuous and in the Padded Point System.

V. TEAM COMPOSITION (Full Contact) – See Entry Form

VI. TEAM COMPOSITION (Anyo/Form) – See Entry Form

Attire: for the Full-contact divisions, competitors are allowed to use any standard training
uniform (Red Pants and T-Shirt OR School Colors). In the Anyo divisions, any costume
appropriate to the Anyo may be used. Otherwise, competitors are allowed to use any
standard training uniform (Red Pants and T-Shirt OR School Colors).

Weapons: all weapon used in the Anyo division must be a legitimate part of an
established, Filipino Martial Arts system. This includes solo baston/olisi, doble baston/olisi,
replicas of indigenous Filipino long and short blades (kris, kampilan, barong, bolo, pinuti,
etc.) or espada y daga.

ANYO/SAYAW/KARANZA (FORMS)
Contest Criteria

Section 1

An individual Anyo and Synchronized Anyo must have a minimum time limit of one (1)
minute and must not exceed two (2) minutes in duration. For synchronized Anyo, all
players should move at the same time with coordinated movements.

For the Group Team Form, a minimum of two (2) minutes and a maximum of four (4)
minutes are allotted. However, for the Group Form, players can opt for a combination of
synchronized and unsynchronized movements using same or combinations of various
movements and weapons.

The time begins with the first salutation has been completed and ends with the ending
salutation. A salutation must be performed by the competitor prior to beginning the Anyo,
and immediately after the Anyo movements are completed.

Section 2

The Single Weapon and the Double Identical Weapon Anyo Events shall be divided into the
Traditional and Non-Traditional Forms subdivided by gender (male and female) and age
brackets.
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a) Traditional Forms are strictly combative and emphasize martial art technique
applications without fancy movements. There are no music accompaniments.

b) Non-Traditional Forms can incorporate weapons release/throws, kicks, jumps, rolls

and other creative movements provided that the Anyo/Sayaw must follow the
movements and principles of Eskrima-Kali-Arnis and that at least eighty percent
(80%) of the total performance shall emphasize the stick/olisi, bladed weapon
replicas or other weapon being used. Music is allowed.

The Open Form for Traditional and Non-Traditional Anyo/Sayaw/Karanza Events on the
other hand shall mean that the participants can use their weapon/s of choice like the
Espada Y Daga, Bangkaw, Doble Daga, Espada Y Escudo (Sword and Shield), etc. The Open
Form must meet the following criteria:
a) The Anyo must follow movements and principles of Eskrima-Kali-Arnis
b) At least eighty percent (80%) of the movements shall emphasize the stick/olisi, bladed
weapon replicas or other weapon being used. Music is allowed.

Section 3

Each competitor shall be given scores between five (5) to ten (10). Ten (10) shall be the
highest score, and five (5) shall be the lowest score. Increments of .1 are allowed (10,
9.9, 9.8, 9.7, 9.6, 9.5, 9.4, 9.3, 9.2, 9.1, 9.0, 8.9, 8.8, 8.7, 8.6, 8.5 and so on).

Section 4

There shall be five (5) Anyo Judges seated in front of the competition area. The highest and
lowest of the five (5) scores are dropped to prevent biases and the remaining three (3)
scores are averaged to determine a contestant’s score.

Section 5

The following actions will result in a deduction per violation to the participant’s score in
order to come up with the Final Score:

a.) Unintentionally dropping a weapon (Disarm) = half (0.5) point deduction

b.) Time limit violation = half (0.5) point deduction
c.) Starting over = half (0.5) point deduction
d.) Finishing in place different from where the form started = half (0.5) point deduction
unless Judges have been notified in advance that this will occur.

Section 6

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In the case of a tie, the first option to settle the tie-break is to review the scores and average
the original five (5) scores by including the lowest and the highest scores previously
removed. The new scores will be used to break the tie only, and will not be used to
determine results relative to the other competitors in the division. If there still exists a tie
in points, the competitors will be required to perform again and be judged a second time.
Likewise, the new scores will be used to break the tie only, and will not be used to
determine results relative to the other competitors in the division.

VII. FULL CONTACT: – See Entry Form

LIVE STICK CONTINUOUS (FULL-CONTACT)

Section 1

The contest shall consist of three (3) rounds of one (1) minute each, with thirty (30)
seconds rest in between rounds.

Section 2

Striking or target points shall be any part of the body above the knee except the groin and
the neck. This includes the front and the sides of the thighs and body, both arms and hands,
and the top, front and sides of the helmet. Hitting the back of the body is only allowed when
the competitors are facing each other (i.e., through the use of curving strikes). Hitting the
back of the head is not allowed due to insufficient padding on the back of the helmet. Only
two (2) consecutive strikes to the same target area are permitted.

Section 3

The match shall begin with the competitors standing two to three meters apart, facing the
Referee. At the command of the Referee, the competitors will execute the formal salutation
(Pugay). The competitors then face each other and repeat the salute. (The salutation of each
competitor’s style may be used). After the salutations, the competitors shall assume the
guard position with their sticks crossed. The contest begins when the Referee brings his
stick up through the center of the crossed sticks, simultaneously issuing the command of
“fight” (“laban” or “palo”).

Section 4

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When the contest comes to an end, the competitors shall return to the original position,
standing face to face. At the command of the Referee, they will salute each other, then the
Referee. They then stand and await the decision.

Section 5

The timekeeper, using a whistle or a bell, shall indicate the end of a round or a match. As a
substitute, a towel or similar item may be thrown into the ring to alert the Referee.

Section 6

Any hit or technique applied simultaneously with the signal indicating the end of the round
shall be judged as valid.

Section 7

Any strike or technique applied while either or both competitors have both feet outside the
ring shall be judged as null and void. In this case, the competitors shall be directed to return
to the center of the contest area and the Referee shall resume the match.

Section 8

Stick blows or other legal techniques executed while the competitors are in the ring shall be
valid even if the opponent subsequently falls down or lands outside the perimeter of the
ring.

Section 9

In the following cases, the referee shall stop the match:

a.) When either competitor goes outside the ring with both feet.
b.) When a competitor commits any of the prohibited acts.
c.) When a competitor is injured, or some accident or difficulty takes place.
d.) When the competitor is required to adjust his uniform or his protective equipment.
e.) When an olisi (stick) is split or broken, or otherwise becomes unusable.

If a competitor finds that his protective equipment requires adjustment, he/she must notify
the Referee by raising both hands and backing up but must not turn his/her back. If a
stoppage of the match results in a minimal time delay (i.e., a competitor stepping outside
the ring), the clock will continue to run. If a substantial amount of time elapses, the clock
should be stopped, and should resume when the referee restarts the bout. The referee
should indicate to the timekeeper that he/she wishes the time to be stopped and then again
indicate when the time should be resumed.

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Judgement of the Contest

Section 1

A panel of three (3) Judges shall decide the winner of the match. A Referee shall supervise
the match but has no decision in the scoring. The Referee will be provided with an olisi to
facilitate managing the match. A timekeeper will manage the rounds and intermissions. An
Arbitrator may be assigned a ring or group of rings, who will have authority over the
Referees. The Tournament Director will be the highest authority, and has the power to stop
a contest at any time should he/she sees fit but must be done at the end of the round.

The Tournament Director also has the power to remove / replace any Judge or Referee at
any time if it is felt those officials are not doing their job properly, provided the removal /
replacement shall be made after the round has ended.
Section 2

The judges shall take positions at the corners of the ring, and remain outside the perimeter.
Seats are provided for the Judges. Likewise, score sheets and pens are also provided.

Section 3

When the limit for the match expires without either competitors having lost by a technical
knockout (TKO), or a Referee Stopped Contest (RSC), the Referee shall require both
competitors to return to the positions (or Match Lines) taken at the start of the match. The
Referee will then gather the scorecards, and verify that they have been filled out according
to the rules. The Referee shall return any invalid card to the erring Judge and see that the
mistake is corrected. The Referee will then hand the cards to the jury or announcer, and
wait for the official decision to be announced. The competitors may not remove any of the
protective gear except the head guard after the time limit has expired, in case an overtime
round is necessary.

Section 4

A judgment of Draw (“Patas”) shall be made when neither competitor has been able to win
the match according to the rules of scoring. In the event of a draw, the winner of the contest
will be determined by a single extension round of one (1) minute.

Section 5

The following acts shall be prohibited:

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a.) Hitting when the opponent is down or in the act of rising, is unconscious, turns
his back, or signals surrender.
b.) Pushing or striking with any part of your body.
c.) Deliberately going outside of the ring.
d.) Adjusting the uniform or protective gear without the permission of the Referee.
e.) Hitting while holding the opponent’s olisi (stick).
f.) Holding the opponent to avoid action.
g.) Hitting the groin, neck, back of head, or any area below the thigh.
h.) Any unsportsmanlike conduct causing embarrassment to an opponent, official,
or the audience.
i.) Thrusts, butt strikes (punyo), or two-handed strikes.
j.) Grappling, wrestling, or hooking.
k.) Application of joint locks for any purpose, including disarming.
l.) Application of throws or sweeps.
m.) More than two consecutive strikes to the same target area.
n.) Checking to the face.
o.) Deliberately delaying the match in order to gain additional rest time.
p.) Removing head gear or other protective equipment in between rounds. (Head
gear may be lifted but not removed.)
q.) Useless, aggressive, or offensive utterances during the match.
r.) Failure to step back when order to break (buwag/hiwalay).
s.) Striking or attempting to strike an immediately after the referee has ordered
break (buwag/hiwalay).
t.) The use or application of prohibited drugs such as steroids, stimulants,
marijuana, opiates, etc.
u.) Complete failure to use defensive tactics and maneuvers.
v.) All other things that may be prejudicial to the spirit of Eskrima.

Section 6

Legitimate strikes or blows include cut or slash, wrist-snapping or flicking (witik, kurbada),
abaniko (fan), etc. Thrusting, butting (punyo), and foot sweeps have been legal in the past,
but have been eliminated because the protective gear is presently not sufficient to allow
these techniques to be used safely. Improvement in the protective equipment may result in
the reinstatement of these techniques. Two-handed strikes are prohibited.

Section 7

Any competitor guilty of a prohibited act may be penalized by a reduction of points in

scorecard or by disqualification. The Referee should follow the guidelines when enforcing
prohibited acts.

1st infraction – casual warning (usually verbal, within the flow of the match)
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2nd infraction – official warning (match is stopped and judges are notified)
3rd infraction – point deduction (match is stopped and judges are notified)
4th infraction – 2nd point deduction (match is stopped and judges are notified)
5th infraction – disqualification

In the case of serious, blatant or malicious acts, the Referee can and should skip one or
more of the above-mentioned scheduled penalties and directly penalize the erring player
with a point deduction or immediate disqualification (upon consultation with the judges) .
Any competitor who loses by disqualification may be subject to additional sanction by
PEKAF, including possible suspension from succeeding PEKAF events or permanent
expulsion depending on the degree of the culpability or seriousness of the offense.

System of Scoring for Full-Contact Live Stick Continuous

Section 1

Scoring shall be on the basis of the following:

a) The competitor who scores more hits to the head, hands, and all other legitimate
target areas.
b) The competitor who scores more powerful hits to the head, hands, and all other
legitimate target areas.
c) When a competitor loses his stick (Disarm or Agaw) through other than foul
means. In scoring, the elements of offense, defense, clean hitting, ring generalship,
techniques, sportsmanship shall be carefully considered. Aggressiveness also earns credit.

Section 2

Scoring shall be done using the “10 point must” system. The winner of the round is always
awarded 10 points (prior to deductions), while the loser receives anywhere from 9 to 7
points, depending on how decisively the round was won. The “10 points must” system of
scoring is applied as follows:

Slight Edge 10 – 9
Wide Edge 10 – 8
One Sided 10 – 7

Most reasonably competitive rounds are scored “10-9”. A “10-8” round is usually the result
of one competitor dominating consistently for the entire round, or possibly a clean victory
in addition to a Disarm. A “10-7” round is very rare, and should only be scored when a
competitor has his arms at his sides, is being hit constantly, and is almost unable to defend
him/herself. It could also result from a round in which a competitor is disarmed two (2)
times. The use of foul strikes, foul tactics, or other prohibited acts can result in a one-point
penalty, at the discretion of the Referee. If a point is to be deducted, the Referee should stop

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the action and advise the Judges of the point to be deducted immediately after the
commission of the foul. For each round, the Judge scores according to the rules, then
applies any deductions assigned by the Referee.

Section 3

Judgement for the winner of the match shall be made on the following conditions:

a.)Win by Points
On completion of the three rounds of the match, each Judge will total the score on his card
for each of the two competitors. The winner will be the competitor with the highest point
total for three rounds. If the point totals are equal, the judge will score the match as a draw
on his/her card.

The winner of the match will be determined according to the cards of the three (3) Judges
as follows:

Win-Lose-Draw
Unanimous decision 3-0-0
Majority Decision 2-0-1
Split Decision 2-1-0
Majority Draw 1-0-2
Draw 0-0-3
Draw 1-1-1

b.) Win by Technical Knockout (TKO)

The contest is terminated and judged a Technical Knockout (TKO) when:
i) An overwhelmingly one-sided match. If, in the opinion of the Referee, a
competitor is totally outclassed or is receiving excessive punishment, the bout shall be
stopped and the opponent will be declared the winner.
ii) Injury. If a fighter, in the opinion of the Referee, is unfit to continue because of
injury or other physical reasons, the bout shall be stopped and the opponent will be
declared the winner. The right to make the decision rests with the Referee, who may
consult with the available qualified medical personnel. After consultation, the Referee must
follow the medical advice. When medical personnel are called into the ring, only the
medical person and the Referee shall be present inside the ring. The medical personnel
have the right to request that the bout be stopped, if, for medical reasons, a competitor
appears to be unfit to continue.
iii) A competitor’s refusal to continue or a voluntary surrender. If a competitor
wishes to surrender, he/she must notify the Referee by raising both hands and backing up,
but must not turn his/her back.
iv) Disarm. When a competitor is disarmed a total of three (3) times within the

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course of the match, a TKO results. It should be noted that the fourth (4) round is
considered as part of the match and therefore the three (3) disarm rule applies to all
rounds, including the extension round, as the whole match.

c.) Win by disqualification

If a competitor is disqualified, his opponent shall be declared the winner. If both
competitors are disqualified, the decision shall be announced accordingly. A disqualified
competitor shall not be entitled to any prize, medal, or honorable award, relating to any
stage of the competition in which he has been disqualified.

Any competitor who loses by disqualification may be subject to additional sanction by

PEKAF, including possible suspension from future PEKAF events or by expulsion.

d.) No contest
The Referee may terminate a match at any time due to events that are outside the
control of the competitors, such as the ring becoming damaged or slippery, failure of the
lighting system, etc. Under the conditions, the bout shall be declared “No Contest “. In this
case, the Tournament Officials will decide the new course of action.

e.) Win by Walkover or Default

When a competitor presents himself in the ring fully attired for the match at the
prescribed time, and his opponent fails to appear within three minutes after his name has
been properly announced, the Referee shall declare the competitor who is present as the
winner. The Referee shall first inform the Judges to mark their scorecards accordingly,
collect them, and then summon the competitor to the center of the ring. He/She shall be
announced as the winner.

Section 5

In the event that a competitor cannot continue the match because of injury, the result of the
match shall be determined by the following conditions:

a)When the cause of the competitor’s injuries is by any means except a foul blow or
technique, the injured shall be the loser.
b)When the cause of the competitor’s injuries is the result of a foul blow or
technique, the opponent shall be the loser.

Section 6

A competitor is considered “disarmed” when:

a) A clean disarming technique is applied and the opponent’s stick is taken from

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him. The disarming technique must be applied in two (2) seconds or less, and must not
involve the locking of any joint.
b) A competitor loses control of the stick and it hits the ground. If the stick is lost,
but is caught before it hits the ground, no disarm is recorded. The Referee determines
whether the disarm is to be scored as valid by the Judges. He/she shall stop the match and
inform each judge of the decision, replace the stick and restart the match. When a player is
disarmed, a one (1) point deduction will be given to him/her and must be reckoned after
the end of the particular round it occurred.

Section 7

Judgement of a Draw (Patas) shall be made when a neither competitor has been able
to win at least two (2) of the Judge’s cards. In this case, a single extension round is held, the
winner of which will be the winner of the match. (The scoring of the first three rounds is
deemed obsolete, with the exception of the points that have been deducted for foul play,
and the number of disarms that have occurred. For example, a third disarm which occurs in
the overtime round still results in a TKO. Similarly, a disqualification can occur for an
infraction for which points have already been deducted). In the extension round, each Judge
must determine a winner (i.e., a score of 10-10 is not allowed). This is done by a
simultaneous show of hands upon the call of the Referee.

PADDED STICK POINT SYSTEM (FULL-CONTACT)

CONCEPT:
This form of contest is a safe form of competition which simulates bladed weapon
competition. The philosophy of padded point sparring is “One Hit, One Kill”. The credit of
this competition comes from the Eskrima Kali Arnis Coalition.

I. COMPETITION

a. Type of Play

i. Padded Point Sparring is played by two players who are color-coded.

One is Red while the other one is Blue.

b. Description
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i. Padded stick representing a weapon measuring 30 inches long and a

diameter from one to one and a half inches is used to score points to
targeted legal areas of the opponent’s body.

c. Objective

i. The objective is to win the match by accumulating the majority of

points in a two minute match.

d. Points

i. Points are awarded to the contestant who scores with a controlled

strike to the targeted areas of the opponents body as one would use a
sword. One (1) point is awarded when there is a “hit or strike” to the
body areas from the head, upper shoulders, torso, arms, legs and
down to the feet.

e. Match, Tie Breaker

i. A match is won when one competitor accumulates the majority of

points before the two minute round has expired. Upon the expiration
of time and should the score be even, the match will continue without
a time restriction until an opponent scores a point or gets a violation
to end the match (Sudden Death rule).

II. AREA OF COMPETITION AND EQUIPMENT

a. Competition Area

i. The official ring is a square measuring 8 x 8 meters. At the center of the

ring is the starting point of the competitors which is 2 meters apart.
Rubber mats can be used else, the playing area will be marked with
masking tape.

b. Stop Watches

i. The use of approved stop watches that will have the functions to start,
stop and reset as minimum requirements. Whistle will be blown or an
object similar to a rolled towel will be used to throw in the ring to
indicate time has expired.

c. Score Display

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i. A visual display or score board will be used to indicate the competitors’

points during the match. Points and infractions (warnings) will also
be tracked on the player cards.

d. Provided Equipment

i. Padded weapon or padded stick will be used to simulate a bladed

weapon. This may be thirty (30) inches long.

e. Safety Equipment- Mandatory

i. The minimum safety equipment a competitor may have in order to

compete will be a tournament approved headgear with face mask
/eye protection and groin protector. Body vest is mandatory for both
male and female competitors in the Junior divisions (below 18 years
of age).

f. Safety Equipment- Optional

i. The optional additional safety equipment are chest or torso protector,

gloves, elbow pad, knee pads, forearm and shin pads and other safety
equipment the competitor may feel needed to prevent injury.
Competitors in the Junior divisions are required to wear these
protective equipment.

g. Referee Staff

i. The referee will use a staff or similar object in length not to exceed six
feet to control the match.

h. Apparel

i. Sports Clothing and shoes

ii. In addition to the mandatory safety equipment, all competitors may

wear clothing of any color. Insignias and writing on clothing must not
be offensive to anyone. The shoes must have rubber soles which do
not mark or damage the floor. Street clothing is not allowed. Uniform
shirts and trousers must have neat appearance.

III. OFFICIATING

a. Tournament Management

i. All tournaments shall be managed by the Tournament

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Director/Manager, who shall designate his officials and staff.

b. Officials

i. Each match shall have a center referee and three (3) judges. They will
be designated by the tournament director or the arbitrator.

c. Removal of a referee or judge

i. A referee may not be removed upon request of a participant. A referee

may be removed if the Tournament Director/ Manager or
Tournament Arbitrator feels that it is necessary for the fairness of the
event.

d. Rule briefing

i. Before the start of all tournaments, officials and players shall be briefed
on rules, regulations, modifications and any other concerns the
Director wishes to impose.

e. Referees

i. A. Pre-match duties. Before each match begins it shall be the duty of the
referee to:

1. Check the ring for proper markings, cleanliness or hazards.

2. Check availability of materials such as time clocks, referee staff,

padded weapons, paper and pencils, whistles, towel or similar
object to use as a time over signal.

3. Check on the readiness and qualifications of the judges to

ensure understanding of all rules and regulations.

4. Check each competitor for the required safety equipment.

ii. Decisions
1. During the match the referee will call commands to control the
match. The referee will also call commands that will indicate to
the judges to prepare to make their decisions. The referee will
be the one who will indicate to the score keeper who will be
awarded the point or who has been penalized for an infraction
and is the one who will be indicating who has won the match.

iii. Forfeiture. A match can be announced as forfeited when:

1. Any player refuses to abide by the referee’s decision or

accumulates a total of three infractions to the rules.
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2. A player does not report to the ring when called three

consecutive times.

3. Default. A player or team may be forfeited by the tournament

director or official for failure to comply with host facilities
rules while on the premises or between matches or abuse of
hospitality, locker room or other rules and procedure.

f. Judges

i. Three (3) Judges will be with the Referee during the match to confirm
all decisions made by the Referee. An agreement by the majority of
the Judges must take place.

ii. Position of Judges. The Judges are to be located at predesignated

positions

1. All three (3) Judges shall be located directly across from the
center referee at all times.

2. Depending on the Tournament Director/Manager, Judges may

be seated at each corner of the playing except for the neutral
corner.

iii. Manner of Judges.

1. Judges must maintain a manner that will not mislead the

decision of the Referee or other Judges in the playing area. In
an encounter, Judges point to the player who scored the point.

IV. PLAY REGULATIONS

a. Start of Match

i. Staging areas. The staging area will be located adjacent of the

competition ring. It is the responsibility of the competitor or
representative to be checked in when they are being
confirmed in his category. It is also the area where he must be
prepared to enter his match.

ii.Coordinator. The roster will be checked by the coordinator to

ensure all competitors are accounted for and to ensure no one
from the same school are competing against each other on
their first match when possible. Player cards will be randomly
shuffled and the odd number of competitors dictates a “BYE”.
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iii. The referee will have the competitors face and salute the time
keeper table or head table then turn and salute the judges and
referee then salute each other. The referee will then have the
competitors step back to the designated marked positions on
the floor.

iv. The referee will check with the judges, time keeper and score
keeper for ready status. When acknowledgements from all
officials are given, the referee will give the command to the
competitors to commence by using the words “Handa, Laban!”
meaning to “Ready, fight!”

v. The time keeper will start the clock and time will run
continuously until a time out is called by the Referee or when
the two minutes have elapsed.

vi. A time-out can only be called by the Referee. The Referee can
call a time out for injury, equipment adjustments, or
discussion with the Tournament Director and Judges.

b. Points

i. Stop action by the Referee when a possible point has been made.
Points will be made only by the majority of the Judges. The Referee
will use his staff to interrupt the match and call break. The Judges can
also call points and stop the match by using the open palm hand
signal to indicate a point has been scored. In either case a
confirmation will then need to take place. The Referee and
competitors will now return to their starting points.

ii. The referee will then confirm the point and ensure the score keeper
makes the appropriate number change on the score keeping device.
He will do this by shouting, “Puntos!” and indicate the color of the
player (Pula or Bughaw).

iii. At the end of 2 minutes, the time keeper will blow the whistle or
throw in a towel or similar device to indicate time is over.
c. End of Match

i. The referee will confirm total points and player cards. The referee
will then indicate the winner by either raising the competitors arm or
an extended arm pointing to the winner’s side.

ii. The referee will then have the two competitors in the center of the
ring to salute each other. It is the responsibility of the winning

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competitor to confirm his name and is moved up in the bracket by

going to the score keeper and giving his name.

V. Summary of Warnings and Automatic Disqualifications- The following

restrictions were incorporated for the safety of the competitors.

a. FOUL WARNINGS

i. Foul warnings are given on the following infractions. A total of three

(3) Foul warnings will disqualify the competitor and default the
opponent as winner.

1. HAND CHECKING. This is not allowed to any parts of the body

or head. Hand checking is only allowed to the weapon hand.

2. GRABBING. The match will be stopped if grabbing and holding

is done.

3. PUSHING or PULLING is not allowed to any part of the body or

head.

4. Strikes to the BACK of the body including the head are not
allowed.

5. STEPPING or GOING out of the playing area with both feet.

6. FOUL LANGUAGE. Cursing and swearing (unintentional or

otherwise), jeering, trash talking and negative remarks will not
be tolerated.

7. EXCESSIVE CONTACT. A warning will be made if competitors

do not stop action when a “HINTO! (Stop!)” or “HIWALAY!
(Break!)” is called

8. ACCIDENTAL HITTING of ILLEGAL TARGET AREAS like neck,

throat, groin, back and back of head.

b. DISARMING = A competitor is considered “disarmed” when:

i) A disarming technique is applied when the opponent’s stick is taken from

him. The disarming technique must be applied in two (2) seconds or less, and must not
involve the locking of any joint. When a competitor loses control of the stick and it hits
the ground is considered a disarm. If the stick is lost, but is caught before it hits the
ground, no disarm is recorded. The Referee determines whether the disarm is to be
By: Richardson C. Gialogo, PhD Cand
 18

scored as valid by the Judges. He shall stop the match and inform the judges of the
decision, replace the stick and restart the match.
ii) When a player is disarmed, a one (1) point bonus will be given to the
opponent
immediately. Three (3) Disarms will result to losing the match.

c. DISQUALIFICATION (AUTOMATIC)

i. The following list of infractions is carried out as an AUTOMATIC

disqualification. The judges must confirm and agree. The tournament
director may also question to confirm the disqualification to ensure
guidelines are being met.

1. KICKING, KNEE THRUSTS, TRIPPING, SWEEPING, HEAD BUTT-

ING.

2. PUNCHING, SLAPPING AND ELBOWS. Using the free hand to

punch or slap is not allowed. Only to check to the weapon arm.
Using the Elbow for striking is prohibited.

3. WRESTLING, GRAPPLING, TAKE DOWNS are not allowed.

4. THRUSTING OR BUTTING with the weapon is not allowed with

either end.

5. DELIBERATE HITTING of ILLEGAL TARGET AREAS like neck,

throat, groin, back and back of head.

• PROTEST AND COMPLAINT

- Protest shall be done immediately after the competition and before the next
competition begins. Protest after the match/bout shall be made in writing within 4
hours by the coach duly signed by the athletic manager or authorized
representative of the delegation address to the Technical Committee. A protest fee
shall be P5, 000.00. Any action made otherwise shall be nullified.
Coaches/Chaperons who failed to attend the solidarity meeting shall waive his/her
rights.
• OTHER MATTERS and RECOMMENDATION
-The Technical Committee shall decide on all other queries/issues not mentioned in
the ground rules.
- Official coaches and trainer must be in their delegation uniform while on coaching.
Wearing of short pants, sleeveless shirt, and slippers are strictly prohibited for the
coaches and chaperons during the competition.
- Only the official coach/trainer is allowed to sit and instruct the player during the
match. No Coach/trainer, No play policy shall be observed during the match.
By: Richardson C. Gialogo, PhD Cand
 19

- Official coaches and trainer must observe proper decorum during the competition.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
The PEKAF National Sports Rules for Eskrima Kali Arnis is an amalgam of various existing
rules on Sport Arnis Kali and Eskrima. This Consolidated Handbook on Sports Rules and
Regulations for competitive Arnis (also known as Kali Sports and Sports Eskrima) is
prepared for use in the conduct of any and all Arnis competitions, from School Meets up to
the national level. These rules are tailored in order to make them more applicable to all and
to ensure the safety of the student-players.

This Rulebook is the product of the different Rules of specific systems, schools and
associations in alphabetical order:

1. Arnis Pasindo Eskrima

2. Baxafra ARMOR
3. Department of Education Rules on Sports Arnis (DepEd Rules)
4. Doce Pares
5. International Arnis Federation (IAF)
6. International Modern Arnis Federation (IMAF)
7. Kali Arnis Martial Arts Organization (KAMAO)
8. Lightning Scientific Arnis International (LSAI)
9. National Arnis Association of the Philippines (NArAPhil)
10. World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (WEKAF)

Submitted by:

Richardson Gialogo, Vice-President for NCR

Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (PEKAF)
Chairman, Committee on Technical & Sports Rules and Referee & Judges Committee For
clarifications, please email: richardgialogo@yahoo.com

THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

First Regular Session
SENATE
By: Richardson C. Gialogo, PhD Cand
 20

S. NO. _______

Introduced by Senator ________________________

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Arnis is the Filipino indigenous martial art of stick fighting. It is also known throughout the
world as Eskrima, Kali, Garrote, and various other indigenous names like Pananandata (Tagalog),
Pagkalikali (Ibanag), Kalirongan (Pangasinan), Kaliradman (Bisaya), Didya (Ilokano), etc. It is
said that this fighting method is the one used by Lapu Lapu when he vanquished Magellan in the
famous Battle of Mactan. According to Pigaffeta, the natives used bladed weapons and “sticks
hardened by fire”. In 1564, after 43 years since Magellan touched our soil, Don Miguel Lopez de
Legaspi with his 380 strong army were surprised to see the natives performing their indigenous
fighting styles. In Abuyog, Leyte, in the middle of February, 1564, they were welcomed in a
feast by the local chieftain Malitik and parts of the festivities were exhibitions of the native
martial art. This is a proof that we do have an indigenous martial art.

During the Spanish era, the practice of this martial art was outlawed by the Spaniards. It so
happened that the Spanish war propaganda against the Moros encouraged the staging of various
socio-religious plays called the “Moro-Moro” plays, wherein the Spanish were portrayed as
victorious in battles against the Moros of Mindanao. It is a form of black propaganda to show the
natives that the Spanish race and their religion is superior than that of the natives’. There is only
one plot in these plays: a muslim prince/princes falls in love with a Christian prince/princess.
Because of this love affair, the two kingdoms would have an “en grande” battle wherein the
Christians always winning and the Muslims always losing and are converted to Christianity. It is
believed that the practice of Arnis was hidden in the guise of these mock battles, and this is how
Arnis as a martial art survived through 400 years of persecution.

Even our very own National Hero, Dr, Jose P. Rizal, studied Arnis. In his memoirs in Dapitan,
he taught Arnis to the children of Dapitan. The likes of Marcelo H. Del Pilar, Juan and Antonio
Luna and the other members of the La Solidaridad studied Arnis aside from fencing in Ateneo de
Municipal under Don Juan de Azes who operated a club of Spanish Fencing and Filipino Eskrima
called Tanghalan ng Sandata.

Point of clarification, Arnis is not the STICK, it is the indigenous Filipino system of fighting with
or without using weapons. Thus During the Katipunan era, we saw the katipuneros brandishing
their bolos. The katipuneros fought our colonizers with the common and ubiquitous bolos, the
farm tool. And because of the tenacity of our fighting art, we succeeded in the revolution.

And during the Philippine-American war, Arnis was used. During this time, the caliber.45
revolver was invented because of the tenacity of the moro juramentados. American servicemen

By: Richardson C. Gialogo, PhD Cand

 21

required a gun with a stronger stopping power since American flesh still get hacked by Filipino
blades even if they shoot the Filipino freedom fighters with their Krag rifles and .38 revolvers.

The same martial art was even used in the most recent World War, WWII. Guerilla forces used
bolos in attacking the Japanese Imperial Army in raids and ambushes. It is also well documented
that Filipino Commandos of the USAFFE based abroad trained and used Arnis in preparation for
the Liberation of Manila. The Bolo Battalion was part of the USAFFE.

Many instances point to the important role of Arnis in the Filipino History of libertarian struggle.
This highlights the fact that, without an efficient system of fighting, our unsung heroes could
have not done it. These are just examples how effective our indigenous Filipino martial arts is.
We should therefore develop our PATRIMONY and take good care not only of our tangible
cultural heritage (like Spanish Churches & cathedrals, monuments, nature, etc) but our intangible
cultural heritage too.

The martial arts principles of Arnis is designed for self-defense against armed or unarmed attacks.
It is usually done using rattan sticks or other similar implements, in three different forms: single
cane, double cane of the same length, or two implements with varying length (espada y daga/
sword and dagger). Or, it could be done without canes like simply using the bare hands by
following the prescribed techniques. Practitioners could also use bolos, kris, swords and other
implements like knives, ballpens and bottles as substitutes. Even as a sport, its benefits include
instilling discipline, character formation, and the development of skills of the practitioners. And
like Karate, Judo and Kendo of Japan, or Tae Kwon Do of Korea, or Wushu and Kung Fu of
China, or Muay Thai of Thailand, the Philippines can now be proud to have its own National
Martial Art and National Sports that is at par with other world-class martial arts. It is likewise felt
that Arnis, more than any other sport or martial art, may prove to be a means for international
excellence by the Filipinos.

Conformably, therefore, with the provisions of the Constitution which call upon the State to
“promote education and encourage sports programs, league competitions, and amateur sports,
training for international competitions, to foster self-discipline, teamwork, and excellence for the
development of a healthy and alert citizenry,” and with the directive that “all educational
institutions shall undertake regular sports activities throughout the country in cooperation with
athletic clubs and other sectors: [Art. XIV, Sec. 19, pars (1) and (2)]”. It is proposed that the
inclusion of Arnis be required in all National Games, programs and activities, sanctioned by the
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the Department of Education (DepEd), the National
Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) and the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Definitely, it is felt that Arnis, more than any other sport or martial art, deserves to be the
National Martial Art and National Sports of the Philippines because of the legacy it has given and
has contributed in the building and development of the Nation. Since time immemorial, it is
through Arnis that the bravery of our forefathers stood out in the defense of the motherland.

By: Richardson C. Gialogo, PhD Cand

 22

THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

First Regular Session

SENATE

S. NO. _______
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Introduced by Senator ___________________
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AN ACT DECLARING ARNIS AS THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL MARTIAL ART AND

SPORT

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress

assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Arnis Law of the Philippines.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policies. – It is the policy of the State to inculcate patriotism,

nationalism and appreciation of the role of the national heroes and symbols in the historical
development of the country. Furthermore, the State must give priority to education, science and
technology, arts, culture and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social
progress, and promote total human liberation and development.

SECTION 3. It is also the policy of the State to promote physical education and encourage
sports programs, league competitions, and amateur sports, including training for international
competitions, to foster self-discipline, teamwork, and excellence for the development of a healthy
and alert citizenry and to direct all educational institutions to undertake regular sports activities
like Arnis throughout the country in cooperation with athletic clubs and other sectors.

SECTION 4. Definition of Terms. – Arnis is also known as Eskrima, Kali, Garrote, and various
other indigenous names like Pananandata (Tagalog), Pagkalikali (Ibanag), Kabaroan and
Kalirongan (Pangasinan), Kaliradman (Bisaya) and Didya (Ilokano). For convenience sake, this
indigenous martial art shall be termed “Arnis.” For the purpose of this Act, “Arnis” Shall mean
the indigenous Filipino Martial Art and Sport characterized by the use of swinging and twirling
movements, accompanied by striking, thrusting and parrying techniques for defense and offense.
It is usually done with the use of one or two 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 canes.

By: Richardson C. Gialogo, PhD Cand

 23

SECTION 5. Promulgation. - Arnis is hereby declared as the Philippine National Martial Art and
Sport. The official adoption of Arnis as the National Martial Art and National Sport shall be
promulgated by inscribing the symbol of Arnis in the official seals and in the inclusion of Arnis
in the national developmental programs and activities of the National Commission for Culture
and Arts (NCCA), the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the Department of Education
(DepEd), and the Department of Tourism (DOT).

SECTION 6. Implementing Rules. – The National Commission for Culture and Arts, the
Philippine Sports Commission, the Department of Education, and the Department of Tourism
shall issue, in coordination with accredited sectors involved in the teaching and development of
Arnis, the necessary rules and regulations implementing this Act, within thirty (30) days from its
effectivity.

SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. – Any law, presidential decree, executive order, or issuance, rule
and regulation inconsistent with this Act is hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SECTION 8. Effectivity Clause. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after complete
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation in the
Philippines.

Approved,

By: Richardson C. Gialogo, PhD Cand