MODULE 1

Lesson 1 ARNIS: HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

Overview

Arnis is known to be the National Martial Art and Sport in the Philippines that can be
performed individually or with partner, using one (1) or two (2) sticks or any similar implements
or with bare hands for striking and blocking. It also characterized by the use of swinging and
twirling movements. It may also be used for self-defense.

This module will allow us to learn the historical background of Arnis. How it started and
how it existed until such time became a law.

It also discussed the equipment used in playing arnis.

Objectives
At the end of lesson, the students are expected to:

1. Discuss and explain the historical background of Arnis

2. Develop awareness on the importance of arnis as a tool for self-defense.
3. Appreciate arnis as our National Martial Art and Sport in the Philippines

Learning Activities

HISTORY

Arnis or Kali, also known as Escrima/Eskrima as a martial art, was developed by the
indigenous populations of the Philippines. Kali is an ancient Malayan word which means “a
large weapon longer than knife”. Kali was derived from the word, “tjakalele” that means “native
fencing” in Indonesia.

When the Malays migrated in the Philippines and bought with them the long knife, they
were amazed with the collection of weapons as fighting arts of the Filipinos. Back then, they
used sticks and bows and arrows, but now, Filipinos were known to be experts in the use of
bladed weapons and daggers.

The record of arnis existed only after the time of arrival of Spaniards in 1521 when the
chief of Mactan, Lapu-Lapu, killed Ferdinand Magellan using Kali. Lapu-Lapu was known as a
Kali (Arnis) expert. In 1764, Spanish Authorities banned the practiced of the art. The Spaniards
thought that the practice of the Kali can lead to death or injury and some other reasons. But in
1637, the friars introduced the moro-moro, a socio religious play dramatizing the triumph of the
Christians over the Muslim. Afterwards, when the moro-moro was introduced, Filipinos had a
chance to practice their art, and kali was revived.

The modern day arnis evolved into something more student-friendly in terms of the
weapon used. Before, itak or bolo was used to damage the opponent, but now, for the teachers
to be able to teach arnis, baston or cane was used. Another reason for changing the weapon is
that nowadays, arnis is more of a sport. Most of the techniques of the old arnis have been
modernized to avoid injury to students. But more importantly, discipline and other moral values
are expected to foster by the students to strengthen not only the body but the spirit as well.

Master Remy Amador Presas who is known as the Father and Founder of “Modern
Arnis” introduced modern arnis in Manila after he first learned the techniques of the art in
Bacolod City, Visayas. Being a master of many martial arts, Master Remy Amador Presas was
able to compare the essential qualities of Arnis with other martial arts. Because of that, Mr.
Presas was able to improvise the techniques of Arnis with progress and for utmost effectivity.
After his success in improving the techniques, Mr. Presas taught the techniques to the students
in Bacolod City for the first time.

National College of Physical Education (NCPE) is one of the first schools who offered
arnis and where Mr. Presas taught the said sport. In pursuit of more knowledge, most students
in this school were physical education teachers. After completing their courses, these students
then helped Mr. Presas in spreading the knowledge of arnis in their respective provinces.
 Arnis is one of our national cultural gems, and with a great effort from Mr. Presas, many
Filipinos were enlightened to see and experience the true worth of the said sport. The chain of
propagation did not stop and his dedication of the art has produced a nationwide fever that is
now a pride of every Filipino – for Arnis is a true Filipino martial art.

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9850

In the year 2009, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed the Republic Act No. 9850,
an Act declaring Arnis as the National Martial Art and Sport of the Philippines.

The following are the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Arnis Law posted
by Jacinto R. Rocales on December 10,2011:

As stated in the draft Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), Arnis shall be adopted
as the Philippine national martial art and sport, as a such, the following platforms and measures
shall be instituted to promote and develop the sport. 

“d) The Department of Education (DepEd) shall conduct a regular Arnis competition on the
annual Palarong Pambansa;”

“f) The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) shall promote Arnis as part of the physical
education curriculum and include it as an event in tertiary level competition;”

Also as stipulated in the draft Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), the Arnis
National Development Program shall include, among others, the adoption and execution of the
following priority strategic programs, namely:

“(h) Teaching of Arnis in Physical Education (PE) curriculum in the tertiary level education here
in the Philippines;”