DEFINITION OF ARNIS

• Also known as Eskrima, Kali, Garrote and other names invarious regional languages.
• A stick made of rattan, bahi, yantok, yakal or kamagong, used in Philippine stick fighting.
• It is an Indigeneous Filipino martial arts and sports characterized by the use of swinging and
twirling movements, accompanied by striking, thrusting and parrying techniques for defense
and offense.
• Usually done with the use of 1 or 2 sticks or any similar implements or with bare hands and
feet also used for striking, blocking, locking and grappling, with the use of the same principle
as that with the canes.

SIGNIFICANCE OF ARNIS:

• It can be used as self-defense.

• You can use your stick as a weapon.
• Arnis teaches us discipline and self-control.
• It provides a full body workout.
• It gives you a healthy lifestyle.
• It gives you positive encouragement and respect for values in martial arts.
HISTORY AND ORIGIN OF ARNIS:

• Spaniards encountered local Filipino martial arts during the colonial period (15211898).
• In the early years, Eskrima was well regarded by the Spaniards, but by 1596, it was banned as
it was thought to be too dangerous.
• By 1764, the practice was entirely forbidden.
• Spanish attempted to destroy the Philippine culture by burning books and banning the use of
the native alphabet, Baybayin.
• However, Filipinos found a way to keep their culture alive by incorporating Kali movements into
the religious Moro-Moro dances and weaving Baybayin into artistic needlework.

THREE TERMS OF ARNIS:

• Kali is the oldest term of arnis.

• It originated from the southern part of the Philippines where the locals speak the native dialect,
Cebuano.
• Kali comes from the name itself “Ka” stands for kamot which means “hand,” and
“Li” stands for lihok, which means “movement.”
• A Kali practitioner is known as a Kallista.
• Eskrima originated from the central part of the Philippines.
• The name comes from a Spanish term “esgrima,” which means “fencing.”
• Eskrima involved the use of sticks as weapons.
• Eskrimador (male) or eskrimadora (female) for those who call their art eskrima.
• The third form, Arnis, came about because of this attempt to keep Filipino culture alive.
• The Spaniards were impressed by the Kali-infused dances and skillful movement of the hands.
 • They then named it “arnes” after their hand protection. Over time, the word evolved into
“Arnis.”

LEGAL BASIS: Republic Act No. 9850 “AN ACT DECLARING ARNIS AS THE NATIONAL”

MARTIAL ART AND SPORT OF THE PHILIPPINES

- It is the policy of the State to inculcate patriotism, nationalism and appreciation of the role of national
heroes and symbols in the historical development of the country.

The baston (Spanish and Filipino for "cane") is one of the primary weapons of Arnis and Filipino
martial arts. It is also known as yantok, olisi, palo, pamalo, garrote, caña, cane, arnis stick, eskrima
stick or simply, stick.

WEAPONS:

KINDS OF WEAPONS 1. Wooden stick/yantok

The cane (stick) made of wood or rattan should measure not less
than 60cm. (24 inches) and not more than 90cm. (36 inches.)

2. Wooden Replica of a Bladed Weapon

The wooden replica should measure not less than 60cm. (24 inches) and
not more than 90cm. (36 inches) in full length and should be ethnic
Filipino in origin.

3. Metallic/wooden Unbladed Replica of a Bladed Weapon

The metallic replica should measure not less than 60cm. (24 inches) and not more
than 90cm. (36 inches) in full length and should be ethnic Filipino in origin.

4. Metallic/wooden Unbladed of a replica of a bladed sword and a dagger

The metallic replica of the sword should measures not more than 60cm. in
length and the dagger should measure not less than 20cm. and not more than
31cm. and should be Filipino in origin.

GEARS:
1. HEAD PROTECTOR

Refers to a pair of protective head gear to include an impact worthy facemask, the specifications of
which shall be in accordance with the i-ARNIS standard . Both headgears must be color-coded, one
red the other blue, to match the added stick of the player.

2. BODY ARMOR

Body protector and groin protectors specifications shall be in accordance with the i-
ARNIS standard. Both body protectors and groin protectors shall be color coded to
match the color of the player.

3. HAND GLOVES

The Stix Arnis Hand Gloves serve as a protection from strikes as the stick is
held in hand. Its design and structure further ensure that a stable grip is maintained.

4. ARM GEAR

The Arm Guards provide complementary protection to the other arnis battle gear. The
Arm Guards were designed not only for protection, but also for comfort and
practicality. They can be used for both upper arm and forearm protection.

5. PADDED STICK

The sticks are hand-crafted from authentic Palasan Rattan. The the
rattan is covered in foam and canvas fabric.

6. LEG GUARDS

The Stix Arnis Leg Guards provide complementary protection to the other arnis battle
gear.

7. GROIN GUARD

groin protector or guard is something that is used to protect fighter's groin region

DEFINITION: GEAR

• Refers to a pair of protective body protector, properly cushioned, the specifications of which
shall be in accordance with the ARNIS standard
• Male and female player must both wear body protector and groin protector.
• Body protector and groin protectors specifications shall be in accordance with the ARNIS
standard.
 • Both body protectors and groin protectors shall be color coded to match the color of the player.
• Forearm and shin guards are compulsory.
• The specifications shall be in accordance with ARNIS standard. Both shin & forearm guards
must be color of the player.

RANK AND GRADING SYSTEM Points System

Scoring is based on: Quantity of strikes, Effectiveness of Striking and Ring Generalship. In
single stick competition, disarms shall be scored as part of the match as a mandatory point deduction.
3 disarms will result in a TKO. The 3 disarm rule may be waived at the tournament directors
discretion.

Grading System

The grading system of Arnis is the classification of ranks of the practitioners among its
members as implemented by the Arnis Pederasyong Internasyonal, Inc. (iARNIS), the world
governing body of Arnis. All members and affiliates should regulate their grading system according to
the standards set by i-ARNIS.

Belt Ranking

Arnis players start with the rank of belt levels will then allow the student to choose a “major” for their
studies and they will receive a colored belt to signify that college- red (Kali), yellow (Sikaran), or blue
(Dumog). Again, as the student then completes their intermediate training in each of the three
colleges, they will test and then receive a colored stripe for each rank completed- red for Kali, yellow
for Sikaran, and blue for Dumog.

• NOVICE LEVEL 1/WHITE

- White Belt (any age) A beginner with little or no knowledge of Arnis

• NOVICE LEVEL 2/YELLOW BELT Yellow Belt (7-17 yrs. of age)

- Must proficiently perform the basic stances
- Must proficiently perform the basic strikes and blocks
- Must proficiently perform the basic strikes with movements
- Must proficiently perform the basic counter strikes
- Must proficiently perform at least some basic Arnis drills

• INTERMEDIATE LEVEL 1/GREEN BELT (7-17 yrs. of age)

- Must proficiently perform the basic stances
- Must proficiently perform the basic strikes and blocks
- Must proficiently perform the basic strikes with movements § Must proficiently perform the
basic counter strikes
- Must proficiently perform additional basic Arnis drills

• Black Belt (minimum 18 yrs. old)

 - All of the above must have combinations of advanced stances, strikes, blocks, counter strikes,
disarming
- Must have joined tournaments
- Must proficiently perform both basic and advanced Anyo.

Rules of Engagement

• Opponents will begin and end all matches with a salute or bow to each other and the judges.
Referee will position fighters beyond largo range at the start of every round.
• Only attacks with the stick and feet are allowed.
• Hits, slashes, and witticks are all legal. Punots, pokes and stabs are all illegal.
• Target areas are: 1) front and sides of the body, 2) arms and hands, 3) top, front and sides of
the helmet.
• Kicks are allowed below the neck and above the waist only.
• In single stick competition, it is NOT legal to block a stick with your free hand.
• However, “arm stopping” at quarto range or arm checking is allowed.
• Fighters are required to exhibit a realistic defense (movement, parrying, intelligent blocking…)
• No takedowns. No grappling, wrestling or hooking.
• No pushing or striking with any part of your body.
• No foot sweeps or throws, thrusting or butt strikes, 2 handed strikes.
• No strikes or kicks below the waistline or direct strikes to the back.
• No kicks below the waist or above the neck.
• No knee strikes or elbow strikes.
• Checks may be used to create distance but may NOT be directed to the face.
• Checks are allowed below the neck and above the waist free hand or two hands on weapon
(AKA rifle checking).
• Trapping and parrying are allowed. Locking and holding are not.
• An instantaneous “Hold and Hit” with immediate release is allowed.
• In the event inaction or ineffective action in the clinch, referee will call time and break clinch.
• Disarms must be immediate, or have an immediate release (1 – 2 rule applies).
• Joints may not be locked or twisted for a disarm.
• You may use the ring to control the action. You may not use it to avoid action.
TECHNICAL ASPECT IN ARNIS Correct Grip

One of the first things that you would need to learn when you practice any stick fighting martial art,
like Arnis, Kali, or Escrima, is how to properly hold or grip an Arnis stick. This skill is seldom taught
because you will eventually learn how to hold the stick as you progress in your training. However, a
good grip on the stick will allow you to hold the stick comfortably and will also allow you to retain your
stick as you deliver powerful blows. An incorrect grip will lead to weak blows, a lot of dropped sticks
or accidental disarms, and sometimes to injury.

It is quite easy to have a proper grip on your Arnis stick. The first step is to locate the
intersection of your fingers and your palm. This is the area where your palm and fingers connect.
Second, at this intersection, you should place the Arnis stick so that the stick
is perpendicular to your fingers.
 Third, fold your fingers around the stick so that you can have the maximum surface area of
your fingers and palm in contact with the stick.

COURTESY

• Training in the martial arts consist of the nicest people you’ll ever meet learning to do some
pretty mean things. After all, we are learning to inflict pain or harm on someone, even if they
deserve it by attacking us or someone else.

• It is therefore pretty important to make sure that we behave with a certain amount of politeness
to those around us. Politeness, after all, is one way that we get along with the other people
around us

How do we act in a courteous way? Here are a few:

• Don’t interrupt others in class

• Help set up or put away equipment after class

• Keep your weapons in the “rest” position when you’re not using them

• Hold doors open for others

• Say “please” and “thank you”

• Bow in and out of class

• Be sure your partner is ready before you start a drill

• Ignore those moments that others may find embarrassing in class (such as passing gas)

• Celebrate the success of your fellow students when they achieve a new skill or rank

Of course, we expect our students to behave courteously in other situations, not just martial arts
class. This means being aware of the etiquette rules in school, work, and other situations, and
following them. This can be everything from making sure you raise your hand before speaking in
school, to not talking during a movie in a movie theater. Courtesy is how we show respect to
everyone around us. As martial artists, being courteous is a hallmark of what we do.

STANCES Ready Stance

Stand with your feet apart parallel to the shoulder with both toes pointing forward. The
knees should be straight, the waist and the body facing forward. Hands are on waist level
and the hands should hold the sticks on both sides. The ready stance is commonly used
when standing at ease during training or tournaments.

Attention Stance

Stand with your feet forming a 45 degrees angle. Heels should be close to each other,
knees should be straight, the waist and body facing forward. Shoulders are dropped to
the side and both hands are at waist level. The Attention Stance is commonly used in
preparation for courtesy or “bowing” at commencement of sparring. Starting with the ready stance,
move one foot forward until the knee and the toe are in line to each other. Both toes are pointing in
front, the waist and the body is facing forward. The body should not be too low or the lead foot too
extended otherwise it will be hard to maneuver. Distribute the weight or center of gravity to both
legs. Forward stances can be right foot lead, which is the Right Foot Forward Stance or it can be left
foot lead which is Left Foot Forward Stance. Forward Stance are commonly used with frontal striking
or blocking techniques.

Oblique Stance

Starting with the ready stance, move one foot forward 45 degrees away from the
body until the knee and the toe are in line to each other. Move on the same
direction as the lead foot (e.g. for right foot lead, move 45 degrees forward to the
right). Both toes are pointing in front, the waist and the body is facing forward. The
body should not be too low or the lead foot too extended otherwise it will be hard to
maneuver. Distribute the weight or center of gravity to both legs. Oblique stances
can be right foot lead, which is the Right Foot Oblique Stance, or it can be left foot
lead which is Left Foot Oblique Stance. Oblique Stances are commonly used for
forward blocking and evasion techniques.

Straddle Stance

Starting with the ready stance, move one foot about two feet (2’) to the left or the right
direction until both lower legs are almost perpendicular to the ground. Both toes are
pointing in front, the waist and the body is facing forward. The body should not be too
low or extended otherwise it will be hard to maneuver. Distribute the weight or center
of gravity to both legs. Straddle stance are also called Horseback Riding Stance
since it mimics position when riding on a horse back. Straddle stances are commonly
used for blocking the strikes to the side of the body.

Side Stance

Starting with the ready stance, move one foot about two feet
(2’) to the left or right direction. Moving foot will be perpendicular to the ground
while the other leg is extended thereby creating a position like that of a side
kick. Both toes are pointing in front, the waist and the body is facing forward.
The body should not be too low or extended otherwise it will be hard to
maneuver. Distribute the weight or center of gravity to both
legs. If the left foot moves to the side it becomes Left Foot
Side Stance, if the right foot moves to the side it becomes
Right Foot Side Stance. Side Stances are commonly used for
strike deflection and evasion techniques.

Back Stance

Starting with the ready stance, move one foot backward 45 degrees away from the
body. The heels of the foot should form an imaginary “L” shape while the legs are in
a straddle position. The body should not be too low or extended otherwise it will be hard to
maneuver. Distribute the weight or center of gravity to both legs. Back stances can be right foot
lead, which is the Right Foot Back Stance or it can be left foot lead which is Left Foot Back Stance.
Back stances are used for blocking and backward evasion techniques.