Arnis Preparatory Exercises and Preliminary Skills PDF

Lesson 2: Preparatory Exercises and Preliminary skills About the Module: In this Lesson, students will be introduced to the preliminary skills needed in practicing the fundamentals of arnis such the correct way of gripping the stick, giving courtesy; and the warm-up and conditioning exercis...

Lesson 2: Preparatory Exercises and Preliminary skills About the Module: In this Lesson, students will be introduced to the preliminary skills needed in practicing the fundamentals of arnis such the correct way of gripping the stick, giving courtesy; and the warm-up and conditioning exercises. Objectives: At the end of the module, students should be able to: 1. Demonstrate correct salute or “pugay” as a means of giving respect. 2. Undergo warm-up and stretching activities suited for the arnis training. 3. Demonstrate good control of the stick with both hands thru twirling exercises. Activity : Reading about the topic, self-centered practice to acquire the preliminary skills by following the instruction given in this module. The Correct Grip The stick should be held about one (1) inch from the butt end. The extra length from the butt end allows balance in gripping. It can also be used in disarming techniques and attacking. In arnis, the correct grip is the basis of control, power and quickness in every blow that is delivered. The correct grip is assured in this manner: 1|Page  1. Hold the stick with your four fingers with the blade of the palm about two to three inches from the base or butt of the stick. 2. Tighten your grip and press the thumb over the forefinger. 3. Each strike must be made with a firm grip. While the grip is firm, the wrist must be flexible and very pliable. Keeping the wrist in this state will ensure that the blows are delivered with force and quickness. The Salute Salute or Bow of Courtesy is a way of giving respect to partner, to opponent, to instructor and to our own selves. Giving a salute or Pugay is done in this manner: or (1) (2a) (2b) (3) 1. Stand at attention like soldier in line formation, but relaxed, with feet apart and feet pointing at an angle of 45 degrees. The hands are in front of the thighs, holding the stick at both ends. 2. (a) From Open Leg Stance, move left foot to assume Attention Stance. Bring the gripping hand into left chest and slightly bow the head. (b) If holding two sticks, extend the left arm in line with shoulder and bring the left arm to left chest. 3. Then return in Open Leg Stance or assume on-guard position. Salute with Partner Two Sticks Single Stick (1) (2) 2|Page Warming Up and Stretching 6 Stick maneuvering Exercises 1. Downward and upward twirling 2. under arms twirling 3. downward and upward opposite twirling 4. down cross twirling 5. overhead cross twirling 6. under arms and shoulder opposite twirling Lesson 3: Stances and On-Guard Position Assuming oneself into ready position and how to move in different directions will be discussed in this module. Objectives: At the end of the topic, students will be able to: 1. Enumerate the five (5) stances used in arnis training. 2. Perform the basic stances. 3. Demonstrate the three (3) advance and retreating steps. Activity: 1. Reading on the topic about stances and on-guard position. 2. Doing the drill on the basic moving forward and backward using the stances. Content: Stances Stances are positions which one assumes prior to the execution of any offensive and defensive movements. The various stances give the arnis player an understanding of proper weight distribution on the feet and maintaining proper balance to ensure fluid mobility and shifting from one position to another. 3|Page  between the stick and chest. Forward RF Slide or step one foot forward with knee bent, rear leg Stance slightly straight at the back, LF weight is greater on the front leg. Maintain the center of balance in the center between the two legs. (rear ) RF Back Leaning Step or slide one foot backward, shifting the weight Stance on the rear leg, trunk slightly LF bent backward. Keep the balance in the center between the two legs. (rear) Legend: RF = right foot, LF = left foot = weight/center of gravity 4|Page Practice the following: 1. In stationary, student will practice each stance. 2. Stepping forward and backward with the same stance (i.e. forward, back leaning, and straddle). 3. Stepping forward diagonally with the stance. 4. Stepping forward and backward with different stances. 5. Student free choice of stance to execute. Lesson 4: Basic Striking Techniques In this part, students will be instructed in the basic striking techniques using single stick. Objectives: At the end of the topic, students will be able to: 1. Demonstrate proper and positive striking attitude and skill. 2. Identify the vital target of striking techniques. 3. Enumerate the basic body mechanics of executing a striking technique. 4. Shows accuracy and coordination in the execution of the basic striking techniques. Activity: 1. Reading on the topic about striking techniques and following the instruction. 2. Doing the drill on the performing the basic striking techniques. Content: Striking the target is very important, but getting to the target is just as important. Therefore, when one goes into the target to strike, they must have conviction and a sense of balance to effectively execute the hit. All basic strikes should deliver into a specific target with vigor. All should be executed and practiced as one sequential movement. However, once they are mastered, they can be executed in any sequence. The Basic Striking Techniques Forehand Strike From On-guard position step in and strike the left upper side of the opponent. 5|Page  Forward Swing Back Swing Preparatory Target Area: Left Temple, Left Face, Left Neck, Left Shoulder, Left Trunk Backhand Strike From On-guard position step in and strike the upper right side of the opponent. Forward Swing Back Swing Preparatory Target Area: Right Temple, Right Face, Right Neck. Right Shoulder, Right Trunk Low Forehand Strike From the On-guard position step into deep lounge and hit the lower limb of the opponent. Forward Swing Back Swing Preparatory Target Area: Left Thigh, Left Knee, Left Shin, Left Foot Low Backhand Strike From On-guard position step into deep lounge and strike the right lower limb of an opponent. 6|Page  Forward Swing Back Swing Preparatory Target Area: Left thigh, Left Knee, Left Shin, Left Foot 7|Page Mid-Thrust From On-guard position execute a direct attack to opponent’s trunk with the tip of the stick, usually done in lunge or reverse forward step. Forward Swing Back Swing Preparatory Target Area: Stomach, Chest, Throat, Groin Forehand Thrust From On-guard position withdraw and raised the arm upward with the knuckles turned towards your face, the stick into horizontal position pointing forward, and thrust at the left eye or the chest of the opponent. This is also called as Inward Thrust. Forward Swing Back Swing Preparatory Target Area: Left Eye, Left Chest Sinawali a. Single Sinawali In this part, students will be instructed the in basic maneuvering of two sticks in sinawali pattern. Objectives: At the end of the topic, students will be able to: 8|Page  1. Define the meaning and values of sinawali drill. 2. Demonstrate the correct way of executing the single sinawali. 3. Shows coordination with the left and right arm and in different feet direction. Activity: 1. Reading on the topic about single sinawali and following the instruction. 2. Doing the drill on the basic moving forward and backward while performing single sinawali. Content: Sinawali is derived from the Tagalog word “sawali” which refers to the pattern used in weaving bamboos which have been split lengthwise and the resulting frame is used as walls of a nipa/bamboo house. Although the sinawali is treated as an individual skill, it is best practiced with a partner. It is therefore the first experience of an arnis novice to exchange blows with another person in a continuous sequential manner. Sinawali drill serves also as a way for interpersonal communication between students. The Single Sinawali is performed in this manner: (1) (2) (3) (4) 9|Page  (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) 1) From open leg stance, do proper execution of ‘pugay’ (1,2,3) 4) Initial position – assume Open Leg Stance, bring both arms with sticks over the shoulder. 5) Strike inward with your right hand into opponent’s left temple; 6) Bring R hand to the left side; prepare to execute R low backhand strike. 7) Strike downward outward with your right hand aiming at your opponent’s right knee; 8) Then bring your right arm in your shoulder, and strike your left hand inward aiming at the opponent’s right temple. 9) Bring L arm to right side, prepare to execute low L backhand strike. 10) With the same left hand, strike outward downward to your opponent’s left knee. 11) Return to initial position, then repeat whole movement pattern, smoothly and rhythmically. Single Sinawali with Partner (1) (2) 10 | P a g e  (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) 11 | P a g e b. Double Sinawali In this part, students will be instructed on another basic maneuvering of two sticks in sinawali pattern. Objectives: At the end of the topic, students will be able to: 1. Demonstrate the correct way of executing the double sinawali. 2. Shows coordination with the left and right arm and in different feet direction. Activity: 1. Reading and following the instruction to perform the double sinawali. 2. Doing the drill on the basic moving forward and backward while performing double sinawali. Content: Double Sinawali The double sinawali pattern is a multiple striking technique directed at the L and R temples and knees. Like the other sinawali, it should be taught and practice with students paired up. As skill is acquired, the pair should be encouraged to move in different directions while executing the movements. Initial Position: From open leg stance or R or L forward stance. R hand (elbow bent) is held up with the tip of the stick pointing backward; L hand is placed under the R armpit. 1. R hand executes forearm strike. 2. L hand executes right downward strike, and simultaneously brings R hand over to the L shoulder. 3. R hand executes backhand strike, and simultaneously brings L hand to the left side with stick pointing slightly upward or backward. 12 | P a g e  (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) 4. L hand executes forehand strike and simultaneously brings R hand under the L armpit. 5. R hand executes downward outward strike (# 4) and simultaneously brings L hand over to R shoulder. 6. L hand executes backhand strike and simultaneously brings R hand to the right side with stick slightly pointing upward or backward. Repeat the whole movement pattern smoothly and rhythmically 13 | P a g e Double Sinawali with Partner Initial Position (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) repeat from no. 1 c. Peripheral Sinawali To be demonstrate by your instructor. Lesson 5 : Redonda In this part, students will be instructed in performing the graceful maneuvering of two sticks in a twirling pattern. Objectives: At the end of the topic, students will be able to: 1. Demonstrate the correct way of executing the sinawali pattern of redonda. 2. Shows coordination with the left and right arm and in different feet direction. 3. Demonstrate coordination and rhythm of body movements through performance of the redonda with grace. 14 | P a g e Activity: 1. Reading and following the instruction to perform the redonda. 2. Doing the drill on the basic moving forward and backward while performing redonda. Content: The Redonda is one of the traditional forms of striking wherein the blows are directed to the opponent’s upper body. It involves synchronized movements of the shoulders, arms, wrists and trunk. It is a very graceful movement if executed well and can be performed in several directions and movement levels. (1a) (1b) (2a) (2b ) (2c) (3a) (3b) (4a) (4b) 15 | P a g e  Redonda is a Spanish word that means ‘round’, some call it as “rapilon”. Redonda is executed in the following manner: Initial Position: Right forward stance or open-leg stance, with one stick in R hand (with elbow bent, stick above the R shoulder) pointing backward and the L arm with another stick under the R armpit pointing backward. 1) R hand executes Inward Strike and continues moving the R arm across the body to the L side until the stick is over the L shoulder. 2) L hand executes Outward strike by twisting the L forearm outward left to bring the L arm to the left side. At this position, both arms are on the left side, the R arm over the L shoulder, with both sticks pointing backwards. 3) Simultaneously bring the right stick under the L armpit, and the L hands executes Inward Strike and continue moving the L hand across the body to the left side until the stick is over the R shoulder. 4) R hand executes frontal strike by twisting the R forearm outward right to bring the R arm to the right side. At this position, both arms are now on the right side, the L arm over the R shoulder, with both sticks pointing backward. 5) Repeat the sequence. In performing the Redonda, the execution should be done continuously in a “windmill” and crisscrossing fashion, with the trunk and body twisting left to right in a synchronized action with the arms as these go from side-to-side. Lesson 6: Basic Blocking Techniques In this part, students will be instructed the basic blocking techniques using single stick. Objectives: At the end of the topic, students will be able to: 1. Enumerate basic techniques of warding-off attacks. 2. Shows confidence in overcome the fear of being hit. 3. Execute proper blocking techniques. Activity: 1. Reading on the topic about blocking techniques and following the instruction. 2. Doing the drill on the performing the blocking techniques. 16 | P a g e Content: Blocking is a movement of defense executed with the weapon to deflect the weapon of the apparent offense action at the target so that a hit is avoided. As in striking techniques, the blocking technique should be practiced in a sequential or segmental manner. Once these basic skills are mastered, they should perform in response to the striking blows being delivered by their sparring partner. Inward Block From On-guard stance, step R foot forward and twist trunk to face obliquely left with the stick held vertically pointing upward, left hand with open palm is placed at the middle of the stick to cushion the impact of the blow delivered by the opponent. Preparatory Execution Application against Forehand Strike Preparatory Execution Outward Block 17 | P a g e The same movement with Inward Block, but the block is executed in the opposite side. Preparatory Execution Application against Backhand Strike 18 | P a g e Low Inward Block A method of blocking use to absorb the attack of opponent delivered to hit the lower limb. Application against Low Forehand Strike Low Outward Block From On-guard position withdraw right foot or side step to evade an attack to R leg. The block can also be used against mid-thrust. Preparatory Execution 19 | P a g e  Application against Low Backhand Strike Sweeping Block From On-guard position step R foot and simultaneously pivot on the R foot and twist trunk to face left, and moving the arms with elbow bent in front of the chest with the point of the stick pointing downward and the end of the stick pointing upward. This block can use against a mid-thrust or strike on your left side. Application against Mid -Thrust Overhead Block This is to deflect frontal/overhead strike. From On-guard, slide back and bring the stick overhead, left hand supporting the block. 20 | P a g e  Preparatory Execution Application against Frontal Strike 21 | P a g e