ARNIS

While there are many martial arts out there, only a number of them use almost everything to create

a formidable self-defence system – stick, sword, dagger, empty hands, secondary weapons, etc. One

of these arts is the Filipino Stick Fighting of Arnis.

This section explores the benefits of learning Filipino stick fighting martial arts. Learning this

unique martial art will equip you with practical and effective self-defence techniques while keeping

you physically and mentally fit at the same time.

What is Arnis?
Arnis- is a stick made out of rattan that is 28 inches long. It is a Filipino martial art that can be
performed individually or with a partner using a single stick or a pair of sticks for striking and

blocking; can also be used for self-defense.

Two Types of Arnis

• Anyo or form - Athletes would perform sequences of movements using 2 batons.

• 2. Laban, or full combat competitions -Players are required to strike their opponents’

different body parts with one baton.

Who discovered Arnis?

Remy Amador Presas was the founder of Modern Arnis. He was born on December 19, 1936 in the

town of Hinigaran, Negros Occidental, Philippines. He was inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame

as Instructor of the Year in 1982. He published several books and videos on Modern Arnis and is

recognised as the "Father of Modern Arnis". Presas died on August 28, 2001 in Victoria, British

Columbia, Canada from brain cancer.

1. Solo baston- In this form, the arnisador fights with a single stick, called a baston.

2. Doble baston- Here the arnisador uses two bastons of equal length.

3. Espada- When the arnisador wields a long baston and a shorter one simultaneously.

4. Dos manos- When the arnisador grips the stick with two hands. In this form the stick is longer,

from thirty-five to forty-five inches tip to tip.

5. Bare-hand fighting caled mano-mano.

History
The history of “Arnis de Mano” also known as “Kali or Escrima” in the Philippines can be

traced way before the arrival of the first Galleon ships in the Archipelago. The first recorded account

of the practice of “Arnis” reveals that it is primarily used by natives for tribal combats. It has been

called by different names during the time such as kali or kabaroan in Ilocos, pagkalikali in

Cagayan, lcalirongan in Pangasinan, kaliradman in Samar and Leyte, and esfocado or esgrima in

Bicol.

During the Spanish occupation, “Arnis” evolved as a sport coming in three variations: espada

y daga (sword and dagger) which uses a long and short stick; solobaton, or single stick; and

sinawali, which uses two sticks and employing movements similar to sawali weave. Some of our

national heroes like Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Antonio Luna, Gregorio del Pilar, and Gregorio

Aglipay were known to be practitioners of “Arnis”. Because of the intricate use and danger of

“Arnis”, which is one of the main weapons of our forefather2 in the battle of Mactan where

Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan was killed, Spanish authorities in 1596 discouraged its

practice.
All these historical accounts imply that “Arnis” really originated in the Philippines. Renowned

encyclopedias refer to “Arnis” as Filipino Martial Arts. Similar native sports in other Asian countries

like Korea’s Taekwondo, Thailand’s Muay Thai, and Japan’s Judo, to name a few, have become

internationally accepted sports.

Influence of other Martial Arts Styles in Arnis History

It also has other influences, as traders and settlers travelling through the Malay Region

brought the silat as well as Arab, Indian, and Chinese martial arts. A few of the people still localized

Chinese combat methods called the kuntaw.

Moreover, it has been theorized that Arnis Kali Eskrima may have Indian roots and came to the

Philippines through the people who traveled through Malaysia and Indonesia to the

Philippines. Silambam, a stick-staff-based, ancient, Indian martial art influenced numerous martial

arts in Asia such as silat. Arnis may share ancestry with the said systems – several Arnis

movements resemble the short stick (kaji or kali) and other weapon-based combat styles techniques

of silambam.

When the Spanish colonizers first came to the Philippines, they observed weapons-based

combat arts practiced by the Filipino natives, which are likely not related to the modern-day Arnis.

The earliest written records of the Philippines and the Filipino life and culture were documented by

the first Spanish explorers.

A few early expeditions fought tribesmen armed with knives and sticks. In 1521, the

Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan, was slain in Cebu at the legendary “Battle of Mactan” by

the Datu Lapu-Lapu’s forces. Several Arnisadors claim that these natives killed the explorer in a

sword fight, but historical evidence does not prove so.

The Katipunan

Opinions differ based on the degree to which Spanish colonization in the Philippines impacted Arnis

training. A huge number of styles, techniques, and names of the system themselves have major

Spanish influence on them – arnis or arnes, eskrima or esgrima, estoque, garrote, etc., though some

argue that the Spanish names just reflect the fact that the lingua franca of the Philippines at that
time was Spanish, and there was limited Spanish martial influence.

What’s certain though is that the Spanish brought with them and utilized their weapon arts when

they began colonizing the Philippines in the 1500s. Moreover, that’s known is that they recruited

and trained soldiers and mercenaries from the locality; these are the Kapampangans,

Pangasinenses, Tagalogs, Ilonggos, Warays, and Cebuanos in order to pacify the regions and stop

revolts.

However, this is essential for our protection, and so they always say that a Spaniard and three

Pampangos is equivalent to four Spaniards.

Logic tells us that these native mercenaries and soldiers would have transferred these newly

acquired skills to family members and very close friends to improve the efficient and already

existing native ones. Moreover, they would have shared methods and tactics with each other when

put in a similar military group and combatting the foreign side like the Marianas, the Moluccas, and

Formosa.

Spanish Influence on Arnis History

One prominent feature of Arnis that may point to Spanish influence is Espada y Daga (sword and

dagger) method, which is a term utilized in fencing. The Filipino version of the Espada y daga is

quite different from the European rapier and dagger styles; the stances are not the same as

weapons utilized in are normally shorter that European-made swords.

Following the Spanish colonization in the Philippines, a decree was established that banned the

common people from carrying weapons such as the Kampilan and Kris. Regardless, the

practitioners constantly found ways to keep and maintain the system alive, using rattan-made

sticks rather than actual swords. Several arts were passed down from generation to generation.
Occasionally, the arts took the form of rituals or choreographed dances like the Sakuting stick

dance. Furthermore, as a result, an intricate and unique stick-based style evolved in the Luzon and

Visayas regions. Mindanao, on the other hand, retained exclusive blade-oriented methods because

the Spaniards and even Americans never entirely conquered the southern regions of the Philippines.

Etymology of Arnis History

• Eskrima and Arnis are utilized in the Philippines' as weapon-based martial art. Kali, as a term

of such reference, is used by other practitioners in other countries as well. “Arnis de Mano” is

a particularly tricky name.

The word “Arnis” which was derived a form of the term “Arnes” refers to the attractive

harnesses utilized by the actors of the moro-moro stage displays. “De mano” just means

“hands.” Arnis de Mano is, therefore, a literal translation of the phrase ‘harness of hand.'

• The handling of such harnesses during stage plays made a lasting impression on the Spanish

settlers such that they called it ‘Arnes de Mano.' The style Arnis, which is a Spanish word in

itself, uses many Spanish words to express its techniques. A good example of this is ‘Espada y

daga' or “sword and dagger” (in English).

• “Eskrima” is another inclusive term. The word originated from the term ‘Escrima,' which,

again, originated from the Spanish word ‘Esgrima'; a term used for fencing. It is also believed

to be interpreted as ‘to skirmish' although there is no evidence for such claim.

• The term “Kali” is usually the most divisive. Loads of martial arts instructors and schools

believe that the term “Kali” is a combo of the terms Kamut (hand) and Lihok (movement). It's

also assumed to be the mother art of Arnis history or Escrima, but such assumptions lack

evidence.

Kali or Kahli, as it's written at times, is a kind of stick in Visayan and mustn't be utilized to

refer to the art of fighting. Also, Kali is the Hindu Goddess of Destruction. Furthermore, the

Moros who reside in the Sulu islands would frequently go into combat clothed like the Kali;

the Goddess of Destruction.

• The more plausible fact is the Tagalog term for a large, bladed weapon called Kalis.

• This was simply shortened to “Kali” referring to every one of the bladed weapons. Dan
Inosanto popularized the term. Antonio Illustrisimo, interviewed in 1993, stated that he

simply utilized the word due to convenience since international students are familiar with it;

however, he preferred the word Escrima since it was what the art was called when his uncles

were teaching him.

Practiced/Practitioners in the Philippines

Systems which directly originated from the Philippines and have practitioners residing in the

Philippines. Not all systems have particular names as older practitioners only called their arts

generic names like arnis, baston, escrima, etc.

Arnes Diablo - a style from Cebu focused on knife fighting taught by Lorenzo "Insiong" Saavedra to

Zimo Saavedra then to Lucresio "Okit" Albano and Gregorio "Goyong" Ceniza. Senior students:

Felipe Dabor, Cronie Cabatingan, Vernon Ompoc and Rene Capangpangan.

Balintawak Eskrima - Founded in 1952 by Venancio "Anciong" Bacon after internal dispute

amongst some of the original founders of the original Doce Pares club.

Balintawak Sugbu - Balintawak Sugbu follows the original teaching method of Villasin Balintawak.

Founder GM Carlo "Kaloy" Campaña

Bakbakan International - Founded by Antonio Diego, Rey Galang, Christopher Ricketts, senior

students of Tatang Ilustrisimo.

Biagtan Ayura Cinco Teros - Founded by Maestro Raysaldo Biagtan, former Team Muaythai

Philippines, ISKA Champion, World Silver Medalist, also founder of Biagtan Muaythai MMA and

Author of the book "The Art Of Cinco Teros" Northern Philippines System.

Black Scorpion Arnis founded by Capt. Arthur Cuadrante Teodosio, reserve officer of the Philippine

Army, in 1969.
De Campo Uno-Dos-Tres Orihinal (De Campo 1-2-3) – founded by Jose Caballero.

Derobio escrima - founded by grandmaster Braulio Pedoy.

Doce Pares Eskrima - Originally encompassed 12 styles and was founded by the Saavedra and

Cañete families in 1932. There are now several Doce Pares groups headed by various members of

the Cañete family.

Eskrido - Founded by Ciriaco "Cacoy" Cañete, the last remaining founder of Doce Pares Eskrima.

Garimot Arnis - Led by Gat Puno Abon "Garimot" Baet.

Kalis Ilustrisimo - Founded by Antonio "Tatang" Ilustrisimo; important as the ancestor of many

current eskrima systems. Some senior students are Antonio "Tony" Diego,[5] Epifanio "Yuli" Romo,

Christopher "Topher" Ricketts, Rey Galang and Romeo Macapagal

Jose Rizal practiced Arnis de Mano from Laguna[

Kombatan - founded by Ernesto Presas, brother of Remy Presas.

Lameco Eskrima - Founded by Edgar Sulite. The name comes from the three ranges of the

system, Largo (Spanish for "long"), Medio ("medium"), and Corto ("short"). It is a composite of many

systems with heavy influence from De Campo 1-2-3 and Kalis Illustrisimo

Facilities of Arnis: Competition

Shall refer to the area by which the conduct of the competition shall be set or held including the

free zone around it.

• Dimensions

The playing area is a square measuring 8.0 meters by 8.0 meters with a two (2) meters minimum

free zone around it, and a clear space without any obstruction up to a height of not less than 5
meters from the playing surface.

• Lines of the Playing Area

All lines of the playing surface are 5.08 cm. (2 inches) and must be of different color from that of the

floor and other lines previously drawn for other purposes.

• Boundary Lines

Four lines mark the boundary of the playing area. The free zone distance measuring 2.0 meters are

drawn outside of the playing area.

• Match Lines

Two lines of 1.0 meter long and 2.0 meters apart mark the horizontal match line. The horizontal

match lines are drawn 3 meters from the boundary lines that run perpendicularly to the official's

table, and 3.5 meters from the boundary line that run parallel to the official's table.

Equipment of Arnis:

• Wooden Stick

The wooden stick shall measure not less than 60 cm and not more than 90 cm in

length with a diameter of not less than 1.3 cm and not more than 3.8 cm. It must not have

sharp edges or pointed ends.

• Wooden Replica of a Bladed Weapon

The wooden replica shall measure not less than 60 cm and not more than 90 cm in

full length and should be Ethnic Asian in origin. It must not have sharp edges or

pointed ends.

• Foam- cushion material

Should be foaming the padded sticks 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.

Benefits of Arnis

• It can be used as self-defense. It can help you to ensure your safety especially if you are a

girl.

• You can use your stick as a weapon. If someone wants to harm you, you can protect yourself

from using your wooden sword.

• Arnis teaches us discipline and control.

• It provides a full body workout. It helps you to improve your stamina, muscle tone, flexibility,

balance and strength.

• It gives you a healthy lifestyle. It helps you to improve your physical fitness, mental and

emotional health.

• It gives you positive encouragement and respect for values in martial arts.

• It helps you to improve your cardiovascular health because it stresses the heart if you do the

arnis.

• It helps you to be focused on your goals.

• It helps you to have a good mood because you are participating in exercise

1. Burns Calories and Keeps You in Good Shape

Eskrima is one of the best ways to lose or burn calories without your realizing it. It has a

conducive exercise program that develops and enhances various fitness components, primarily the

aerobic which improves your cardio. Eskrimadors are aware of the demand on cardio when

performing Sinawali and Redonda nonstop for several minutes.

2. Learn Practical Self-Defense

Each culture throughout history has established some type of self-defence martial art so that

they can protect their people in times of crisis. However, the only actual test of martial arts is actual

combat. As a combat art, Eskrima has proven it practicality and potency through the many years of
warfare and death matches among its practitioners.

As a weapon-based martial art, one advantage of kali escrima is that it allows you to defend with a

weapon and it also enables you to defend against a weapon-wielding opponent. Because you are

familiar with the different bladed and non-bladed weapons used by the attacker, it becomes easier

for you to anticipate and reverse his attacks.

3. Develop more confidence

Knowing that you can defend yourself against an attacker or even multiple attackers, gives

you the confidence to deal with unforeseen attacks. The fear comes from not knowing what to do

during an attack, especially one that is fatal. So martial arts also gives you the courage to face any

challenge. Training in Filipino Martial Arts, you’ll inevitably go through sparring sessions or even

competitions. The pressure ones go through during competition or sparring is immense. But with

training comes self-confidence and such confidence will build up once you go through sparring or

competition.

Win or lose you’ve walked through the path towards building confidence – conquering your fears

and working through pressure. And the more you train and challenge yourself, the more confident

you will feel.

4. Inherit Mental Disciplines and Focus

When you train in Eskrima, you are constantly put to the test. As frustrating as it may seem,

we are forced to push ourselves when we are at our weakest. To excel in Eskrima, the practitioner

must ensure that the drills and exercises are given the required effort and time.

80% of Eskrima competition – of attacking or defending against an opponent – is mental. Thus,

training in Filipino martial arts schools involves conquering your fears against an opponent, staying

calm in a stressful situation, and the repetition and development of technique.

5. Promotes Improvement

With each training, day come new challenges. This compels us to step up to our game and
improve ourselves. This enables us to turn bad habits into good ones and brings us closer towards

our goals. In the martial arts of Eskrima, improvement can be fast because of the proactive

approach to learning. You learn by applying the technique. Courses are compartmentalized into

different levels and each student has to master the techniques in the lower levels before they can

learn techniques in the higher levels.

Many of the Filipino Martial Arts schools adopt the belting system wherein a student acquires a

coloured belt after gaining proficiency at a certain level and passing an evaluation. This system

promotes improvement as the students strive to master every level through consistent training.

6. Forge the Warrior Spirit within You

Each time we spar or test our skills with a partner or opponent, we grow a little bit stronger

and become more confident. This forges the warrior spirit within us to accept whatever challenges

that may come our way.

Filipino Martial Arts training can push your body to its limits. This ability to endure hardship and

beat the odds forces the indomitable warrior spirit within you. Sparring sessions and competitions

help you to conquer your self-doubt and engage with a sparring partner or competitor.

Thus, you do not shy away from challenges and battles but welcome it as an opportunity to prove

yourself. You are forging the warrior spirit every time you prepare for anything that may come in

your way together with the determination to face it when it comes.

7. Relieve Stress

Martial arts like Eskrima is one of the best ways to relieve stress and there’s nothing like the

clash of arnis sticks and a series of drills to release those endorphins.

Eskrima training promotes consistency in training such that the practitioner has to forget about his

troubles and worries and focus on the training. Schools like the APO-Balintawak Self-Defense

System and the Darwa Pangalima Eskrima, among others, perform meditation and breathing

exercises to help prepare the student mentally for training.

Filipino stick fighting is a mental game as much as It is a physical game. It requires patience to

learn and master all the different techniques of the art. Developing such patience helps relieves
whatever stress you may feel at the moment.

8. Builds strong bonds

Aside from the master-student relationship, you will be surrounded by fellow martial artists

with the same passion and interest in every training session, a sense of brotherhood and comradery

follows. In Filipino Martial Arts training, practitioners drill with different partners to expose

themselves to different personalities.

Training with different partners enables you to learn more about other people’s styles, biases, and

attitudes. Thus, a deep sensitivity and bond develop among practitioners who withstood training

together. There’s nothing like bonding with people who are motivated by the same things you are.

Source: https://stickfightingsport.com/8-awesome-benefits-of-filipino-martial-arts-eskrima/

Terminologies in Arnis • Respect – Pugay (form of salutation/greeting

• Dagger – Daga between practitioners)

• Distance (Long Range) – Largo • Stab or Thrust – Saksak

• Distance (Medium Range) – Medio • Stick (Single) – Solo Baston

• Distance (Short Range) – Corto • Stick (Double) – Doble Baston

• Goodbye – Paalam • Stick Weapon – Yantok

• Grappling or Wrestling – Dumog • Sword – Espada

• Handle/grip of weapon – Puño • Sword and Dagger – Espada y Daga

• Hello – Mabuhay (or) Kumusta • Thank You – Salamat

• How are you? – Kumusta? • Unarmed Combat – Mano Y Mano

• Instructor – Guro • You Are Welcome – Walang Anuman

• Machete – Bolo • Weaving (Weapon Movement) – Sinawali

• Poke – Tusok