LEGAL BASIS OF ARNIS Americans, and the Japanese to conquer the Muslims and
 Arnis was declared and approved as the Philippine
National Martial Arts and Sports on December 11, 2009,
this is also known as Republic Act no. 9850, an act
declaring Arnis as the national martial arts and sports of
the Philippines.
 This 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.
Furthermore, the State must give priority to education,
science and technology, arts and culture, and sports to
foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social
progress, and promote total liberation and development
(RA 9850, section 1).
HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT
 Arnis is defined as Eskrima, Kali Garrote and other
names in various regional languages, such as
Pananandata in Tagalog; Pagkalikali, Ibanag; Kabaroan
and Kalirongan, Pangasinan; Kalirdman, Bisaya: Didja,
Ilokano, is an indigenous Filipino martial and sports
characterized by the used of swinging and twirling
movements, accompanied by striking, thrusting and
parrying the use of (1) or (2) stick or any similar
implements or with bare hands and feet also used for the
same principles as that with the canes (RA 9850, section
2).
 Arnis, as a martial art, was spawned in Philippine soil. It
was known as in ancient Philippines as Kali, an ancient
Malayan word which means implies a large bladed
weapon longer than a knife.
 This art was practiced primarily for self-defense by the pre-
Spanish Filipinos who are noted for their friendly nature
and legendary hospitality.
 Kali, must have been derived from tjakalele which is a
native fencing in Indonesia. This linguistic kinship is not
without basis considering that what is now Indonesia was
once, in ancient times, a part of the Sri Vishayan and
Madjapajit empires whose spheres of influence reached
the Philippines. Scanty records show that it is possible that
the ten Bornean datus who landed in the island of Panay
in the 13th century were subjects of either of these two
ancient empires. History is quite definite, however, that
during the reign of the ten datus in Panay, kali was taught
to children in a school called bothaon as part of their
education.
 The art of hand-to-hand combat has always been an
integral part of the Filipino in his long, turbulent, and
bloody history. By force of necessity and self-preservation
he became an expert in fighting with his hands, either bare
or with a stick and a bladed weapon. Even before the
introduction of the bladed weapon, the early Filipinos were
already a fighting people using a bow and arrow or the
longbow. The primitive Negritos, coming from Central
Asia during prehistoric times, were expert in these
weapons.
 However, about 200B.C the Malays migrated to the
Philippines and brought with them the long knife. Their
coming enriched the Filipino arsenal in the fighting arts.
Besides their sticks, and bows and arrows, the early
Filipinos were now also experts in the use of bladed
weapons and daggers. This is especially true of the
Muslims in Mindanao and Sulu who have a special
inclination for these weapons. Their skill in hand-to-hand
combat with a bladed weapon had been proven in their
untarnished history of success in repelling foreign invaders
in their land. The numerous attempts of the Spaniards, the
to colonize Mindanao always failed.
 As a fighting art, Arnis has three forms of play. They are
the Espada y daga (sword and dagger) in which a long
wooden sword and a short wooden dagger is used; the
solo baston (single stick) in which a single long muton
or baston (wooden stick or rattan cane hardened by
drying or heating) is used: and the sinawali, a native term
applied because the intricate movements of two muton
resemble the weave of a sawali (crisscross fashion), the
bamboo splits weave pattern used in walling and matting.
 Arnis is a close-combat affair, thus skills is parryi and
striking must be developed with utmost dexterity. 1 expert
use of the leg and the leg-ship fulcrum maneuver
outbalance and throw an opponent must be perfect unlike
other martial arts which make used of comp body
maneuver, Arnis as it was then and as it is now in modern
form, puts emphasis on the use of the stick= hand-arm
movements.
 The glorious lives of Filipino heroes are linked with the
awesome power of the martial art of Arnis. They
triumphantly waged their heroic battles for freedom and
liberty as a testimony of the power and effective of Arnis.
Their successful stand against their superiorly armed
adversary’s mortal combat in the arena of battle is now
held in immortal inviolability by history.
 It would not far-fetched to surmise that one of the earliest
Filipino heroes, Lapu-lapu, was a Kali (Arnis) expert.
Pigafetta, Maggellan's chronicler and historian, recorded
that on April 27, 1521, Lapu-lapu felled the great Spanish
warrior with a bladed weapon thus marking a Filipino's first
victorious stand against a foreign invader.
 In 1564, another conquistador, Miguel Lopez de Legaspi,
landed in Abuyog, Leyte where they were hospitably met
the chief of the island Malitik, and his son Kamutunan.
Legaspi and his men were treated to a feast and shown a
sample of the early Filipino's skill in the combat with kali as
the best part of the show.
 Legaspi was given the same hospitality and display of the
Filipino dexterity in arms when they visited Limasawa and
Kamiging, the latter visit occurring in March 11, 1564.
During both visits, the Spaniard were wined, dined, and
shown the Filipino skills in kali (Arnis).
 When Legaspi and his men landed in Cebu in April 27,
1564, they were met the native chief Tupas and his
warriors. Again, they were treated hospitably and shown
the Filipinos' skills in arms.
 Legaspi was so impressed with the Filipinos' skill in
combat, especially in kali, that he decided to befriend them
fully. The bond between the two leaders grew so
strong that on June 4, 1564, chief Tupas entered the
folds of Christianity. He was the named "Felipe" in
honor of King Phillip of Spain.
 Kali (Arnis) became so popular during the early days that
it was known as the sports of the kings and the
members of the royal blood. The first and foremost
expert of the art were the rajah and Maharlika of the
Visayas and Tagalog regions, Amandakwa in Pangasinan,
and Baruwang of the Cagayan Valley region.
 Kali was a standard fighting technique in hand-to-
hand combat of the Filipinos when they revolted
against Spain. Using the itak or bolo the Katipuneros
engaged the Spanish soldiers in savage skirmishers.
History states that Bonifacio brandished a bolo, a standard
weapon in the kali his famous "Cry of Balintawak".
 The greatest Filipino hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, studied kali
or Arnis before he left to Europe. General Gregorio del
Pilar and Antonio Luna also studied Arnis even before the
 start of the Revolutions. Rev. Fr. Gregorio Aglipay, was
known to have practiced the art too. Acceptance of the
Arnis became so widespread that in 1896 Jose de Azas
started a school for the study of Arnis and foil fencing.
BENEFITS IN LEARNING ARNIS
 The following listed below are some of the benefits of
learning Arnis according to Alvarez, et.al, (2010):
o Practical self-defense is learned
o Upper body, arms and legs will become toned.
o Fitness and aerobic capacity increased.
o Parts of the body, such as, forearms, elbow and
hands will be conditioned and will be conditioned
and will be more resistant to pain and injury.
o Flexibility is increased.
o Ability to use any weapon, even the one that is not
used before is developed.
o It complements and enhance any martial arts. It can
be learned independently from other martial arts, or
grafted seamlessly into any form of exercise done
already.
o Many of the techniques do not require strength of
power. Instead, most power is derived from body
movement and economy motion.
o Anyone can learn Arnis since strength is not
needed.
o It does not require expensive equipment.
o It can be practiced anywhere.
ARNIS CODE OF ETHICS
 The following code of ethics are stated in the handbook of
i-Arnis of 2015.
o (1) Arnis is an event that aim bond and develop
friendship of i-Arnis of 2015.
o (2) It is never a sport to hurt and defeat the
opponent but to improve the skills of the players.
o (3) It aims to develop the mind, the physique and
the character of the player.
o (4) Arnis is played to develop the social aspect that
will lead to the close bonding of all practitioners.
o (5) All practitioners respect each other. They salute
each other when they meet and from a meeting
before they depart. The juniors must salute first and
maintain the position until the seniors answer their
salute.
o (6) The juniors do not have the right to challenge to
fight the seniors unless in the program set by their
association to fulfill an objective.
o (7) All the practitioners continue to move on as
there is room for improvement or advancement.
o (8) Each practitioner must share with other
beginners or practitioners the advancement
attained
o (9) Practitioners must desire to strengthen the Arnis
family he belongs to by sharing love, knowledge
and understanding.
o (10) Partitioners must remember that Arnis is not a
means to fight people but to bond with them for life
improvement.
RULES AND REGULATIONS OF SPORT ARNIS
INTRODUCTION
 This Rules and Regulations have been prepared by Arnis
Pederasyong Internasyonal, Inc. or (i-ARNIS) as a
standard in the conduct of Local, National and
International tournament in sports Amis. This was
presented to the i-ARNIS Board of Directors of 2015 for
ratification and was subsequently approved.
 i-ARNIS reserves the right to propose changes,
amendments or revisions to suit the interest of the Arnis
community in all its tournaments in sports Arnis worldwide.
FULL CONTACT EVENT
ARNIS
 A combative sport played by two individuals using padded
sticks with full body protective gears in a court measuring
8.0 x 8.0 meters, in smooth and well-kept surface. Players
are paired / blind matched in different weight categories.
 The game is played by using prescribed padded stick in
delivering artistic and legal blows, strikes, thrusts, and
disarming the opponent to gain scores. The winner of the
match is decided by best of three rounds. Each round lasts
for two minutes.
PARTICIPANTS
COMPOSITIONS
 MEN's team may consist of a maximum of eleven (11)
players, one (1) player per weight division; one coach; one
trainer; one medical doctor and two officiating Ris licensed
by i-ARNIS (same composition for WOMEN's team)
 BOY'S team may consist of a maximum of eleven (11)
players, one (1) player per weight division, one coach; one
trainer; one medical doctor and two officiating Ris licensed
by i-ARNIS (same composition for GIRLS' team).
 Only players listed in the entry form shall participate in the
game.
QUALIFICATIONS
 Shall mean the approval by the Tournament Screening
Committee for an individual or group to participate
provided that the following requirements are met:
o The players shall meet the requirements of the
weight division in which he/she is to compete.
o The players shall meet the age requirement set by
the organizing committee.
o The player shall be physically and mentally fit to
compete as certified by a licensed medical
practitioner from the player's origin. In special
cases, the official tournament physician may certify
the player's fitness. This should be submitted
together with the tournament application form.
o The player shall fill-up a competition application
form and it should be properly and completely
accomplished.
o Sex test may also be required in cases where there
are doubts in real sex of the participants.
o Drug test may be required in cases where there are
doubts.
DIVISIONS (AGE & WEIGHT CATEGORIES)
 MEN AND WOMEN'S DIVISION (AGE 18 & ABOVE):

CONDUCT OF THE TOURNAMENT, SCORING AND
PENALTIES
CONDUCT OF THE TOURNAMENT
 The conduct of the competition shall be on two- out-of-
three round system. Each round shall be held for a
maximum of two (2) minutes.
 Upon the initial command of-Handal for each round, the
referee shall allow both players to display artistic Arnis
movements, unique to their styles.
 The player must continuously perform artistic Amis strokes
depicting their styles whenever apart during the game.
SALUTATION
 At close stance, salutation is done by placing the right
hand with the weapon pointing upward over the left
chest, while the left arm is at the side and is followed
by a nod. Upon entering the playing area, players must do
the salute to the officials together with the referee. Finally,
salute must be given to the opponent. This shall be done
before and after every game.
MATCHING & PAIRING
 Blind matching & pairing of single elimination or knock out
system shall be adopted in most cases where the number
of participants will allow it. Otherwise, a round robin
system shall be used. This shall be done at least one day
before the tournament. Representatives from the
respective teams concerned shall be invited to witness the
matching & pairing.
SCORING
 A score shall mean a strike or thrust with a padded stick
using one hand only, delivered to a specific body point and
is counted upon confirmation by the two (2) or at least one
(1) of the judges, simultaneously recorded on the
scoreboard.
 Delivered to a specific body point and is counted upon
confirmation by the two (2) or at least one (1) of the
judges, simultaneously recorded on the scoreboard.
o Simultaneous strike is when the two players
deliver strike simultaneously, it will not be given a
point.
o Spontaneous strike is allowed, but the judges can
only give maximum three (3) points per encounter
per player.
 A thrust to body points C and E (abdominal area and leg
area) is a point, provided that the requirements for a
legitimate thrust, which are with power, right timing, with
art, distance (at least one arm length) and intent are met.
 A disarming execution is awarded a point.
 Follow-up strike after a legitimate disarming is given a
point.
 Body Points
 (a) Head and Neck
 (b) Arms and collars including hands
 (c) Torso (from chest down to waist)
 (d) Armpit to thigh
 (e) Full length of leg including feet
ARNIS EVENTS RULES AND REGULATIONS
 Arnis have different styles of events, and these are Form
or Anyo competition which is divided into two categories
such as individual and team events. Full contact events
which are divided into three categories such as full
contact individual (Labanan Isahan), full contact team
(Labanan Kampihan) and full contact sword and dagger
(Labanan espada y daga) which is for a demonstration
events .
FULL CONTACT EVENT (INDIVIDUAL)
 A match for individual full-contact event shall have a
maximum of two (2) rounds. Round will last for two (2)
minutes.
 Players shall have a maximum of five (5) fouls and two (2)
disarming violations on the entire duration of the match.
 Points scored, foul/s and disarming accumulated by the
players on the 1st round shall be carried over on the 2nd
round.
 There shall be NO limitation on the score to be acquired
by each player.
 If incase the score difference reaches 8 points in the 1st or
in case that reaches the 2nd round, there shall be a
declaration of TECHNICAL KNOCK-OUT and player with
the 8 points advantages shall be declared the winner of
the match.
FULL CONTACT EVENT (TEAM)
 A match for team full-contact event shall have a maximum
of two (5) rounds. Round will last for one and a half (1.5)
minutes.
 Players will be designated per round/entry specifically 1st,
2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th player designation shall mean the
round each will play in respectively.
 A team may still play in the Team Full-Contact even with
just 4 members but shall mean 1 automatic loss for the
said team.
 Changing order of player designation will not be allowed
once the official line up is submitted and called to play.
 Player on each round shall have a maximum if two (2)
fouls and one (1) disarming violation and shall mean loss.
 There shall be NO limitation on the score to be acquired
by each player.
 If in case the score difference on the specific round
reaches 8 points the players with the inferior score shall be
declared TECHNICAL KNOCK-OUT and shall lose the
round to his opponent who has an eight (8) point
advantage.
 If at the end of the match the score, fouls and disarming of
the opposing player are identical the winner will be
decided upon consultation of the judges considering the
criteria in declaring a winner.
 The team that wins three (3) out of five (5) rounds will be
declared the winner of the match.
FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS IN ARNIS
WARM-UP
 Warm-up activities are perhaps the most important parts of
any work-out for the following reasons:
o It prepares the muscles and the lubricants of the
joints for easier mobility.
o It accelerates the heart rate to get the body ready
for movements that require a high heart rate.
o It increases body temperature so that the muscles,
tendons, and ligaments will be warmer and more
pliable when contracting during the workout.
o It improves blood flow to the muscles to help supply
oxygen and glucose required for energy production
more efficiently.
o It boosts blood flow to the heart to help lessens
potential difficulty for exercise-induced cardiac
problems.
o It prepares the cardiovascular system to meet the
demands of the work-out.
FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT
COMPETITION AREA
 Dimensions
o They playing area is a square measuring 8.0
meters by 8.0 meters with a one (1) meter free zone
around it, and a clear space without any obstruction
up to a heigh of not less than five (5) meters form
the playing surface.
 Lines of the Playing Area
o All lines of the playing surface are 5.08 cm (2
inches) and must be of different color from that of
the floor and other lines previously drawn for other
purposes.
 Outside Lines
o Four (4) lines mark the outside line of the playing
area. The free zone distance measuring one meter
in each side is drawn outside of the playing area.
 Match Lines
o Two lines of 1.0 meter long and 2.0 meters apart
the center marks the horizontal match line.
 The horizontal match lines are drawn 3 meters from
the outside lines.
 The horizontal match line left Is red and the
opposite horizontal match line is blue to mark the
respective line of each player.
 Referee Lines
o A straight line of 1.0 meter long is drawn 2.0 meters
from the center of the two players.
 Warning Lines
o A broken straight line is drawn one (1) meter before
the outside line to serve as a warning to the
players.
 Playing Surface
o The surface must be flat and smooth and must not
be elevated from the ground. The playing surface
must be clean and free from foreign objects that
may endanger or cause injury to the players. Other
surfaces must have the approval of i-ARNIS.
 Neutral Corner
o The corner of the playing area between the two (2)
judges within the free zone shall be designated as
the neutral corner. This shall be the consultation
area for the referee and judges.
EQUIPMENT
 The materials and accessories that are used in the
conduct of the competition, all of which shall conform to
the standards set and approved by i-ANIS only.
 Weapon
o The padded stick shall be the official weapon of the
player. The specifications of which shall be in
accordance with the ARNIS standard. No other
similar will be allowed to be used in any local,
national or international competitions.
o Each padded stick shall be properly foam-
cushioned and shall have a maximum grip diameter
of not more than 3.81 cm (1 ½ inch) and length of
76.20 cm (30 inches for men and women). The
length of padded stick shall be cm (27 inches for
boys and girls).
o Both padded-stick shall be color-coded, one red
and other blue.
 Head Protector
o Refers to a pair of protective head gear to include
an impact-worthy face mask, the specifications of
which shall be in accordance with the i-ARNIS
standard.
o Both headgears must be color-coded, one red and
the other blue, to match the padded stick of the
player.
 Body Protector
o Refers to a pair of protective body vest, properly
cushioned, the specifications of which shall be in
accordance with the i-ARNIS standard.
o Male and female player must wear both body vest
and groin guard. Body vest and groin guards’
 specifications shall be in accordance with the i-
ARNIS standard. Both body vests must be color
coded to match the color of the player.
o Forearm and shin guards are compulsory. The
specifications shall be in accordance with i-ARNIS
standard. Both shin and forearms guards must be
color coded to match the color of the player.
 Scoreboards
o A pair of scoreboards, either manually or
electronically operated, the specification of which
shall be in accordance with the i-ARNIS standards.
o Two score boards per contest area shall be placed
at diagonally opposite corners outside the playing
area, inside the competition area within the free
zone, right where the judges are positioned.
 Flags
o Two sets of red and blue flags, the size of which is
30 cm by 25 cm, are used by the judges in
declaring decisions or asking for consultations.
o One yellow flag, size 30 cm by 25 cm for timer’s
use to signal the start and the end of each round
and to declare a time-out and resumption of the
game.
 Other Equipment
o Stopwatch Is use to keep the two-minutes per
round. This excludes interruptions such as injury,
changing of broken padded stick. A going and
mallet or other similar audible substitutes such as
whistle, bell or buzzer shall be provided for the
Timer to indicate the start and end of the round.
o A table shall be provided for the Timer and
Recorder which shall be situated one (1) meter in
front of the playing area so that time signals are
audible enough to both players and referee.
ARNIS PREPARATION
 Before we begin with the different striking techniques in
Arnis it is crucial for us to learn first the proper gripping
techniques and the different stances and their specific
usage. Their part is the foundation of this sports.
THE GRIP
 A proper grip in Arnis is very important to deliver every
blow with power, control and quickness. The wrist must be
very flexible and pliable even though the grip is firm.
 The Proper Way of Gripping:
 Hold the stick with four (4) fingers with the blade of the
palm, about two (2) to three (3) inches from the base of
butt of the stick.
 Tighten the grip and press the thumb over the forefinger.
 Each stick must be executed with the firm grip. The wrist
should be very flexible when striking.
COURTESY / PUGAY
 Courtesy means respect for one’s opponent and the
cardinal rules and principles of sportsmanship. In the
revered tradition of martial arts, courtesy in Modern Arnis
is the trademark which make a player worthy protagonist.
 At a 45 degrees angel, heels closed body erect, hands at
2 ½ inches apart holding cane, and feet together, bow to
your head slightly towards your opponent.
 Courtesy in Arnis can executed with two canes.
ATTENTION STANCE
 The closed attention stance – this is assumed during
courtesy, before any practice session and at the end of a
practice session. Your heels are together, feet pointed
outward at a 45-degree angle. The stick is held
horizontally with your arms relax on either side. Your eyes
are focused straight ahead.
 The open attention stance – it is identical to close
stance, except that your feet are spread approximately
shoulder width apart.
FORWARD STANCE
 Starting with the ready stance, move one forward until the
knees 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 of it can be left foot forward.
 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
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
(2) feet to the left foot or the right direction until both legs
are almost perpendicular to the ground.
 Both toes are pointing in front, the waist and the body
facing forward.
 The body should not be too low or extended otherwise it
will be forward.
 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 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 Stance are commonly used for strike deflection and
evasion technique.

BACK STANCE
 Starting with the ready position, 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
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.

THE 12 BASIC STRIKES

 THE 12 ZONE STRIKING SYSTEM
o The 12 angles of attack in Modern Arnis are both a
way of memorizing the major, vital areas of the
body that can be attacked. The 12 vital areas are:
 Left Temple
 Right Temple
 Left Shoulder / Arm / Rib
 Right Shoulder / Arm / Rib
 Stomach
 Left Chest
 Right Chest
 Right Knee
 Left Knee
 Left Eye
 Right Eye
 Head / Crown