PED002

COMBATIVE SPORTS: ARNIS

MR. JOSEPH GIEWARD B. LAYAO

College of Sports, Physical Education & Recreation
MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY
PED002
MR. JOSEPH GIEWARD B. LAYAO 0
 COMBATIVE SPORTS: ARNIS

Module 4: Anyo or Form & other Types of Arnis Fighting

Objectives: At the end of this module, you are expected to be able to:

1. demonstrate correctly the different Anyo or Forms in Arnis.

2. Identify and perform properly the different types of Arnis fighting.
3. distinguish and demonstrate efficiently the different warm up drills in arnis.
4. execute beautifully your own choreographed anyo.
5. appreciate fully the aesthetics and benefits in performing anyo.

UNIT I: General and Arnis-specific Warm Ups

A warm-up consists of performing low-intensity exercise to prepare the body for more
intense physical activity. Warm-ups precede all exercise modalities when the intensity is at least
low-to-moderate to high. The warm-up begins very light but may increase in intensity
progressively until the athlete is prepared for the main component of the workout (Ratamess,
2012).

There are two types of warm-ups: general and specific. A general warm-up consists of
low-intensity exercise such as slow jogging and/or stationary cycling that lasts for 5–10 minutes.
A specific warm-up consists of dynamic or very light static movements similar to the sport/activity
and may last between 5 and 15 minutes. Specific warm-ups vary greatly depending on the sport.
Often, a general warm-up precedes a specific warm-up (Ratamess, 2012).

In particular, listed below are examples of warm-up drills specific to arnis:

1. Arm Swing 3. Center-grip Rotations

a. Vertical a. Front
b. Horizontal b. Side
2. Stick Flicks or Witik c. Above
a. Forward d. Crossed-Arms
b. Sideward 4. Stick Twirls
c. Downward a. Single-Stick
d. Upward b. Double-Sticks
5. Stick Circles c. Alternate Twirls
a. Forward
b. Backward
6. Stick Strikes
a. 45 degrees
b. Horizontals
c. Diagonals

MR. JOSEPH GIEWARD B. LAYAO 1

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You may watch Youtube videos for arnis warm ups through but not limited to the following
links provided below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16PwVTVGjz4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qQKz5E2CNY

UNIT II: Anyo or Form

Anyo or Form in Arnis is executed in a backdrop of gracefulness where the execution of

various exercises is observed in correct rhythmic order. It is similar to a terpsichorean technique,
only it employs cane for added dimension to the movements, since it is a martial dance, as Arnis
is a martial art.

It is an individual movement executed with cane on one hand in a form of exercise or

practice of movements which leads to the perfection of the art of Arnis itself because it
encompasses all the basic movements executed in coordinated fashion. In fact, in anyo or form,
one finds the basic techniques of attack and counter attack in the form of exercise. A student should
therefore give this aspect of Arnis training an artist’s fidelity to his art by religiously practicing the
required exercises.

In sports Arnis, Anyo (Form) event is a demonstration of artistic, choreographed, pre-

arranged sets of movements, offensive and defensive techniques using stick, wooden replica of a
bladed weapon or metallic un-bladed replica of a weapon. There would be different divisions in
the single weapon, double weapon and sword & dagger weapon categories, both in the individual
and team events.

Below are the step-by-step mechanics of Basic, Standard or Traditional Anyo 1 and 2. My apology
for the absence of photos as aids for learning. Youtube videos about the topics are provided instead.

Basic Anyo Uno (Form 1)

Mechanics:

a. Initial Position: Close stance, the courtesy bow, the straddle-leg stance/ fighting stance.

b. Count 1. Step right forward to assume the right forward stance, and execute the inward
downward block left hand held across chest and open palm in an alert position.

c. Count 2. Step left foot forward, then swing your cane backward and execute the downward-
outward block.

d. Count 3. Step right foot entirely facing towards left and assumes the straddle-leg stance. Bring
cane to the left and backward and then execute a parallel forward strike, arms extended to the
front.

MR. JOSEPH GIEWARD B. LAYAO 2

 COMBATIVE SPORTS: ARNIS

e. Count 4. Step right foot backward and assume the left forward stance as cane is withdrawn and
execute the downward-inward block.

f. Count 5. Step left foot backward and assume the right forward stance. At the same time,
withdraw cane to the right and backward then execute the downward-outward block.

g. Count 6. Step left foot forward, half facing to the right, and execute the inward block, with the
left hand open-palm bracing the middle of the cane.
h. Count 7. Step right foot forward, half-facing to the left hand as its open palm braces the middle
area of the cane.

i. Count 8. Step right foot backward and execute the upper blow by swinging the cane downward
and upward to the right, cutting a diagonal line from the right ribs of the opponent up and beyond
the left collar bone. Then step the left foot backward and execute the outward upper blow, the
movement to the end in such a way that the right angle with the elbow pointing to the outside
and the tip of the cane pointing forward.

j. Count 9. Plant both feet firmly on the floor or ground twist the wrist of your arm with cane to
the left, and swing the same over the head, and backward so that the trajectory of the cane
will cut a circle over the head. Them bring the cane downward and execute the down-outward
block.

Points to Remember: in executing counts 8 to 10, the cane cuts a figure 8.

k. Count 10. Step right foot backward, and at the same time, withdraw right arm upward over left
shoulder, and execute the downward-inward block. Then assume close stance to end.

Basic Anyo Dos (Form 2)

Mechanics:

a. Initial position: the same with Form 1 or Anyo 1

b. Count 1. Step in right foot forward and assume the right forward stance, and then execute an
outward upper blow with the right hand half-facing to the left, your left hand held across your
chest in an alert position.

c. Count 2. With right foot as pivot, turn about–face by stepping left foot backward. At the same
time, raise cane overhead and swing it clockwise in circling motion as the downward-outward
block is executed.

d. Count 3. Step right foot backward and raise cane to the left side and execute the downward –
inward block.

e. Count 4. Step right foot forward half facing to the left, and execute the outward upper blow,
closed palm facing upward with cane pointing forward.

MR. JOSEPH GIEWARD B. LAYAO 3

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f. Count 5. With right foot as pivot, turn about-face by stepping left foot backward (double step).
At the same time, raise cane over your head and swing it clockwise in a circling motion as the
downward-outward block is executed.

g. Count 6. Step right foot backward, raise cane to the left side, and execute the downward-inward
block. Step right foot at close stance and make the courtesy bow.

You may watch Anyo videos in Youtube through but not limited to the links provided below:

A. Basic, Standard and Traditional Anyo:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PbqYekjYT8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNeAnRD9sHs

B. Advanced Non-Traditional and Traditional Anyo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_HawLvYAFQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hRXQ1iwWCg

UNIT III: Other Types of Arnis Fighting/Classical Strikes

• The Figure 8 (Kali Otso) - is a style in which the cane moves in a figure 8 pattern. This is
characterized by the upward movement of the cane diagonally across the body, then
downward to the left side and upward again, still diagonally across the body, and
downward on the right side. This is repeated motion accompanied by the twisting of the
body to the left or to the right depending on what direction the strike comes from. The
figure 8 strikes are either short or long. The short figure of 8 targets from hip level up to
the head. While the long is from the knee level up to head, and the player should bend his
body in doing it.

• Rompida- is a style of striking in which the cane moves up and down vertically across the
body. This is a repeated motion which is characterized by the twisting of the wrist
downward to the right. In doing the downward motion, the wrist is in normal position, palm
closed and facing the left side.

• Abaniko- is a style of striking in which the cane moves in a fan-like fashion. This is
characterized by the twisting of the wrist from left to right and vice versa. There are two
types of abaniko strikes, the Abaniko Corto (short) and Abaniko Largo (long). The Abaniko
corto is a side to side movement while the Abaniko Largo is a forward and backward
movement body facing halfway to the side.

• Banda y Banda- is a style of striking in which the cane moves horizontally in front of the
body with the tip of the cane pointing forward. The movement to the left is characterized
by the upward and twisting of the wrist, facing upward, while the movement to the right is
characterized by downward twisting of the wrist, facing downward.

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• Up and Down (Baba-Taas)- a style of striking which is similar to the Rompida only that
in the Up and Down, the wrist does not change in position. It maintains a steady normal
position, palm held facing to the in upward and downward movement.

• Redonda- a style of striking in which the cane moves in an "X" pattern.

• Other classical strikes are Rapilon, Doblada, Doblete, and Hirada.

• Sinawali - It is form of Arnis done by two players holding a cane in each hand. This play
is characterized by the criss-crossing movements of the canes. It is a good exercise in the
mastery of Arnis play. The Sinawali derives its name from the word Sawali which is a
native Filipino walling material. It is made of intertwined thinned bamboo splits and is
used in nipa huts in rural areas. The practice of the Sinawali develops the player’s agility,
coordination, timing, and keenness of eyesight. Like the other twelve striking techniques,
the Sinawali is a good exercise in the mastery of Arnis play.

• Single Sinawali
o Mechanics:
▪ a. Initial Movements: Stand at attention, both hand holding two canes. Do
the courtesy bow and go to open-leg stance, right hand over left and canes
pointing backward.
▪ b. Count 1. Execute the right forward stance and strike at the left temple of
the opponent with your right hand.
▪ c. Count 2. Swing the right hand to the left and bring it downward to strike
at the right knee of the opponent. Simultaneously, swing the left hand
upward and backward to the left side, cane pointing backward.
▪ d. Count 3. Strike at the right temple of the opponent with your left hand
and withdraw the right hand to the side, elbow slightly bent and cane
pointing downward.
▪ e. Count 4. Swing left hand to the right and downward, forming a half circle,
and strike at the left knee of the opponent. Simultaneously, withdraw the
right hand upward and backward to the right, elbow bent and cane pointing
backward.
▪ Points to Remember: to easily develop speed and skill in this technique, it
is suggested that the correct practice must be executed in slow motion
according to the corresponding number. Do continuous practice and
repetition. In the application of Single Sinawali as described above, each
partner-player should execute the same movements and counter-
movements.
• Double Sinawali
o Mechanics:
▪ a. Initial Movements: The same with Single Sinawali
▪ b. Count 1. Execute the right forward stance and strike your right hand at
the left temple of the opponent.
▪ c. Count 2. Bring right hand over the left collar bone, cane pointing
backward, and strike at the left knee of the opponent with the left hand.

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▪ d. Count 3. Swing the left hand upward and backward, cane pointing to the
rear, and strike at the right temple of the opponent with the right hand.
▪ e. Count 4. Strike at the right temple of the opponent with the left hand, and
bring the right hand under the left armpit, cane pointing backward.
▪ f. Count 5. Strike at the right knee of the opponent with the right hand, and
bring the left hand over the right collar bone cane pointing backward to the
right with the elbow bent
▪ g. Count 6. Strike at the left temple of the opponent with the left hand, swing
the right hand upward and backward to the right, elbow bent and cane
pointing backward.
▪ Points to Remember: In the application of Double Sinawali proper as in
Single Sinawali, it is suggested that the correct practice must be observed
to develop speed and skill in the players and execute in slow motion
according to the corresponding practice number.

You may watch Youtube videos through but not limited to the following links:
a. Classical Strikes:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ija8JXeHQCw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2-tiopwaY4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yST8JnoY1co
b. Sinawali
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjNR-BLkC80
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrbpxpzB70Q
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LpKjNA1OUk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4T_9NmWQDlQ
c. Redonda
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LX7ifLvLeU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h76VjAujC0I

CLASS REQUIREMENT: These are your final requirements for

the semester. Create video presentations on the following:

a. Perform at least Six (6) Warm up Drills combined with six (6) of the Classical
Strikes (Sinawali and Redonda are not required in your video presentation but if you can perform
it here, it will give you additional points). Deadline for this will be on November 20, 2021.

b. Two Anyo Performances:

The 1st Anyo: Choose one from the four Basic/Standard Anyo demonstrations that you will
find in one of the youtube video links provided.
The 2nd Anyo is your own choreographed Anyo with at least 12 counts or steps. Deadline will
be on November 30, 2021.

I firmly believe you cannot only do it but perform it well. Finish strong guys!!!
Goodluck!!!
MR. JOSEPH GIEWARD B. LAYAO 6
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MR. JOSEPH GIEWARD B. LAYAO 7