History of Arnis

Arnis was developed by the indigenous populations of the Philippines, who used an
assorted range of weaponry for combat and self-defense. Encompassing both simple impact and
edged weapons, arnis traditionally involved rattan, swords, daggers and spears.

In 1521, equipped with nothing more than bladed weapons and their fearsome arnis
abilities, Filipino islanders defeated Ferdinand Magellan’s armored, musket-bearing Spanish
conquistador forces when they tried to invade.

When the Spanish eventually returned and successfully conquered parts of the
Philippines, the traditions of arnis were preserved, despite its prohibition, in the forms of ritual
dance, performance and mock battles. While earlier Filipino martial arts were influenced by
Spanish colonization, the modern forms have been affected by the country’s contact with both
the United States and Japan after gaining independence in 1898. Just over a century later, in
2009, the government of the Philippines declared arnis to be the martial art and national sport of
the Philippines.

Arnis is otherwise known as eskrima, kali and garrote, and by even more names in

different Filipino regional languages. Although Spanish influence had a pacifying effect on
Filipino martial culture, the original warrior ethos has persisted and remains on the fringes of the
art. Arnis “death-matches” were outlawed as late as 1945 yet, as Mark V. Wiley explains
in Filipino Martial Culture, they still take place in private today.

Arnis: The Philippines' National Sport and Martial Art

Ruaidhrí Carroll

London Travel Writer

Updated: 25 April 2017
https://theculturetrip.com/asia/philippines/articles/arnis-the-philippines-national-sport-and-
martial-art/

Arnis (also called Kali or Eskrima) is a generic term for the deadly martial arts of the
Philippines.  It contains both barehand and weaponary arts - everything that has got to
do with fighting. The  barehand combat include boxing, wrestling, grappling, pressure
points and locks.  Weaponary arts include swords, sticks, staffs, knives, nunchakus,
sai and all sorts of "weapons of conveinence" like the hankerchief, walking stick. 
Contrary to uninformed public opinion,   Arnis is not only a stick fighting art.  

Unlike other martial arts (eg. Karate, Judo, Kung Fu, Tae Kwon Do),  Arnis has not
been exposed to the West until recently and thus retained more of its original essence. 
It is thus very different from most other systems known to the West.

Arnis places emphasis on using and defending against weapons.    In the practical
world,  a knife or machete is regarded as a dangerous weapon that is easily obtained
and used in conflicts.   Therefore,  Arnis practitioners familarise themselves against
knife and machete attacks.  Unfortunately, this important aspect is not emphasized in
other martial arts.

Arnis requires that the whole body moves as a single co-ordinated unit,  involving
usage of all muscles.  Flow of movement is emphasized.  Its practice is therefore
excellent for co-ordination.

Arnis regards the arms/legs as weapons.  Therefore, the techniques that are used for
swords/sticks/knives are the same ones used in empty-hand combat.  "Weapons are
just an extension of the arms".  Students do not need to memorise so many techniques
as in other martial arts. 

The main weapon of entry when learning Arnis is generally the stick or baton.  This is
very convenient to obtain and carry.   The elderly and handicapped will easily adapt
their walking cane to Arnis.  Exercise with a stick is very beneficial to enhance fitness
and vitality.  

Unlike most other martial arts,  strength and speed is not an important factor in
Arnis.   Thus,  it is suitable for ladies,  the young,  and the elderly.   

In short, Arnis is :- 

*  Extremely practical self-defence 
*  Great all-round exercise for health 
*  Great for fitness and co-ordination 
*  Deadly Art of Empty-Hand, Stick, Sword, and Knife Combat 
*  Uncomplicated and easy to learn 
*  Performed effortlessly - no strength required 
*  Suitable for all ages and sexes 
*  Complete system of martial arts 
*  Based on the blade, but applied to empty hands and all weapons 
*  Spiritual Way of The Warrior 
http://www.yellowbamboohk.com/arnis/arnisarticles/arniswhatis.html