HISTORY OF ARNIS

Arnis/Kali/Escrima was originally developed by the people native to the islands using simple impact and edged weapons such
as kampilans, rattan, swords, daggers, spears and other assorted weaponry for combat and self defense. These weapons were
also sometimes used as farm implements.

The arrival of Ferdinand Magellan’s force in 1521 was met in battle with a group of islanders, led by Raja Lapu Lapu, who
defeated Magellan using only a bladed weapon. Magellan’s armored and musket bearing conquistadors were overpowered by
the fierce fighters and retreated. The Spanish returned in the 1570’s and this time the Philippines came under Spanish rule
unable to contend with the modern weaponry the Spanish used. The practice of Arnis/Kali/Escrima was prohibited, but
continued and was preserved through native ritual dance, performance, and mock battles. Thus the arts were passed down in
families from generation to generation, honing their skill, speed, accuracy and agility.

The terms Arnis, Kali and Escrima are all used to refer to the Filipino martial arts. There has been some confusion as to what
word refers to which part of the martial art. It is believed that Arnis, Kali, and Escrima are all a part of the same art and
depending on the location, dialect and type of training taught. Also, any of the three names may apply to a certain part of
training. One interpretation is that Kali is the mother art of Arnis and Escrima. Arnis focuses on the knife, including dagge r,
sword, and any other form of bladed weapon. Escrima is based on the baston or stick. It has also become very popular in the
sport aspect of full contact stick fighting.

To this day Arnis/Kali/Escrima has retained a strong Spanish influence not only in the names and titles used in traini ng, but in
the impact it has had on Filipino culture. Filipino martial arts continue to encompass a large range of weapons training and
hand-to-hand combat, enriching the culture of Filipino society. Thus the reference to it being a “complete” martial art.

The 12 strikes of arnis`

Founder:

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.Wikipedia
Born: 19 December 1936, Hinigaran
Died: 28 August 2001, Victoria, Canada
Martial art: Modern Arnis
Siblings: Ernesto Presas

Safety tips in playing arnis

a) Character- a ruffian has no place in Arnis let alone in sports. Refinement in character is
important. A student must be taught the moral (and religious) values of everything. It is an obligation
of the teacher of Arnis to mold the character of the student in such a way that his behavioural
structure would be motivated by righteous desire. It is what a man is that counts not the number of
trophies he won. In spite of the abetted fallacies of values of the present world, it is who you are that
will matter in the end.

b) Sincerity- sincerity for victory's sake is not the all--consuming end of an Arnis player. It is the
sincerity in him to his fellowman and to his art that makes him shine in the array of men. The will to
win maybe inculcated, but such tutelage should never end after the tick of the ultimate second in the
game but beyond the canvass and the arena of competition. The martial art of Arnis, it should be
remembered, is a good medium of development man's sense of dedication in all his everyday
endeavour and involvement. Sincerity is the mother of trust and trust makes an institution of what has
been shattered by doubts. A man who is not sincere will never have a true friend.
c) Discipline- Arnis is a molder of discipline. Proper behaviour in the sport and in life itself will be
the gauge of success. Personal discipline is important. The kaleidoscopic invitations and temptations
of life should never undermine man in his obligation to his art, to himself and his fellowman. A
student should learn to control himself in the pursuance of his goal, not only to his art but also to life
in general.

d) Self-control- losing one's head means defeat. One should learn to control his temper if he hopes to
achieve success in every endeavour. In Arnis, self-control is important for without it, life and the
good health of another may be lost. The possession of an ability to kill or main a person should be
handled with extreme caution and prudence. Man's clear perception of things is anchored on his
ability to control the outbursts of his inner self. Provocation is dishonourable but hasty reaction to it
is just as dishonourable if not despicable.

e) Etiquette- etiquette is allied to the main cardinal rules in Arnis. One's norm and standard should
never be imposed upon others. One should learn how to respect others. Giving credence to the
standard and ability of another person should or will best prepare anybody in any endeavour. The
pacific waters of human understanding will stay unruffled if exercise of proper etiquette and respect
whether it be in sporty competition or in life itself is observed.
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