ARNIS

Arnis, also known as Eskrima and Kali, is the national sport and martial art of the Philippines.
The three are roughly interchangeable umbrella terms for the traditional martial arts of the
Philippines ("Filipino Martial Arts," or FMA) that emphasize weapon-based fighting with sticks,
knives, bladed weapons and various improvised weapons. It is also known as Estoque
(Spanishfor rapier), Estocada (Spanish for thrust or stab) and Garrote (Spanish for club). In
Luzon they may go by the name of Arnis de Mano.
The indigenous martial art that the Spanish encountered in 1610 was not yet called "arnis" at that
time. During those times, this martial art was known as Paccalicali-t to the Ibanags, Didya (later
changed to Kabaroan) to the Ilocanos, Sitbatan or Kalirongan to Pangasinenses, Sinawali to the
Kapampangans ("to weave"), Calis or Pananandata (use of weapons) to the Tagalogs,
Pagaradmanto the Ilonggos and Kaliradman to the Cebuanos. Kuntaw and Silat are separate
martial arts that are also practiced in the Philippine Archipelgo.
Arnis also includes hand-to-hand combat, joint locks, grappling and weapon disarming
techniques. Although in general, emphasis is put on weapons for these arts, some systems put
empty hands as the primary focus and some old school systems do not teach weapons at all.
HISTORY OF ARNIS
The Filipino martial art of Arnis/Kali/Escrima has contributed to both the history and diversity of
the Philippines. There are an abundance of styles and systems of Arnis/Kali/Escrima that are
taught throughout the world to this day, that have survived and developed throughout the
different regions, families and teachers who have preserved what is sometimes called a
complete martial art.
Arnis/Kali/Escrima was originally developed by the people native to the islands using simple
impact and edged weapons such as kampilans, rattan, swords, daggers, spears and other assorted
weaponry for combat and self defense. These weapons were also sometimes used as farm
implements.
The arrival of Ferdinand Magellans force in 1521 was met in battle with a group of islanders,
led by Raja Lapu Lapu, who defeated Magellan using only a bladed weapon. Magellans armored
and musket bearing conquistadors were overpowered by the fierce fighters and retreated. The
Spanish returned in the 1570s and this time the Philippines came under Spanish rule unable to
contend with the modern weaponry the Spanish used. The practice of Arnis/Kali/Escrima was
prohibited, but continued and was preserved through native ritual dance, performance, and mock
battles. Thus the arts were passed down in families from generation to generation, honing their
skill, speed, accuracy and agility.

The terms Arnis, Kali and Escrima are all used to refer to the Filipino martial arts. There has
been some confusion as to what word refers to which part of the martial art. It is believed that
Arnis, Kali, and Escrima are all a part of the same art and depending on the location, dialect and
type of training taught. Also, any of the three names may apply to a certain part of training. One
interpretation is that Kali is the mother art of Arnis and Escrima. Arnis focuses on the knife,
including dagger, sword, and any other form of bladed weapon. Escrima is based on the baston
or stick. It has also become very popular in the sport aspect of full contact stick fighting.
To this day Arnis/Kali/Escrima has retained a strong Spanish influence not only in the names and
titles used in training, but in the impact it has had on Filipino culture. Filipino martial arts
continue to encompass a large range of weapons training and hand-to-hand combat, enriching the
culture of Filipino society. Thus the reference to it being a complete martial art.
The Twelve (12) Striking Techniques in Arnis
X Strike - Upward and Downward slash or strike delivered in an X pattern
Cut Strike - Circular strikes delivered in a wide ranging circular pattern.
1. Strike to Left Temple
2. Strike to Right Temple
3. Strike to Left Arm
4. Strike to Right Arm
5. Thrust to Abdomen
6. Thrust to Left Chest
7. Thrust to Right Chest
8. Strike to Right Knee
9. Strike to Left Knee
10. Thrust to Left Eye
11. Thrust to Right Eye
12. Strike to Head or Crown