Topic: Basic Arnis

Definition and Description of Arnis

The word Arnis was used by Filipinos during the 18 th century Spanish colonial period, to refer to
the system of skirmish using sword, stick and empty hands. It means similar to common folks’
word of ‘espadahan’ or swordplay. It was derived from the Spanish word “arnes,” which means
harness, armor.
In other regions of the country, arnis is known as eskrima, baston, garrote and estocada.
Nowadays, arnis is the popular name used by practitioners and school teachers among Tagalog
regions and some Visayan provinces.
The Republic Act 9850, known as the Law Decelerating Arnis as National Martial Art and Sport
of the Philippines, defined it as, the Filipino martial art of using impact, bladed weapons and
empty hands. Arnis is an indigenized martial art and sport characterized by the use of one (1) or
two (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 cane.

Three forms of practices:

1. Solo Baston
2. Doble Baston’ or “Sinawali’
3. Espada y Daga’ (sword and dagger)
(“mano-mano at buno’)

Three methods of teaching are employed by arnis teachers.

1. Pandalag
demonstrating the skill (muestracion) of swinging and stroking in offensive and defensive
maneuvers, with the students imitating the movements, followed by repetitive drills.
2. Sangga at Patama
students perform prearranged or choreographed sequence of movements in pair in which one
act as attacker while the other is responding
3. Labanan
(sparring) where two students using all the skill they have mastered engage in free play
whether in full contact (todo juego) or controlled way.
Origin of Arnis
Philippines
“Kali” – a large bladed weapon
the word an ancient term which refers to the sword, or the use of the sword in the battlefield
Some of the grandmasters responsible for promoting arnis in the country and abroad.
1. GM Remy Amador Presas (Founder of Modern Arnis)
2. GM Ernesto Presas (Founder of Kombatan)
 3. GM Ciriaco “Cocoy” Canete of Doce Pares
4. GM Benjamin Lema (Lighting Scientific Arnis)
5. GM Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo of Kalis Ilustrisimo
6. GM Angel Cabales of Cabales Cerrada Eskrima)
Arnis as Physical Education and Sport
DECS Order No. 25, s. 1975
- allowed exhibition and demonstration of arnis in the Palarong Pambansa (National
Games),
DECS Order No. 58 (1990)
- known as the Guidelines and Standards for College Service Physical Education which
in effect, included arnis in the “dual sport’ category
DECS Memo No. 294, s. 1995
- issued instructors’ training to PE teachers for teaching arnis in physical education.
NARAPHIL (National Arnis Association of the Philippines)
Being integrated as part of education, arnis evolved into a competitive sport. In 1975, an
organization.
Formed under the initiation of then President Ferdinand E. Marcos. Its objective was to unite the
various clubs and arnisadores throughout the country. Also, a decree was issued to include the
teaching of arnis in the military and educational system.
Republic Act 9850
Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was declared Arnis as the National Martial Art and Sport of the
Philippines.
This includes the integration of arnis competition as starting event in the annual Palarong
Pambansa, an annual national competition among secondary schools.
Philippine Eskrima, Kali, and Arnis Federation (PEKAP)
Sen. Miguel Zubiri,- author of the RA 9850 and former national arnis champion
Objective:
united most of the arnis practitioners in the country.
Values of Training Arnis
Like other forms of martial arts, arnis have lots of values for students such as:
1. The execution of various skills in arnis involves vigorous movements of different muscle
groups, thus provide training for muscle strength, muscle endurance, flexibility and cardio-
respiratory endurance.
2. Agility, reaction time, balance and coordination are also developed through Arnis training.
3. As a sport, arnis develops quickness and coordination in execution of offensive & defensive
skills.
4. Thrills of accomplishment provided by competition.
5. Desirable traits such as self-confidence, fortitude and self-discipline are developed in the
practice of arnis.
6. Creativity by putting all learned basic combination into a self-demonstration of skills.
7. National Identity as Filipino. Arnis can develop the sense of being a proud Filipino.
Gears & Equipment for Basic Arnis Training
Arnis Stick
The stick usually used in practicing arnis is made of rattan. It is advisable to use rattan stick
other than hardwood, which is flexible and lighter compare to other hardwood.
A pair of rattan sticks for each student; twenty-four (24 inches) long and not more than one inch
in diameter for school children, and twenty-eight to thirty (28 to 30) inches long for adult
students. It is advisable to carry the stick in a case of synthetic materials for safety.
Training Uniform: a typical PE uniform is readily available training uniform for arnis; or a
comfortable shirt and training pants can be used.
Wooden or Rubberized Dummy Knife: this dummy equipment is good for practicing self
defense drills on disarming and knife taking techniques.