Filipino Martial Arts

Arnis

Arnis, Kali or Eskrima refer to an Indigenous Filipino martial art that centers on the use of weapons such as sticks, knives and applications with your empty hand. Historically, this indigenous art was devised from traditional forms of combat mixed with Spanish sword methods taught to Philippine militia. This fusion resulted in the contemporary forms of Arnis. Groups who practice Filipino martial arts have their own culture, traditions, histories, terminology, weapons and fighting ethos. Arnis is the national martial art and sport of the Philippines and is believed by historians to be the fighting method used by Filipinos led by Datu Lapu Lapu to defeat Magellan in the Battle of Mactan.

Sources:

Jocano, Felipe Jr. (1997). Arnis: A Question of Origins. RAPID Journal, Vol. 2 No. 4.

Gonzales, R. C. T. (2015). Filipino Martial Arts and the Construction of Filipino National Identity (Doctoral dissertation, University of Manchester).

Filipino Martial Arts Curriculum

Part 1: Introduction to Arnis

Filipino fighting sticks are approximately 28 inches long, tubular, made from rattan. They are light, easy to grip and durable, hard but flexible. To begin, true Arnis (Filipino stick fighting) is practiced with the right and proper goals. Filipino sticks were one of the weapons used by poor farmers to protect their loved ones and themselves from bandits and foreign invaders who attack suddenly without warning or mercy from the surrounding jungle. The farmers learn to grab sticks and machetes for protection. When the lives of those you love depend on your ability, then you have the motivation to be a master. In the hands of such a master, the sticks are an awesome defense.

Part 2: The Proper Grip

Hold the stick firmly with your hand a fist length or about three inches from the bottom end of the stick. Your thumb should be over your forefinger.

Part 3: The Courtesy Bow (Pugay)

The pugay salutation is an important part and ritual of this sport which shows your respect for your opponent or partner and is a preparatory position.

Stand straight, feet slightly apart. Hold the stick in both ends.

Feet together, put your right hand on your left chest. Stick upright.

Bow only with your head.

Part 4: The Twelve Striking Points

There are essentially 12 points of striking an opponent used in Arnis. The techniques include: left and right side head attacks, left and right side body attacks, a thrust to the solar plexus, left and right chest stabs, left and right lower leg strikes, left and right eye pokes, and a crown attack to the top of the head.

Striking Points 1 - 12: