Miguel Joaquin E.
Napule GROUP - 2
PATHFIT 301-2 ARNIS 2022-37043
Arnis History
The Philippines is an island nation rich in
both culture and history, The Filipino martial art
of Kali. Kali was an ancient Malayan word that
implies a large, bladed weapon longer than a
knife. has contributed to both the history and
diversity in the Philippines. There are an
abundance of styles and systems of
Arnis/Kali/Escrima that are taught throughout the
world to this day, that have survived and
developed throughout the different regions,
families and teachers who have preserved what is
sometimes called a complete martial art. This art
was practiced primarily for self-defense by the
pre-Spanish Filipinos who were noted for their
friendly nature and legendary hospitality.
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 the bow and arrow or the longbow. The
primitive Negritos, coming from Central Asia
during prehistoric times, were experts in these
weapons. Arnis de mano is the best known and
the most systematic fighting art in the
Philippines. It is a perfected art after a long
historical development from the kali systems
designed to train the student to defend himself
against armed or unarmed attacks. Arnis, as it is
commonly called, has also been known in other
dialects as estacada among the Tagalog provinces
and estoque or fraile in other regions. 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 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 the
two muton resemble the weave of a sawali
(crisscross fashion), the bamboo splits weave
pattern used in walling and matting. The 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 effectiveness of Arnis. Their successful stand
against their superiorly armed adversaries in
mortal combat in the arena of battle is now held
in immortal inviolability by history of the 16th
century. Kali (Arnis) became so popular during
the early days that it was known as the sport of
kings and of the members of the royal blood. The
first and foremost experts of the art were the rajah
and Maharlika of the Visayas and Tagalog
regions, Amandakwa in Pangasinan, and
Baruwang of the Cagayan Valley region.
PRE-COLONIAL
Before the Colonial Period. Arnis was
originally called Kali. Kali was an ancient
Malayan word that implies a large-bladed
weapon longer than a knife. Kali was used as a
weapon to hunt down or defend oneself. It was
also used when there are conflicts between
Filipino tribes. was originally developed by the
people of the natives to the islands using simple
impact and edged weapons such as kampilans,
rattan swords daggers, spears and other assorted
weaponry for combat and self-defense. These
weapons were also sometimes used as farm
implements.
The arrival of Ferdinand Magellan’s
forces on April 27, 1521, was met in battle with a
group of islanders, led by Raja Lapu-Lapu, who
defeated Magellan using only a bladed weapon.
Magellan’s Armored and music bearing
conquistadors were overpowered by the fierce
fighters and retreated.
SPANISH
The Spanish returned in the 1570’s and
this time, the Philippines came under the Spanish
Rule unable to contend with the modern
weaponry and Spanish used. Kali was now called
Arnis in the Era, Arnis from the word Arnes
which means armor. This armor was used in the
Moro-Moro theatrical play, it is a mock battle
between Christians and Moors and is performed
in every village festival in the Philippines. The
practice of Arnis was prohibited, but continued
and was preserved through native ritual dances,
Filipinos used the Moro-Moro mock battle to
continue to hone their skills on the martial art. FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENTS
Arnis was also called Escrima/Eskrima from the FACILITIES
Spanish term for fencing, engsrima. While
enhancing their performance, and mock battles
Thus the art were pass down in Families from
generation to generation, honing their skill,
speed. Accuracy and agility.
AMERICANS
While earlier Filipino martial arts were
influenced by the Spanish colonization, the
modern forms have been affected by the country’s Competition Area: refers to the area by which
contact with both the United States and Japan the conduct of the competition shall be set or held
after gaining independence in 1898. Arnis including the free zone around it.
continued to be practiced clandestinely during the Dimensions: The playing is a square measuring
American Colonial Period. It has begun to gain 8.0 meters by 8.0 meters with a two (2) meters
recognition and acceptance as the Philippines minimum free zone around it, and a clear space
moved towards independence in the Early-20th without any obstruction up to a height of not less
Century. than 5 meters above from the playing surface.
* Lines of the Playing Area - All lines of the
MODERN
playing surface are 5.08 cm (2 inches) and must
National Arnis Association of the be of a different color from that of the floor and
Philippines was formed by Rev. Gregorio other lines previously drawn for other purposes.
Aglipay and Major Favan Ver. With the * Boundary Lines - Four lines mark the
perseverance of Remgio Amador Presas and his boundary of the playing area. The free zone
brother Ernesto, Modern Arnis was founded and distance measuring 2.0 meters are drawn outside
just over a century later, on December 11, 2009, the playing area.
the government of the Philippines declared Arnis * Match Lines - Two lines of 1.0 meter long and
to be the martial art and national sport of the 2.0 meters apart mark the horizontal match line.
Philippines. The horizontal match lines are drawn 3 meters
from the boundary lines that run perpendicularly
PRESENT to the official’s table, and 3.5 meters from the
In the present era, Arnis has undergone a boundary line that run parallel to the official’s
remarkable resurgence, reemerging as a symbol table.
of national pride and cultural heritage in the
Philippines. With its official designation as the
national martial art and sport of the country in
EQUIPMENTS
2009, Arnis has solidified its place in the hearts
1. Weapon – The padded stick shall be
of Filipinos. This resurgence has been marked by
the official weapon of the player, called a cane or
a blending of tradition with modernization,
baston (baton). The specification of which shall
resulting in the evolution of Modern Arnis, a
be in accordance with the I-ARNIS standard. The
testament to art’s adaptability. Arnis has also
length of padded stick shall be 27 inches for boys
transcended borders, finding a global community
and girls. Each padded stick shall be properly
of practitioners and enthusiasts. It has influenced
foam-cushioned and shall have a maximum grip
other martial arts and self-defense systems,
diameter of not more than 3.81cm. Both padded
contributing to its relevance in contemporary
sticks shall be color-coded, one red and the other
combat training. Beyond its martial aspects, Arnis
blue. It must not have sharp edges or pointed
plays a crucial role in preserving Filipino culture,
ends.
with traditional dances and rituals associated with
2. Scoreboards - A pair of scoreboards,
the art being performed to ensure its cultural
either manually or electronically operated. The
continuity. In popular culture, Arnis has made
specifications of which shall be in accordance
appearances, further sparking interest and
with the I-ARNIS standard. Two scoreboards per
curiosity. As Arnis continues to thrive in
contest shall be placed diagonally opposite
academia, education, and international
corners outside the playing area inside the
competitions, it stands as a living testament to the
competition within the free zone, right where the
resilience and enduring legacy of Filipino martial
judges are positioned.
arts in the modern world.
3. Flags – Two sets of red and blue flags,
the size of which is 30cm by 25cm, are used by
the judges in declaring decisions or asking for
consultations. One set of yellow flags of the same
size as red and blue, used by the timers to signal
the start and the end of each round and to declare
a time-out and resumption of the game.
4. Stopwatch – Used to keep the two-minutes
per round. This includes interruptions such as
injury changing of broken stick.
5. Gong 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
6. 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.
7. Head Protector or Head Gear – Refers toa
pair of protective head gear to include an impact
worthy fac mask, the specifications of which shall
be in accordance with the I-ARNIS Standard,
both headgears must be color-coded, one red and
the other blue, to match the padded stick of the
player.
8. Body protector/Armor – Refers to a pair of
protective body protectors, properly cushioned,
the specifications of which shall be in accordance
with the I-ARNIS standard. Male and female
player must both wear body armor and groin
protector. Both shall be color coded to match the
color of the player. Forearm and shin guards are
compulsory and must be the color of the player.
9. Leg Guards – can be used to protect both thigh
and the shin area. Not only designed for
protection but also for comfort.
10. Arm Guards – the Arm Guards provide
complementary protection to the other arnis battle
gear. They can be used for both upper arm and
forearm protection.
11. Hand Gloves – Hand Gloves are thick rubber
protection that serves as a protection form strikes.
The open palm design ensures a stable grip.
12. Groin Guard – Is a special padding for the
lower abdomen. It has a groin cup to provide
complete protection to the groin area.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
SPANISH INFLUENCE:
Arnes: The Spanish word for armor, from which
the term "Arnis" originated, reflecting the
influence of Spanish colonialism on the martial
art.
Moro-Moro: A socio-religious play introduced
by Spanish friars, featuring mock battles between
Christian Spaniards and Muslim Moors, where
Arnis techniques were incorporated and
practiced.
Escrima or Eskrima: Alternative names for
Arnis, derived from the Spanish term for fencing,
"engsrima." These names reflect the influence of
Spanish colonialism on the martial art.
Prohibition: Refers to the period during Spanish
rule when the practice of Arnis was discouraged
and sometimes banned due to the perceived threat
it posed to Spanish authorities.
Armor: The use of armor in the Moro-Moro play,
influencing the renaming of Arnis from Kali,
reflecting the martial art's connection to the mock
battles.
FILIPINO INFLUENCE:
Kali: The ancient Malayan term from which
Arnis originated, signifying a large, bladed
weapon longer than a knife, reflecting the
indigenous Filipino roots of the martial art.
Espada y Daga: A traditional Filipino Arnis form
that involves the use of a long wooden sword
(espada) and a short wooden dagger (daga)
simultaneously, highlighting Filipino weapon
proficiency.
Solo Baston: A fundamental form of Arnis
focusing on the use of a single long stick or rattan
cane, representing the practicality and
adaptability of Filipino martial arts.
Sinawali: A native Filipino term describing the
intricate weaving or crisscrossing movements of
two sticks, emphasizing the art's fluid and agile
nature.
Kampilan: A type of Filipino sword with a wavy
blade, historically significant in tribal and
Filipino martial culture, representing indigenous
weaponry.
Rattan Sticks: Traditional training weapons used
in Arnis, typically made from rattan wood,
reflecting the resourcefulness and adaptability of
Filipino martial arts.
CARDINAL RULES
7 FROM BOOKS
Respect - The cardinal principle in arnis is respect
for one’s opponent as a person and as a fighter,
and as a sportsman. It should always be
remembered that an opponent is a human being
with a dignity as you have and worthy of respect.
Also do not under rate his/her figh ng ability
overconfidence would be costly, if not, fatal,
therefore never underes mate the ability of an
opponent. Victory is not a stamp of
invulnerability but rather a reason for
magnanimity.
Character – A ruffian has no place in Arnis let
alone in sports. Refinement in character is
important. A student must be taught the moral
(and religious) values of everything. It is an
obliga on of the teacher of Arnis to mold the
character of the student in such a way that his
behavioral structure would be mo vated by
righteous desire.
Sincerity – Sincerity for victories sake is not the
all-consuming end of an Arnis player. It is the
sincerity in him to his fellowman and to his art
that makes him shine in the array of men. The
will to win may be inculcated, but such tutelage
should never end a er the ck of the ul mate
second in the game but beyond the canvass and
the arena of compe on.
Discipline – Arnis is a molder of discipline. The
kaleidoscopic invita ons and tempta ons of life
should never undermine man in his obliga on to
his art, to himself and his fellowman. A student
should learn to control himself in the pursuance
of his goal, not only in this art but also in life in
general.
Self-Control – Losing one’s head means defeat.
One should learn to control one’s temper if he
hopes to achieve success in every endeavor. In
Arnis, self-control is important because without
it, life, and the good health of another may be
lost. The possession of an ability to kill or main a
person should be handled with extreme cau on
and prudence. Man’s clear percep on of things
is anchored in his ability to control the outbursts
of his inner self. Provoca on is dishonorable but
hasty reac on to it is just as dishonorable if not,
despicable.
E que e – One’s norm and standard should
never be imposed upon others. One should learn
how to respect others. Giving credence to the
standard and ability of another person should or
will best prepare anybody in any endeavor.
Student’s Loyalty – Loyalty should be
emphasized to the student, loyalty to the art, to
a fellow player. And to his teacher. Ingra tude to
one’s ingra tude to the other. A student should
be loyal to a fellow player because any disloyalty
to him is disloyal to the art itself. More
importantly, a student should be loyal to his
teacher; everything one has learned is owed by
him to his teacher. Personal whims should never
cause him to be ungrateful where he owes
everything he knows.
3 - SELF-MADE RULES IN ARNIS
Humility – A student must learn to accept
his/her strengths and limita ons without
defensiveness of judgment. The laurels of victory
should never be worn with superiority but with
humility. Also, even if the aim of art is already
achieved by a student that he can now manage
on his own, he should never forget the teacher
who labored for him.
Commitment – Arnis requires the discipline to
a end training sessions regularly and to prac ce
the techniques again and again to fully sharpen
their skills. Students must persevere and
overcome complacency and physical limits.
Training does not only happen inside the gym but
also outside. It demands pa ence since mastery
does not come overnight.
Accountability – Students need to model the
behaviors that they want to see in the
organiza on they belong to. They need to walk
the talk if they want others to follow the same
path. One must be accountable for any failures,
as well as any successes that his/her organiza on
may have.
GIVE 5 ADVANTAGES AND BENEFITS OF
PRACTICING ARNIS IN EACH ASPECT:
PHYSICAL ASPECT, MENTAL ASPECT,
EMOTIONAL ASPECT, SOCIAL ASPECT, SPIRITUAL
ASPECT.
PHYSICAL ASPECT:
Improved Coordination: Engaging in Arnis
enhances coordination by requiring adeptness in
hand-eye synchronization, footwork, and weapon
handling.
Enhanced Cardiovascular Health: Regular
Arnis workouts contribute to cardiovascular
fitness, fostering endurance and increased
stamina.
Strengthened Muscles: Consistent Arnis
practice fortifies muscles, particularly in the
arms, shoulders, and core, leading to increased
physical strength and enduring power.
Increased Flexibility: The dynamic nature of
Arnis movements promotes flexibility, reducing
the risk of injuries and improving overall
mobility.
Weight Management: Active participation in
Arnis sessions aids in calorie burning and weight
management, supporting physical fitness and
well-being.
 Networking Opportunities: Participation in
Arnis facilitates networking with individuals
MENTAL ASPECT:
from diverse backgrounds and professions,
Heightened Focus and Concentration: Arnis expanding social connections.
demands intense focus and concentration, honing
Leadership Abilities: Advanced Arnis
mental sharpness and the ability to remain fully
practitioners often assume leadership roles within
engaged.
the martial arts community, refining their
Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills: Engaging in leadership and mentoring capabilities.
Arnis fosters problem-solving abilities and quick
decision-making as practitioners adapt to various
scenarios and opponents. SPIRITUAL ASPECT:
Memory Enhancement: Learning and retaining Inner Harmony: Arnis practice can instill a
Arnis techniques and patterns enhances memory sense of inner peace and equilibrium, establishing
and cognitive function. a connection between the mind, body, and spirit.
Stress Alleviation: Involvement in Arnis Mindfulness: Arnis training promotes
provides a constructive outlet for stress relief, mindfulness, enabling practitioners to remain
assisting individuals in effectively managing fully present and cultivate spiritual awareness.
daily pressures.
Appreciation for Tradition: Learning the
Cultivated Discipline: Arnis instills discipline, historical and cultural facets of Arnis nurtures a
encouraging consistent training and a strong work deeper reverence for tradition and heritage.
ethic that extends to other areas of life.
Self-Reflection: Arnis can serve as a journey of
self-exploration, encouraging individuals to
contemplate their values and beliefs.
EMOTIONAL ASPECT:
Holistic Well-Being: Arnis' holistic nature
Boosted Self-Confidence: Mastery of Arnis
promotes overall well-being, nurturing the
techniques and self-defense skills elevates self-
spiritual dimension of life in harmony with the
assurance and self-esteem.
physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects.
Emotional Regulation: Arnis instruction
includes emotional control, equipping
practitioners to maintain composure and focus,
even in high-stress situations.
Stress Reduction: Routine Arnis practice
reduces stress and anxiety, promoting emotional
well-being and mental clarity.
Empowerment: Arnis empowers individuals by
imparting self-defense skills, resulting in
heightened self-belief and a greater sense of
security.
Positive Mindset: The sense of accomplishment
and camaraderie within Arnis fosters a positive
outlook on life, enhancing emotional resilience.

SOCIAL ASPECT:
Community and Companionship: Arnis offers
a supportive community of fellow practitioners,
cultivating enduring friendships and a sense of
inclusion.
Collaboration: Partner drills and sparring in
Arnis encourage collaboration and teamwork,
strengthening social aptitudes.
Respect and Courtesies: Arnis places a strong
emphasis on respect for instructors and training
partners, fostering good manners and social
etiquette.