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What is Arnis

It is the common name for any Filipino stick-based martial arts. It is also as escrima, eskrima,
garrote, arnes de mano, baston, estocada. In most Christianized communities, the stick-based
fighting arts can be found in Ilocos, Pampanga, Tagalog provinces, Bicol, Negros Island, Panay,
and Cebu.

For many practitioners among Filipinos born outside the country, the name Kali is the popular
name they are using to refer to arnis.

Generally, arnis has three forms of practice; these are the Solo Baston in which only one stick is
used, "Doble Baston' or "Sinawali” in which two long sticks are utilized, and the Filipino
version of 'Espada y Daga' (sword and dagger) wherein one long and one short stick are used by
the performers; "mano-mano at buno' (hand to hand and grappling) are also an integral part of
arnis training.

The earliest document that mentioned the word 'arnes’ was the epic-poem novel of Francisco
Baltazar y dela Cruz (1835), but based on the theme and logic of the novel "Florante at Laura,
the word arnes referring to fencing or any kind of sword practice, not stick-fighting. Mirafuente
(1958) defined arnis as the Philippine style of fencing. While Presas (1974), defined arnis as the
Filipino martial art using sticks, bladed weapons, and bare hands for self-defense purposes.

The RA 9850, the law proclaiming arnis as the Philippine national martial art and sport, defined
arnis as "the Filipino martial art of using impact, bladed weapons and empty hands. Arnis is an
indigenous martial art and sport characterized by the use of one (1) or two (2) sticks or any
similar implements or with bare hands and feet also used for striking, blocking, locking, and
grappling with the use of the same principle as that with the cane."

Origin of the Art

There are many claims and assumptions with regard to the origin of the arnis. One is the
assumption of the prehispanic origin of arnis, some practitioners believed that arnis is the
modern form of ancient fighting skills of "Kali," preserved through clandestine practices, and
was later on promoted to the public (Yambao & Mirafuente, 1957; Inosanto, 1980). But this
claim is not based on historical and archeological facts but merely on conjunctures.

Some practitioners who are leaning on academic, historical, and anthropological proof of the
origin of arnis, arguing that arnis was developed from the inspiration of Spanish swordsmanship
to protect the early Christianized communities against the marauding Moors and other bandits;
some believe that arnis was taught by warrior priests to protect the community and to use in
Comedia; some believe that those native Filipinos who served in the colonial armed forces were
those original propagators of this art to their immediate community and family members
(Napangue & Macachor, 2007; Wiley, 2007; Rollo, 2021).

Although from these beliefs on the origin of arnis, the promotion of arnis to the public was used
to quench the need for national identity during the Marcos administration (1970s). This art also

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serves as a means of cultural healing and cultural pride among Filipinos in the diaspora (Mc
Clung).

Traditional, Contemporary, and Sport Arnis

Arnis as a martial art passes the process of development from simple self-defense maneuvers
using sticks and other available weapons of protection into a very complex system; variations
and innovation still continue.

Traditional arnis is a form of practice that focuses more on the effective response to a self-
defense situation, teaching was based solely on the experience of the master. The typical training
in traditional arnis starts from mimicking the movement of the master (muestracion), then with
independent maneuvering applying the offensive and defensive tactics (sombra, or carenza);
partnered drills juego, or labanang malayuan). (sangga at patama), and some with the practice of
controlled free sparring (largo Traditional practices of arnis are seldom in this time, most of the
students of just to cater to the need of new generations.

The old masters who continued their practices did innovation and improvement just to cater to
the needs of new generations.

Contemporary arnis is the modern way of practicing arnis, the practice is usually a modern
type starting with the salutation, group warming up, and demonstration of the teacher then
followed by a return demonstration of students, partaking into numerous flow drills, and some
sort of controlled or themed sparring using safety gears.

Sports Arnis, is the branch of arnis practices that focuses on physically demanding athletic
training to win in the competition. It was started in the decades of the 70s when there were no
longer duels, and the government initiated the incorporation of arnis into the educational system.
Pioneers in promoting the competitive arnis were from the Modern Arnis and the Doce Pares
groups. Inspired by the concept of Kendo, the one strike concept; and the boxing concept of stick
fighting. Both groups innovated their own safety gear.

Sports arnis have many variations that depend on the concepts and beliefs of the organizers. The
common types are the sparring using padded sticks with minimal protection and the use of real
but light-weight rattan sticks while wearing full body protection. Point accumulation is crucial in
sports arnis.

Although there are diverse differences on how to conduct sparring among various groups, aside
from the recognized organization that promotes sports arnis, the sport competitive form of arnis
is prevalent in public schools. As to the study of Jacano & Peneyra (2021), and Anajao (2022),
the sports arnis, will have its own evolution and become a system of its own.

Introduction of Arnis to Cavite State University

The introduction of arnis as a martial art and sport at Cavite State University was initiated by the
late Master Louelle Lledo and his companion, Joel Anajao, they introduced it as physical
education activity and as part of the training of the varsity athletes among the karatedo players of
the university in the late of the 90s.

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And then it was included in the annual Region 4 State Colleges and University Athletic
Association which is now the Southern Tagalog Regional Association of State Universities and
Colleges Olympics (STRASUC Olympics).

Values of Training in Arnis

Like other forms of martial arts, arnis has lots of values for students such as:

1. The execution of various skills. in arnis involves vigorous movements of different muscle
groups, thus providing training for muscle strength, muscle endurance, flexibility, and
cardio-respiratory endurance.
2. Agility, reaction time, balance, and coordination are also developed
through arnis training.
3. As a sport, arnis develop quickness and coordination in the execution of offensive and
defensive skills.
4. Sense of accomplishment by demonstrating correct techniques.
5. Desirable traits such as self-confidence, fortitude, and self-discipline are developed in
the practice of arnis.
6. Creativity by putting all learned basic combinations into a self-demonstration of skills.
7. National Identity as Filipino, arnis can develop the sense of being a proud Filipino.

Gears and Equipment for Basic Arnis Training

Arnis Stick

The stick usually used in practicing arnis is made of rattan. It is advisable to use rattan sticks
other than hardwood, which is flexible and lighter as compared to other hardwood.

A pair of rattan sticks for each student; twenty-four (24 inches) long and not more than one inch
in diameter for grade school children, and twenty-eight to thirty (28 to 30) inches long for adult
students. It is advisable to carry the stick in a case of synthetic materials for safety.

Training Uniform

A typical PE uniform is a readily available training uniform for arnis, or a comfortable shirt and
training pants can be used.

Grip and Salute

The Correct Grip

The stick should be held about one (1) inch from the butt end. The extra length from the butt end
allows balance in gripping. It can also be used in disarming techniques and attacks.

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In arnis, the correct grip is the basis of control, power, and quickness in every blow that is
delivered. The correct grip is assured in this manner:

1. Hold the stick with your four fingers with the blade of the palm about two to three inches
from the base or butt of the stick.
2. Tighten your grip and press the thumb over the forefinger.
3. Each strike must be made with a firm grip.
While the grip is firm, the wrist must be flexible and very pliable.
Keeping the wrist in this state will ensure that the blows are delivered with
force and quickness.

The Salute

Salute or Bow of Courtesy is a way of giving respect to our partner, to the opponent, to the
instructor, and to our own selves.

Giving a salute or Pugay is done in this manner:

1. Stand at attention like a soldier in line formation, but relaxed, with feet apart and feet
pointing at an angle of 45 degrees. The hands are in front of the thighs, holding the stick
at both ends.
2. (a) From the Open Leg Stance, move the left foot to assume Attention Stance.
Bring the gripping hand into the left chest and slightly bow the head. (b) If holding two
sticks, extend the left arm in line with the shoulder and bring the right hand to the left
chest.
3. Then return to Open Leg Stance or assume an on-guard position.

Stances and On-Guard

Stances

Stances are positions that one assumes prior to the execution of any offensive and defensive
movements. The various stances give the arnis player an understanding of proper weight
distribution on the feet and maintaining proper balance to ensure fluid mobility and shifting from
one position to another.

The following are the fundamental stances that students can practice in various ways.

1. Attention Stance

Stand at attention like a soldier in line formation, but relaxed, with heels together and feet
pointing at an angle of 45 degrees. The hands are in front of the thighs holding the stick at both
ends

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2. Open Stance

Same as above but with two legs about shoulder-width apart.

3. Straddle Stance

This is similar to the Open Leg Stance, except that the feet spread much wider beyond shoulder
width distance, knees bent and weight evenly distributed on both feet. Stick diagonally across the
body and left hand at chest level, between the stick and chest.

4. Forward Stance

Slide or step one foot forward with knee bent, rear leg slightly straight at the back, and weight is
greater on the front leg. Maintain the center of balance in the center between the two legs.

This stance is used in lounging an attack.

5. Back Stance

Step or slide one foot backward, shifting the weight on the rear leg, trunk slightly leaning
backward. Keep the balance in the center between the two legs.

On-Guard Position

The On-Guard position is designed to give the greatest balance and efficiency in performing
either offensive or defensive movements in advancing, retreating, and evading.

To assume this position, the feet are approximately shoulder-width apart, dominant foot in
advance. Knees are bent so the body weight is distributed evenly over both feet.

Using the proper grip, the weapon is slightly positioned in front. The non-gripping hand is kept
on the side. The player should understand that this non-gripping hand is a live hand that can be
used for block support, checking, disarming, and controlling the opponent.

a. On guard in a wide stance

b. On guard in a narrow stance

Single Sinawali

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

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Although the sinawali is treated as an individual skill, it is best practiced with a partner. It is
therefore the first experience of an arnis novice to exchange blows with another person in a
continuous sequential manner. Sinawali drill serves also as a way for interpersonal
communication between students. This drill is also good to condition the students' arm
endurance, coordination, and quickness.

The Single Sinawali is performed in this manner:

(1) From open leg stance, do proper execution of pugay (1,2,3)

(4) Initial position - assume Open Leg Stance, bring both arms with sticks over the shoulder.

(5) Strikeinward with your right hand into the opponent's left temple;

(6) Bring R hand to the left side; prepare to execute R low backhand strike.

(7) Strike downward outward with your right hand aiming at your opponent's right knee;

(8) Then bring your right arm in your shoulder, and strike your left hand inward aiming at the
opponent's right temple.

(9) Bring L arm to the right side, and prepare to execute a low L backhand strike.

(10) With the same left hand, strike outward downward to your opponent's left knee.

(11) Return to the initial position, then repeat the whole movement pattern, smoothly and
rhythmically.

Basic Striking Techniques

Striking the target is very important, but getting to the target is just as important.

Therefore, when one goes into the target to strike, one must have conviction and a sense of
balance to effectively execute the strike.

All basic strikes should deliver to a specific target with vigor. All should be executed and
practiced as one sequential movement. However, once they are mastered, they can be executed in
any sequence.

Forehand Strike

From the on-guard position step in and strike the left upper side of the opponent.

Target Area: Left Temple, Left Face, Left Neck, Left Shoulder, Left Trunk

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Backhand Strike

From the on-guard position step in and strike the upper right side of the

Target Area: Right Temple, Right Face, Right Neck. Right Shoulder, Right Trunk1

Low Forehand Strike

From the On-guard position step into the deep lounge and hit the lower limb of the opponent.

Target Area: Left Thigh, Left Knee, Left Shin, Left Foot

Low Backhand Strike

From the On-guard position step into the deep lounge and strike the right lower limb of an
opponent.

Target Area: Left thigh, Left Knee, Left Shin, Left Foot

Mid-Thrust

From the on-guard position execute a direct attack to the opponent's trunk with the tip of the
stick, usually done in a lunge or reverse forward step.

Target Area: Stomach, Chest, Throat, Groin

Forehand Thrust

From the on-guard position withdraw and raise the arm upward with the knuckles turned towards
your face, the stick into a horizontal position pointing forward, and thrust at the left eye or the
chest of the opponent. This is also called Inward Thrust.

Target Area: Left Eye, Left Chest

Reverse Thrust

From the on-guard position, move the stick inward with the point facing forward, palm facing
your face, and execute a reverse thrust to your opponent's right eye or chest.

Target Area: Right Eye, Right Chest

Frontal Strike

From the On-guard position, bring slightly upward the stick and execute a direct frontal attack to
your opponent's crown.

Target: Crown, Shoulder

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