FITT ARNIS REVIEWER

Arnis

  • Any name for stick based martial arts

  • known as escrima, eskrima, garotte, arnes de mano, baston, estocada

  • found in Ilocos, Pampangga, Tagalog Province, Bicol, Negros Island, Panay and Cebu

  • Kali is another popular term for Arnis

Three Forms of Practice

  • Solo Baston

  • Doble Baston (Sinawali)

  • Espada y Daga (Sword and dagger)

The earliest document that mentioned the word 'arnes' was the epic-poem novel of Francisco Baltazar y dela Cruz (1835)

AR 9850 legally defines arnis as the Filipino martial art utilizing impact, bladed weapons, and empty hands for self-defense, characterized by the use of one or two sticks or similar implements for striking, blocking, and grappling.

Origin of Arnis

There are various claims regarding the origin of arnis. Some practitioners suggest a pre-Hispanic origin, viewing it as a contemporary form of ancient skills known as "Kali," preserved through clandestine practices and later publicized. However, this is largely conjectural.

Others point to academic and historical evidence suggesting that arnis developed through Spanish swordsmanship to protect early Christian communities against marauding Moors and bandits. Some believe it was taught by warrior priests or propagated by native Filipinos who served in colonial forces.

The promotion of arnis gained momentum during the Marcos administration in the 1970s, fostering a sense of national identity and cultural pride among Filipinos, particularly in the diaspora.

Traditional, Contemporary, and Sport Arnis

Arnis has evolved from simple self-defense maneuvers using sticks into a complex martial art system.

  • Traditional Arnis: Focuses on effective self-defense responses, typically learned through mimicking a master with a strong emphasis on experiential learning. Training includes mimicry (muestracion), independent maneuvers (sombra or carenza), partnered drills (sangga at patama), and controlled sparring (largo juego).

  • Contemporary Arnis: A modern practice incorporating structured classes with salutations, warm-ups, demonstrations, flow drills, and controlled sparring using safety gear.

  • Sports Arnis: focuses on physically demanding athletic training to win in Competition. Started in decade 70s when there are no longer duels

Traditional practices are rarer today, with many practitioners innovating to suit newer generations' needs.

Arnis In CVSU

  • Initiated by Master Louelle Lledo and Joel Anajao.

  • Included in the Annual Region 4 State and College University Athletic Association, now Southern Tagalog Regional Association of State Universities and College Olympics (STRASUC OLYMPICS)

VALUES of Training in Arnis

  1. Execution of skills involves vigorous movements of different muscle groups

  2. Agility, reaction time, balance, and coordination are developed

  3. Arnis develop quickness and coordination in offensive and defensive skills

  4. Sense of accomplishment from demonstrating correct techniques

  5. Desirable traits such as self confidence, fortitude and self discipline are developed

  6. Creativity by putting all learned combinations into a self demonstration of skills

  7. Arnis can develop a sense of being a proud filipino

EQUIPMENTS

  • Arnis Stick- two rattan sticks, 24 inches long and not more than one inch diameter if children

    28-30 inches long for adult students.

  • Training Uniform -PE uniform

GRIP

  • Stick should be held one inch from the butt end

    >Hold the stick with 4 fingers with the blade of the palm about 2-3 inches from the base of the stick

    >Tighten Grip, Press thumb over forefinger

    >Each strike must be with a firm grip

SALUTE

  • Pugay

  • Give respect to partner, opponent, and ourselves

    >Stand at attention, hands in front of thighs, holding sticks both ends

    >Move left foot to assume attention stance. Bring gripping hand into left chest and bow
    >Return in open leg stance

MOBILITY AND ACTIVATION EXERCISE

  • necessary to prevent injury during training session

  • Targets specific muscle group

12 VITAL STRIKES

Left temple → Right temple → Left shoulder - Right Shoulder - Stomach - Left chest - Right Chest- Right Knee- Left Knee- Left Eye - Right Eye - Head