ARNIS
Arnis is the official national sport and the martial
art of the Philippines. It is also known
as "Kali" or "Eskrima".
These two terms are used for the traditional martial
art of the Philippines (“Filipino Martial Arts”, or
“FMA”) that focuses on weapon-based fighting with
knives, sticks, bladed weapons and some improvised
weapons.
Arnis is a combat sport to defend oneself
from attacks using hand to hand
combat, grappling and weapon disarming in weapon-
The word Arnis got originated from the old Spanish
term, arnés, means “armor”
Eskrima is a Filipinization of the Spanish
word, esgrima for fencing.
The name ‘Kali’ was derived from the pre-Hispanic
Filipano term ‘Kalis’ which meant Blades and Fencing.
Practitioners of the sport are
called “arnisador” for male and“arnisadora” for female in
Arnis
Arnis was declared as the Philippines’ National sport and
martial art on 11 December 2009.
The first national organization for Arnis is the National Arnis
Association of the Philippines (NARAPHIL)which was
founded in 1975 by Gen. Fabian C. Ver.
However, its existence faded post the Philippine
Revolution in 1986.
The two major types of Arnis practiced as sports are the
system followed by WEKAF (World Eskrima Kali Arnis
Federation) which was established in 1989, and is recognized
internationally; and the other system followed by Arnis
Philippines (ARPI), established in 1986, which was used
prominently during the 2005 Southeast Asian Games.
The sport Arnis is played
between two fighters with
a main objective of earning
more points by
legally attacking the
opponent with the help of
stick.
It is said that Arnis
develops self-
discipline and control because
this sport is a simple martial art
and it is all about defending
oneself by using sticks.
• Head Gear: It is a necessity in Arnis combat. It is
covered with high-grade leatherette and vinyl that
is printed with ethnic art. Its materials provide
vital protection from head strikes and a multi-
thickness metal frame is developed for impact
protection.
• Body Armor: It is designed specially to provide
complete upper body protection while
allowing mobility and protection. The armor is
usually made of hard
plastic and vinyl for lightness and the lower
panels are extended downwards to provide extra
coverage.
• Leg Guard: These guards can be used
to protect both thigh and the shin area and are
not only designed for protection but also
for comfort and practicality.
• Groin: It is a special padding for the lower
abdomen. It has a groin cup to provide complete
protection to the groin area.
• Hand Gloves: It is a thick rubber protection which
serves as a protection from strikes as the stick is
held in hand. Its open palm design ensures a stable
grip and finger flexibility for impact absorption.
12 striking areas 12 blocking techniques
1. Left Temple 1. Inward Block
2. Right Temple 2. Outward Block
3. Left Arm 3. Inward Block
4. Right Arm 4. Outward Block
5. Stomach 5. Sweeping Block
6. Left Chest 6. Inward Block
7. Right Chest 7. Outward Block
8. Right Leg / 8. Low Outward
Knee Block
9. Left Leg / Knee 9. Low Inward Block
10.Left Eye 10.Inward Block
11.Right Eye 11.Outward Block
12.Crown / Head 12.Overhead Block
