Arnis Terminology and Stances

• Arnis
• Kali
• Eskrima
• Filipino martial art
• Founded by Remgio Amador "Remy" Presas
• Self-defense system
• Performed individually or with a partner
• Utilizes a single stick or a pair of sticks for striking and blocking

Primary Weapon

• Rattan stick
• Cane or baston
• About 28 inches (71 cm) in length

National Recognition

• National Martial Art and Sport of the Philippines, declared December 11, 2009
• Declared by Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
• Introduced by Sen. Manual “Lito” M. Lapid
• Republic Act No. 9850 declares Arnis as the National Martial Arts and Sports of the Philippines
• The first national organization for Arnis is the National Arnis Association of the Philippines (NARAPHIL), founded in 1975 by Gen. Fabian C. Ver.

Origins

• Can be traced back to native PINTADOS or TINTADUS fighting among pre-Hispanic Filipino tribes or kingdoms
• Developed by the indigenous populations of the Philippines

Sport of Arnis

• Played between two fighters
• Objective is to earn more points by legally attacking the opponent with a stick
• Develops self-discipline and control
• A martial art about self-defense using sticks

Types of Arnis

• Classic Arnis involves blades and weapons
• Modern Arnis focuses on stick techniques

Top 5 Benefits of Arnis

• Self-defense
• Self-discipline
• Self-control
• Full body workout
• Improved mental health

Equipments

• Padded stick
• Head protector
• Upper arm guards
• Hand gloves
• Lower arm guards
• Body armor
• Groin guard
• Upper leg guard
• Lower leg guard

Weaponry

• One of the primary weapons of Arnis and Filipino martial arts is the impact weapon
• Also known as yantok, olisi, palo, pamalo, garrote, caña, cane, arnis stick, or eskrima stick

Head Gear

• Provides vital protection from head strikes while allowing motion capability

Body Armor

• Designed to provide thorough upper body protection while allowing mobility

Leg Guards

• Provide complementary protection to other arnis battle gear
• Designed for protection, comfort, and practicality
• Can protect both the thigh and shin area

Groin Guard

• Has padding for the pelvic area
• Contoured cup
• Secured with a dual Velcro strap

Hand Gloves

• Protect from strikes
• Design and structure ensure a stable grip

Attention Stance

• Feet form a 45-degree angle
• Heels close, knees straight
• Waist and body face forward
• Shoulders dropped, hands at waist level
• Used in preparation for courtesy or "bowing"

Ready Stance

• Feet apart, parallel to the shoulder, toes forward
• Knees straight, waist and body facing forward
• Hands at waist level, holding sticks on both sides
• Used when standing at ease during training or tournaments

Forward Stance

• Starting with the ready stance, move one foot forward until the knee and the toe are in line to each other
• Toes point forward, waist and body face forward
• Body not too low or lead foot extended for maneuverability
• Weight distributed evenly
• Can be right or left foot lead
• Commonly used with frontal striking or blocking

Oblique Stance

• 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
• Move on the same direction as the lead foot
• Toes point forward, waist and body face forward
• Body not too low or lead foot extended for maneuverability
• Weight distributed evenly
• Can be right or left foot lead
• Used for forward blocking and evasion

Straddle Stance

• Starting with the ready stance, move one foot about two feet to the left or right until lower legs are almost perpendicular
• Toes point forward, waist and body face forward
• Body not too low or extended for maneuverability
• Weight distributed evenly
• Also called Horseback Riding Stance
• Used for blocking strikes to the side

Side Stance

• Starting with the ready stance, move one foot about two feet to the left or right
• Moving foot perpendicular, other leg extended
• Toes point forward, waist and body face forward
• Body not too low or extended for maneuverability
• Weight distributed evenly
• Can be left or right foot side stance
• Used for strike deflection and evasion

Back Stance

• Starting with the ready stance, move one foot backward 45 degrees away from the body
• Heels form an "L" shape
• Body not too low or extended for maneuverability
• Weight distributed to both legs
• Can be right or left foot lead
• Used for blocking and backward evasion

12 Basic Strikes

• Left temple
• Right temple
• Left shoulder
• Right shoulder
• Stomach thrust
• Left chest
• Right chest
• Right knee
• Left knee
• Left eye
• Right eye
• Head/Crown

Blocking Techniques

• Outside - Bring the cane forward supported by the left hand at the middle of the cane
• Inside - An outside block, on the right side of the body
• Downward Inside - Position the hand holding the cane above the right shoulder then swing the cane downward to block attack
• Downward Outside - Position the cane behind the left ear then swing downward to block a blow
• Rising - Raise the cane over the head to block a blow
• Vertical - Raise the elbow of the hand hiding the cane to shoulder level while supporting it at the middle