2.1.

Arnis Philippines (ARPI

On July 11, 1986, Mr. Raymond Soriano Velayo, formed the Philippine Arnis Federation which was later
renamed as Arnis Philippines (ARPI). MR. Raymond S. Velayo became its first and current president.
The objective were: a) to be a major force in preserving our culture and the dying art of Arnis; b) to
consolidate and unite the different functions and groups of Arnis aficionados; and c) to develop the Sports
aspect of Arnis for and in the hope of its inclusion in major sports events like the South East Asian Games
(SEA Games), Asian Games, and ultimately, the Olympics. 

In a short span of time, Arnis Philippines received immediate recognition from the official sports bodies
in the Philippines. It is now the solely accredited Arnis arm and association in the Philippines Olympic
Committee (effective 12 January 1987) and was accepted as the 33rd member of the said Olympic
Committee. With the official membership, ARPI has the sole right to officially supervise all Arnis affairs
in the country as the National Sports Association (NSA). 

The Arnis Philippines system uses foam-padded sticks about an inch in diameter with thin rattan cores
roughly a centimeter in diameter. These sticks are meant to break before serious injury occurs. For
protection, the same headgear used in the WEKAF system, and a large groin guard is required for males.
Vests (optional for men, required for women), optional armguard, shin guards and leg wraps are also
used. Scoring is more similar to fencing where fighters are separated after solid clean hits are made
(observed by multiple judges stationed at different positions to be able to observe if the hits were clean
and unblocked and able to determine the strength of the strike by the loudness of the impact). Alternative
ways to score are to disarm one’s opponent or to force him to step outside the ring. 

The entire body from head to toe is fair game as targets, except for the back of the head which is less
protected by the headgear. Stabs to the face are not allowed because the thin rattan core may penetrate the
padding and slip through the grills of the headgear and go into the player’s eye. Thrusts to the body score
points but are harder to present to judges for scoring because they make less noise and it is difficult
impact. 

Punches, kicks, and throws are not allowed, nor is prolonged clinching to prevent the opponent from
striking (similar to Western Boxing) in order to keep the game moving and more interesting for the
audience who may not appreciate the fine and practical aspects of grappling. Disarms must be performed
quickly and cleanly in order to be counted. Because the legs are legal targets, in lighter weight divisions,
complex evasion and deep lunges where players lie horizontal with the torso almost touching the floor to
extend reach are often seen. 

The emphasis of the ARPI system is on safety for the players as it is applying to become a recognized
Olympic sport like judo, karate, taekwondo, wrestling, boxing, and fencing.

2.2. World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (WEKAF)

The WEKAF organization – World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation – Is currently the largest organization
representing the Filipino Martial Arts, with members in over 30 countries. WEKAF is open to all Filipino
Martial Arts Styles. It is the most widely used format internationally. 

The WEKAF system works on a “10-point must system” similar to boxing where participants spar with
live sticks while wearing a long-padded vest with skirt and sleeves and a helmet similar to Kendo
headgear. Target areas are: The front and sides of the thighs and body, both arms and hands, the top,
front, and sides of the helmet. Hitting below the thigh is prohibited. 
The back of the body and back of the helmet may be hit if facing the opponent (wit ticks-circular strikes-
indirect strikes). Scoring is based on the power, accuracy, target areas, techniques, focus, offense,
defense, ring generalship, and aggressiveness. You must exhibit some kind of defense such as movement,
parrying, blocking, etc. disarms must be immediate, or have an immediate release.

3. Three Forms of Play

1.  Espada y Daga (Sword and Dagger): a long wooden sword and a short wooden dagger is used The
focus of this method of fighting I to be able to go in and out of long middle and close ranges to trap up the
enemy and kill. 

2. Solo Baston (Single Stick): single long muton or baston is used. In this form, h arnisador fights with a
single stick, called baston. 

3. Double Baston/ Sinawali (Criss-cross fashion): the intricate movements of the two muton resemble
the wave of sawali. The practice of Sinawali enhances hand-eye coordination, timing, and distance,
striking, blocking, concentration and flow development. When performed properly, an opponent is
confronted with a barrage of seemingly simultaneous strikes and counterstrikes delivered in rapid
succession.

4. Exercises
Arnis Exercises stimulate joint mobility especially the four primary joints of the body – elbows,
shoulders, knees, and hips. Joint mobility is the answer to getting other fitness attributes like flexibility,
agility, and balance.

4. Exercises
4.1. Wrist Exercise with Cane (Shaking)

Position: Arms forward holding the two canes at the middle.

    

1   2   3

   

Instruction:

1. Properly hold the cane at the middle, swing or shake the canes forward and back.

2. Try to control when swinging by holding it tighter to add tension on the wrist.

3. Make the movement (shaking /swinging) as fast as you can, while counting up to 10 counts.

4. Execute the routine in front, side, and up portions.

4. Exercises
4.2. Crossed-Arms Swing

Position: Extend both arms at side while holding the two canes at the middle.
 1 2 3

Instruction:

1. Properly hold the cane at the middle, swing your arms in front across your chest.

2. Swing your arms alternately (right over left and left over light)

3. Execute the movement alternately, 10 times

4. Exercises
4.3. Wrist Exercise with Canes (Twisting)

Position: Arms forward, holding the two canes at the middle.

   
   

1   2    3 4  5

       

Instruction:

1. Properly hold the cane at the middle, pointing vertically upward.

2. Twist the cane sideways. Try to control when swinging by holding it tighter to add tension on the wrist.
3. Make the movement (twisting /swinging) as fast as you can, while counting up to 10 counts.

4. Execute the routine in front, side, and up.

4. Exercises
4.4. Arm Raise

Position: Hold the two canes at the middle, right arm extended upward while the left arm extended
downward at your side.

1 2 3 4

Instruction:

1. Raise left hand holding the cane, while the right hand drops down at side.

2. Execute the movement alternately up and down.

3. Perform the movement 10 times.

4. Exercises
4.5. Bending (side, front, and back)

Position: Stand in straddle stance, extend your arms upward holding the cane in both ends.
 1 2 3 4 5 6

Instruction: (a. Side b. Front c. back)

1. From starting position, bend sideway right as far as you can while still holding the canes. Perform the
movement on the opposite side, hold for 10 seconds on both sides.

2. Extend your arms forward, holding the canes, lean forward and hold for 10 seconds.

3. Place the canes at the lower back, holding it in both sides. Slightly bend backward, and stay for 10
seconds.

4. Exercises
4.6. Leg Raise

Position: Normal stance

1 2 3

Instruction:

1. Raise your right leg as far as you can, put the cane on the top of the thigh. Hold for 10 seconds.

2. After 10 seconds transfer the canes at the lower knee while still in the same position, to add more
challenge.

3. Do the same pattern on the left side.

4. Exercises
4.7. Overhead Circling

Position: Properly hold the cane, arms down at side, while the canes diagonally pointing downward.

1 2 3 4
Instruction:

1. From starting position execute a strike (R/L) diagonally upward.

2. After the strike, move the cane around the body, butt facing upward, and then perform another strike
(R/L) diagonally upward.

3. Execute the movement alternately right and left 10 times

4. Exercises
4.8. Cane Twirling (up and down)

Position: Properly hold the canes above the shoulders.

1 2 3 4

Instruction:

1. From starting position, bring both canes downward executing one twirling/wrist circling (forward
movement)

2. Bring both canes upward executing one twirling/wrist circling (backward movement)

3. Repeat the movement 10 times, up and down.

4. Exercises
4.9. Alternate Cane Twirling (up and down)

Position: Properly hold the canes, right cane resting above the right shoulder while left cane holding the
down left at side.

1 2 3 4

Instruction:

1. From starting position, bring right cane downward executing one twirling/wrist circling (forward
movement)
2. While performing movement (a.) Bring left cane upward executing one twirling/wrist circling
(backward movement)

3. Repeat the pattern alternately, 10 times.

4. Exercises
4.10. Side to Side Strike, Single Twirling (up and down)

Position: Properly hold the canes above the shoulders.

1 2 3 4 5

Instruction:

1. From starting position, using right hand holding the cane, execute “banda y banda” (strike side to side,
horizontally),

2. After the banda y banda, withdraw the right cane pointing oblique downward.

3. Bring right cane upward executing one twirling (backward movement)

4. Repeat the pattern on the opposite side. Do it alternately 10 times.

5. Basic Stances
“As a method of self-defense, one should know how to stand before he learns to fight.” - Remy Presas

In martial arts, the distribution, foot orientation and body positions (particularly the legs and torso)
adopted when attacking, defending, advancing or retreating are known as stance. The most widely used
martial arts stance is a shallow standing squat. This position is generally employed as it is a neutral and
agile position from which both attacks and defenses may be launched. 

Proper body positioning maintains stability and balance in performing the different skills. It also develops
power and form in enforcing defensive and offensive fighting. A player can never hope to fight
effectively without knowing these fundamentals in Arnis.

5. Basic Stances
5.1. Open Stance

Open stance is done by standing with both feet about shoulder width apart. The knees should be straight,
holding the stick (both ends) on waist level about six inches away from the body. It is commonly used
 when standing at ease during training.

5. Basic Stances
5.2. Straddle Stance

Straddle stance is done by stepping left foot sideway-left, legs twice the width of the shoulders, knees
slightly bent. Distribute the weight evenly or put the center of gravity on both legs. Arms in fighting
position.

5. Basic Stances
5.3. Forward Stance (Right/Left)

From ready stance, move one foot (R/L) forward maintaining both feet in parallel positions. Knees should
not be too bended otherwise; it will be hard to maneuver. Rear leg is fully extended with both feet flat on
the ground. Distribute the weight evenly on both legs. Arms in fighting position.

5. Basic Stances
5.4. Back Stance (Right/Left)

Starting with the open stance, move one foot (R/L) backward with rear foot pointing outward and front
foot pointing forward forming an L shape. Both legs are in a straddle position with both feet flat on the
ground.

5. Basic Stances
5.5. Cat Stance

From back stance position, bring front foot in front of the rear foot, toes pointing downward, transferring
weight at the rear foot. Arms in fighting position.
5. Basic Stances
5.6. Cross Stance

Cross stance is done by stepping one foot (R/L) across the other (R/L), knees slightly bent. Maintain
weight at the center while arms are in fighting position.