History of Arnis

The Philippines is an island nation rich in both culture and history. The Filipino martial art of
Arnis/Kali/Escrima has contributed to both the history and diversity of the Philippines. There are
an abundance of styles and systems of Arnis/Kali/Escrima that are taught throughout the world
to this day, that have survived and developed throughout the different regions, families and
teachers who have preserved what is sometimes called a “complete” martial art.

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 dagger, 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 training, 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
 FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENTS OF ARNIS

Body Protector- refers to a pair of body protector, properly cushioned to avoid injuries and the
specifications shall be according to the i-ARNIS.

Groin and Body Protector- to avoid injuries and the specification shall be according to the i-
ARNIS.
Forearm and chin guards - a compulsory to also avoid severe injuries while having a fight or
competition.
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

Scoreboards- either manual or electronic that indicates the scores.

(FLAGS)
Yellow flag
shall be used by the
timer to declare the start and the end of performance.
Blue flag
shall be raised by the official to indicate loses control of the weapon/s.
Red flag
shall be raised by the official to indicate stepping outside of the playing area.
Both flags
shall be raised by the official to indicate violation of standard salutation simultaneously whistling
to call the attention of the performer/s.
 PROJECT
IN
HOPE
SUBMITTED BY:

Paringit, Alyssa

Pizon, kyla

Pura, paula mae

Real,Bless

Rubinos, Janelle

Salazar, Francess Janinn

Sesbreno, Angel Rose

Tansiongco, Glaiza

Pura, paula mae

Rull, zamantha keith