ARNIS

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Arnis was developed by the
indigenous populations of the
Philippines. It was known in ancient
times as kali, a Malayan sword that
implies a large bladed weapon longer
than a knife. This was practiced
primarily for self-defense and
entertainment.
In 1521, equipped with nothing more
than bladed weapons and their
fearsome arnis abilities, Filipino
islanders defeated Ferdinand
Magellan’s armored, musket-bearing
Spanish conquistador forces when
they tried to invade.
 CULTURE AND TRADITIONS
KALI: Mother art of Arnis and Eskrima
ARNIS: It focuses on the knife, like dagger, sword
and other forms of bladed weapon
ESKRIMA: It is based on the baston and sticks
ARNIS DE MANO: It the most systematic
fighting arti in the Philippines
ESPADA Y DAGA: Sword and dagger
Solo baston: Sword and dagger
The Philippine government’s
declaration of arnis as the national
sport has codified a clear martial
culture. It falls under the Republic Act
9850 whereas “Arnis is hereby
declared as the Philippine National
Sport and Martial art” which inculcate
patriotism, nationalism and
appreciation of the role of national
heroes and symbols in the historical
 HOW IT WORKS
Competitive Arnis generally takes one
of two forms: the performance-based
anyo model or the combative leban.
ANYO COMPETITIONS are judged on
the basis of the overall choreography
of the performances, including the
gracefulness, strength and force
employed.
Meanwhile, the LEBAN FORM tests
participants’ agility and reactions, as
competitions are judged based on the
number of strikes inflicted. Although
most leban competitions exclude body
contact, such as grappling, blocks and
disarming an opponent using the hands
or feet, there are some exceptions
where full contact is permitted.