ARNIS

PFIT 1032 Module 3

By Prof. Jei-ar Burgos
 Arnis is one of the oldest systematic
martial arts of the Filipinos. It is
patterned after the Malaysian martial
arts known as Kali that uses a bladed
weapon, as well as the Indonesian
fencing called Tjakalele (Yukalele),
which uses a large bladed weapon.
Arnis makes use of a cane or canes,
which acts as an extension of the arms.
This form of martial arts using a stick
was called Arnis de Mano.
It has three forms of plays known as:
1. Espada y Daga – martial arts fighting using a
combination of a long and short dagger. 
2. Solo Baston – a single stick is used. 
3. Sinawali – two sticks being swung in an
intricate, criss-cross fashion.
Arnis also known as Kali and Eskrima, is
an indigenous Martial Art and is
comprised of some of the following
concepts of the ancient times
Panandata- weaponry
Kuntao- empty hands
Dumog- grappling and locking
Sikaran- Kicking
Hilot- Healing
Olisi
The basic stick or cane of Arnis is referred to by its native name,
olisi. It is often known by its Spanish names, Baston and garrote.
The olisi is used for various strikes, such as the slash, thrust and
butt. Both tips (fore-tip and handle-tip) are used for thrusting and
butting. The cane or olisi is usually about 74 cm long, not more
than 2.54 cm in diameter, and about 150 grams in weight. It is
usually fashioned from a rattan pole or any other sturdy wood.
Basic Stances
According to Grandmaster
Ciriaco “Cacoy” Caňete,
stance is the manner in
which the body is poised
while standing. Proper stance
allows rapid, strong, and
effective olisi strikes.
Natural or Open Leg Stance
In this stance, the feet are
spread at shoulder-width,
with toes pointing slightly
outward. Body weight is
placed evenly on both feet
while the whole body, arms
and legs are relaxed.
 Salutation
On the playing area,
individuals, as a matter of
practice and tradition, show
a gesture of courtesy with
an olisi and hand salute as
they face the instructor or
sparring partner before and
after every practice session.
Forward Stance
1. Starting with the ready stance, move one
foot forward until the knee and the toe are in
line with each other.  
2. Both toes are pointing in front, the waist,
and the body is facing forward.   
3. The body should not be too low or the lead
foot too extended otherwise it will be hard to
maneuver.  
4. Distribute the weight or center of gravity to
both legs.  

Note: Forward stances can be right foot lead, which is the

Right Foot Forward Stance or it can be left foot lead which is
Left Foot Forward Stance. Forward Stance is commonly used
with frontal striking or blocking techniques.
Oblique Stance

1. Starting with the ready stance, move one foot

forward 45 degrees away from the body until the
knee and the toe are in line to each other.  
2. Move in the same direction as the lead foot.
Both toes are pointing in front, the waist, and the
body is facing forward.  
3. The body should not be too low or the lead
foot too extended otherwise it will be hard to
maneuver.  
4. Distribute the weight or center of gravity to
both legs.  

Note: Oblique stances can be right foot lead, which is the Right Foot
Oblique Stance or it can be left foot lead which is Left Foot Oblique
Stance.  Oblique Stances are commonly used for forwarding blocking and
evasion techniques.
Straddle Stance

1. Starting with the ready stance, move one

foot about two feet to the left or the right
direction until both lower legs are almost
perpendicular to the ground.   
2. Both toes are pointing in front, the waist,
and the body is facing forward.  The body
should not be too low or extended otherwise
it will be hard to maneuver.  
3. Distribute the weight or center of gravity to
both legs.  

Note: Straddle stance is also called Horseback Riding Stance

since it mimics position when riding on  horseback.  Straddle
stances are commonly used for blocking the strikes to the side
of the body.
Side Stance
1. Starting with the ready stance, move one foot
about two feet to the left or right direction. 
Moving foot will be perpendicular to the ground
while the other leg is extended thereby creating a
position like that of a side kick.  
2. Both toes are pointing in front, the waist and
the body is facing forward.  The body should not
be too low or extended otherwise it will be hard
to maneuver.  
3. Distribute the weight or center of gravity to
both legs.  If the left foot moves to the side it
becomes Left Foot Side Stance, if the right foot
moves to the side it becomes Right Foot Side
Stance.  

Note: Side Stances are commonly used for strike

deflection and evasion techniques.
Back Stance

1. Starting with the ready stance, move one

foot backward 45 degrees away from the body.
The heels of the foot should form an imaginary
“L” shape while the legs are in a straddle
position.  
2. The body should not be too low or extended
otherwise it will be hard to maneuver. 
Distribute the weight or center of gravity to
both legs.  
3. Back stances can be right foot lead, which is
the Right Foot Back Stance or it can be left foot
lead which is Left Foot Back Stance.  
Note: Back stances are used for blocking and backward evasion
techniques.
Assignment
Bring 1 pair of Olisi (arnis sticks-
yantok) For Activities 4-5 and
Midterm Examination.
Activity 3
Watch and memorize the warm-up exercise for
Arnis on the video posted on Group Chat Room.
Perform the exercise by group. 
Do a 16-count repetitions for each exercise. You
may use music accompaniment if desired. 
ACTIVITY 4
Execute the following stances.
 
1.Salutation
2.Natural or Open Leg Stance
3.Forward Stance
4.Oblique Stance
5.Straddle Stance
6.Side Stance
7.Back Stance
Safety Reminders:
1.Wear proper and complete uniform or attire while
performing practical tests.
2.Be careful not to hit anyone or anything around
you.
3.Always include warm-up exercise and proper
salutation before and after each practical tests.
4.Keep the arnis sticks on safe place when not in use.
THANK YOU