Topic 2.

Introduction to Basic Arnis

 Arnis
 Kali
 Eskrima

Objective/s:
 Know what is arnis as a sport and as a martial arts
 Distinguish arnis from kali and eskrima

Lesson 1. Arnis

Arnis (or Arnis De Mano) is a truly native martial art. It makes use of a long Rattan stick
that the martial artist uses to strike an opponent or to parry his opponent’s blows. Some
arnis experts can even disarm a bolo-wielding attacker. Arnis is a stick made out of rattan
that is 28 inches long. It is also commonly known as pamalo, palo, olisi, yantok, cane or
arnis stick. The wooden material usually preferred is the kamagong alongside with rattan.
Rattan is from the soft and flexible palm tree family, but once the branches become dry,
they harden which makes them a perfect light but durable weapon. There are two kinds of
arnis sticks namely: the live stick and the padded stick.

To learn arnis, start with one stick on each hand and try to hit a target alternately from the
opposite direction. This means hitting the left side of the target with the right stick and the
right side with the left stick. This technique makes it difficult for your opponent to
effectively block and counter at the same time. A standard routine usually goes from high
to middle to low and then vice-versa.

Arnis can be done also even without the sticks. The strikes in arnis can be executed with
an empty hand, making it more like a foundation too of other martial arts.

Lesson 2.Kali

Kali is a deadly form of martial arts. Technically, it uses a combination of arnis and
freehand combat. It is most effective in incapacitating an opponent or making moves to
immobilize him.

To practice, try to strike a target from several sides until you master the technique of
hitting them with the tip of the stick. Try moving side to side as you do this then slide
behind the target and use the stick to choke the neck area or lock the arms.

FACT: Beat policemen in the U.S. carry long batons with a rotating side handle and use
Kali moves to subdue and immobilize resisting suspects or criminals. Most often, they use
it to break glass windows of vehicles during emergency rescues.

Lesson 3. Eskrima

Eskrima or sword-fighting most likely got its origin during the Spanish colonization of the
Philippines when Spanish military officers would sport side-sword with their uniform.
Fencing and other sword-fighting skills were often taught in universities during the
Spanish era and Filipinos who studied in Europe were often champion fencers in
tournaments.

To practice, hold the sword in your dominant hand and make slicing downward motions in
an X-pattern. Your stance should be a little sideways to your opponent with your feet
slightly apart for balance. The objective is to attack aggressively and push your opponent
back until he loses his space advantage.

FACT: Filipino warriors from the south carried swords with waved blades because they look
menacing, make bigger wounds and can retain the poison that they usually spread on the
blade.
Activity 2

Directions: Answer briefly the following questions in a word format. Submit it on the
schedule provided by the instructor through the provided link or group chat.

1. What is arnis?
2. Distinguish arnis, kali and eskrima.

Comments / Suggestions / Observations:

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