Arnis: Filipino Martial Art - PDF

ARNIS Arnis is a traditional Filipino martial art with roots in pre-colonial history. It was initially created as a self-defense technique against invading forces and has since transformed into a widely practiced sport and form of physical exercise.  The first written accounts of Arnis appeared in...

ARNIS Arnis is a traditional Filipino martial art with roots in pre-colonial history. It was initially created as a self-defense technique against invading forces and has since transformed into a widely practiced sport and form of physical exercise.  The first written accounts of Arnis appeared in the 16th century, when Spanish colonizers documented the combat abilities of Filipino warriors. Over time, Arnis has evolved by integrating techniques from various martial arts, including Judo and Karate, enhancing its complexity and effectiveness. As a significant aspect of Filipino culture, Arnis is not only practiced in the Philippines but also around the world. It is recognized for its practical applications in self-defense as well as for promoting personal development and discipline. ARNIS ORIGINS (PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD) Arnis, often referred to as Kali or Eskrima, is a traditional martial art that originated in the Philippines. Its history dates back to the pre- colonial era, prior to the Spanish arrival in 1521. This martial art was originally created as a method of self-defense against rival tribes and foreign invaders. Beyond its applications in combat, Arnis was also utilized for practical purposes such as hunting and performing daily activities, including chopping wood and farming. The techniques and strategies of Arnis reflect the resourcefulness and resilience of the Filipino people throughout their  SPANISH COLONIZATION (1521) The arrival of the Spanish in 1521 was a pivotal moment in the history of Arnis, a traditional Filipino martial art. The Spanish conquistadors imposed a ban on Arnis, perceiving it as a potential threat to their colonial authority. Despite this prohibition, the Filipino people kept the art alive, practicing it in secret to preserve their cultural heritage. In addition to suppressing Arnis, the Spanish introduced their own martial arts, including fencing, which eventually had an impact on the evolution of Arnis, contributing to its development over time. REVIVAL OF ARNIS (LATE 1800S) In the late 1800s, Arnis, a traditional Filipino martial art, experienced a significant revival thanks to the contributions of notable Filipino martial artists such as Jose Rizal and Juan Luna. Their dedication helped to preserve and promote this art form, which was in danger of disappearing. Additionally, Arnis was taught to soldiers during the Philippine Revolution, where it proved highly effective in combat against Spanish colonial forces. This resurgence not only revitalized the practice but also played a crucial role in the fight for Philippine independence. MODERNIZATION OF ARNIS (1930 - 1940) In the 1930s and 1940s, Arnis underwent a period of modernization. Grandmasters such as Remy Presas and Angel Cabales introduced new techniques and styles, incorporating elements from other martial arts such as karate and judo. This helped to make Arnis more accessible to a wider audience, and it began to gain popularity outside of the Philippines. ARNIS AS A SPORT (1970 - 1980) In the 1970s and 1980s, Arnis began to be recognized as a sport. The Philippine government established the Philippine Amateur Arnis Association (PAAA) to promote and regulate the sport. Arnis was included in the Southeast Asian Games in 1985 and has since been a regular event. Today, Arnis is practiced all over the world and continues to evolve and grow in popularity. ARNIS AS A SPORT (1970 - 1980) In the 1970s and 1980s, Arnis began to be recognized as a sport. The Philippine government established the Philippine Amateur Arnis Association (PAAA) to promote and regulate the sport. Arnis was included in the Southeast Asian Games in 1985 and has since been a regular event. Today, Arnis is practiced all over the world and continues to evolve and grow in popularity.  OFFICIAL NATIONAL SPORT OF THE PHILIPPINES (2009) In 2009, Arnis was declared the national martial art and sport of the Philippines through Republic Act No. 9850. This move further solidified its importance in Filipino culture and ensured the preservation and promotion of Arnis both nationally and internationally.  Arnis, Kali, and Eskrima are all branches of the same martial art, with Kali often considered the mother art. While all three emphasize stick fighting, Arnis also incorporates the use of bladed weapons. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the equipment used in Arnis:  1.IMPACT WEAPONS: BASTON (BATON) This is the most fundamental weapon in Arnis. Traditionally crafted from rattan, kamagong, or bahi wood, it is also available in modern materials like fiberglass, plastic, and aluminum. The Baston is typically 28 inches (71 cm) long.  TYPES OF BASTON RATTAN KAMAGONG A durable, lightweight stem (MABOLO) A dense, hard, and expensive from a Southeast Asian type of ebony wood known for vine, making it effective for its weight and durability. It is defense against blades. an endangered species. TYPES OF BASTON BAHI PADDED BASTON A porous wood from the Modern Arnis fighters use heart of a palm tree, padded bastons for safety similar to kamagong but during training and lighter. competition. 2. EDGED WEAPONS: Knives, Daggers, Spears: These have historically been used in combat, hunting, and ceremonies. 3. WOODEN STICKS (YANTOK) Cane (Stick): Made of wood or rattan, measuring between 60 cm (24 inches) and 90 cm (36 inches) in length. 4. WOODEN REPLICA OF A BLADED WEAPON Replica: Measuring between 60 cm (24 inches) and 90 cm (36 inches) in length, these replicas are of Filipino origin. 5. METALLIC/WOODEN UNBLADED REPLICA OF A BLADED WEAPON Replica: Measuring between 60 cm (24 inches) and 90 cm (36 inches) in length, these replicas are of Filipino origin. 6. METALLIC/WOODEN UNBLADED REPLICA OF A BLADED SWORD AND DAGGER: Sword Replica: Measuring no more than 60 cm in length. Dagger Replica: Measuring between 20 cm and 31 cm in length, of Filipino origin.  GEARS HEAD PROTECTION BODY ARMOR GROIN GUARD Headgear is mandatory in This special padding This provides complete Arnis combat. It's made of upper body protection protects the lower high-grade leatherette and while allowing for mobility. abdomen and includes a vinyl with a multi-thickness It's typically made of hard groin cup for complete metal frame for impact plastic and vinyl. protection. protection.  GEARS LEG GUARDS ARM GUARDS HAND GLOVES These protect both the Thick rubber gloves protect These provide the hands from strikes while thigh and shin area, additional protection holding the stick. The open designed for both for the upper arm and palm design allows for a protection and comfort. forearm. stable grip and finger flexibility.  IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION Color Coding: Body protectors and groin protectors must be color-coded to match the player's designated color (red or blue). ARNI Standard: All gear specifications must adhere to the ARNIS standard for consistent safety and fair play. Forearm and Shin Guards: These are compulsory and must be color-coded to match the player's designated color. BASIC STRIKES BASIC STRIKES RULES OF ARNIS  RULES FOR ARENA · Arnis is a combative sport played by two individuals in a court measuring 26.24 Feet (8 meters) into 26.24 Feet (8 meters), with a smooth and clean surface. · Players are paired / matched according to the division of weight categories. · The minimum temperature for an outdoor competition shall not be below 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) and for indoor competition; the temperature should not be above 25 degrees Celsius (61 degrees Fahrenheit). · Lighting apparatus is located above the free space. · Before the game starts, players must be positioned in the playing area so that the red-coded player is on the right side of the referee and the blue-coded player is on the left side.  COMPOSITION MEN's team may consist of a maximum of eleven players, one player per weight division, one coach, one trainer, one medical doctor and two officiating Review Judges (“RJs”) licensed by i-ARNIS. QUALIFICATION · The players shall meet the requirements of the weight division in which they are to compete. · The player should be physically and mentally fit to compete and submit the medical certification with the tournament form. · A sex test may also occur if a player's identity (Real Sex) is in doubt. · Drug tests may also take place if in doubt.  DIFFERENT SYSTEMS: WORLD ESKRIMA KALI ARNIS FEDERATION (“WEKAF”) SYSTEM · The participants wear padded vests with skirts and sleeves and headgear that resemble the one used in Kendo. · Participants are forbidden to hit their opponents below the thigh. · According to the "Four-Second Rule" implemented in the system, no points are awarded if the same strike is repeated more than twice in succession. · On violating any rule, the officials warn the participants and can be disqualified if they continue violating the format despite two warnings.  ARNIS PHILIPPINES SYSTEM (“ARPI”) SYSTEM: · In this system, participants fight with a lightly padded stick that flexes hard impact. · Headgears can be used for protection and hitting in the back of the head is strictly prohibited as the headgear is open from behind. · A large groin guard is required for male participants. ·The fights are observed by multiple judges stationed at various positions to observe if the matches are going fair. · The loudness of the impact determines the strike strength. · Thrusts to the body help to gain points but are harder to perform. · Punches, kicks and throws are prohibited, along with sticks' direct hit on the face. Disarms must be performed clearly and quickly.  FOULS · Striking or thrusting to the groin. · Blocking with the use of the arm. · Striking or thrusting using both hands. · Any act of pushing hand, head, body, legs, arm, stick and other similar movements. · If a player steps out of the playing area. · Hitting a player at the back area (from the back of the head to the buttocks) is considered foul unless the opponent intentionally turns his back.  FOULS · If a player delays the game for more than ten (10) seconds. · If a player hits multiple strikes or thrusts to one body part. · When the command of ‘hinto’ (stop) or ‘hiwalay’ (separate), any player who attacks shall be given foul, but if the command and the attack fall at the same time then this would not be considered as a foul. · A player who commits foul is given F1, F2, and F3, as per the case mentioned in the scoreboard. THANK YOU