PathFit 3
ARNIS
Philippine History
Sports
History
Arnis was a dying Filipino
martial art, because of the wrong
concepts in teaching the art to
every student. It is said that,
originally, the cane was
considered sacred by
practitioners (Arnisadores).
Ancient Period
A martial art was spawned in Philippine soil
and was known in the ancient Philippines as
Kali, an ancient Malayan word which implies “a
large bladed weapon longer than a knife.”
Kali
Bladed Weapon
A type of double-edged Filipino sword,
often with a "wavy" section, similar to a keris.
The wavy portion of the kali is said to be
meant to facilitate easier slashing in battle.
Kali according to some historians must
have been derived from Tjakalele of
Indonesia, a neighboring country south of the
Philippines. Tjakalele is a native Indonesian
fencing whose techniques are closely similar
to those of Arnis.
Hispanic Period
Spain colonized the Philippines, Kali was
already a standard fighting art of the early
Filipinos. Native rulers like Lapu-Lapu of
Mactan were Kali expert, according to
Magellan’s chronicler and historian,
Pegafetta.
A. Swimming
Trivia
C. Cycling
Modern Period
Arnis today is popularly played with the use
of cane, being less lethal than the bladed
weapon like itak or bolo. The cane is assumed
to be the extension of the hand so that Arnis
is called in Spanish as Arnis de Mano or
Eskrima.
Remy Amador Presas was the founder
of Modern Arnis, a popular Filipino
martial art. Born in the Philippines, he
moved to the United States in 1974,
where he taught his art via seminars and
camps. In 1982 he was inducted into the
Black Belt Hall of Fame as Instructor of
the Year.
Forms of Play
in Arnis
Espada Y Daga Solo Baston
('single stick') Sinawali
('sword and dagger')
and many more
Values and Benefits of Arnis
✓ Contributes to the Physical Fitness Development – The execution of the various skills of
Arnis involves vigorous movements of the arms, shoulders, trunk, the abdomen and
the lower extremities - the legs and feet. And since these movements are performed
continuously and rhythmically, they provide excellent training for muscular strength,
flexibility and cardio-respiratory endurance which are the 3-basic health-related
components of physical fitness namely agility, balance, reaction time, and
coordination are also developed through Arnis.
✓ Develops Special Abilities – Emphasis is placed on quickness and coordination, and in
the perfect execution of the skills. Individuals whose physical attributes and
capabilities are limited can find in Arnis the satisfaction provided by competition and
the thrill of accomplishments in skillful physical activity.
✓ Improves Mental Qualities – Alertness, daringness and precision are necessary, since
many techniques call for quick thinking, and split-seconds timing.
Values and Benefits of Arnis
✓ Cultivates Desirable Character Traits – Self-confidence, fortitude, and self-discipline are
developed in the practice of Arnis. Students of Arnis who practice long and hard in
order to make progress will also develop the virtue of perseverance to the highest
degree. Self-discipline is necessary to master self-confidence. The acquisition of skills
and desirable traits rest on the individual himself, for Arnis is a self-testing activity, and
the student will progress at his or her own rate.
✓ Creative Ability has Unlimited Potential in Arnis – The putting together of various
possible combinations to come up with an Anyo form or sparring routines require
imaginative and creative talent. Through this experience, the Arnis enthusiast
develops understanding of symmetry, continuity, coordination, balance, and timing in
the execution of striking and blocking maneuvers.
✓ Awareness on the Cultural Identity – Arnis is a genuine component of our cultural
heritage. It is possible that the Filipino who will take up Arnis will find an answer to
what an eminent Filipino scholar termed, “the search for national identity.”
Thank You!
I'll see you again with a new topic.
