ARNIS SPORT

A. History and Objective

The Philippines is an island nation rich in both culture and history. 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 Magellan’s 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. Magellan’s armored and musket
bearing conquistadors were overpowered by the fierce fighters and retreated. The Spanish returned in the
1570’s 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.

OBJECTIVE
1. Arnis is an event that aims to bond and develop friendship and brotherhood.
2. It is never a sport to hurt and defeat the opponent but to improve the skills of the players.
3. It aims to develop the mind, the physique and the character of the player.
4. Arnis is played to develop the social aspect that will lead to the close bonding of all practitioners.
5. All the practitioners respect each other. They salute each other when they meet and from a
meeting before they depart. The juniors must salute first and maintain the position until the seniors
answer their salute.
6. The juniors do not have the right to challenge to fight the seniors unless in the program set by
their association to fulfill an objective.
7. All the practitioners continue to move on as there is room for improvement or advancement.
8. Each practitioner must share with other beginners or practitioners the advancement attained.
9. Practitioners must desire to strengthen the Arnis family he belongs to by sharing love, knowledge
and understanding.
10. Practitioners must remember that Arnis is not a means to fight people but to bond with them for
life improvement.

B. Terms and Game Characteristics

 A combative sport played by two individuals using padded sticks with full body protective gears
in a court measuring 8.0 x 8.0 meters, in smooth and well kept surface. Players are paired / blind
matched in different weight categories. i-ARNIS / 12 The game is played by using prescribed padded
stick in delivering artistic and legal blows, strikes, thrusts, and disarming the opponent to gain
scores. The winner of the match is decided by best of three rounds. Each round lasts for two
minutes.

C. Principles and Cardinal Use

Besides these cardinal principles, there are other principles in Arnis that the students, must
remember these are: Character, sincerity, discipline, self-control, etiquette and student's loyalty to
his tutor.

a).Character – a ruffian has no place in Arnis let alone in sports. Refinement in character is important. A
student must be taught the moral (and religious) values of everything. It is an obligation of the teacher of Arnis
to mold the character of the student in such a way that his behavioral structure would be motivated by
righteous desire. It is what a man is that counts not the number of trophies he won. In spite of the abetted
fallacies of values of the present world, it is who you are that will matter in the end.

b) Sincerity - sincerity for victory's sake is not the all--consuming end of an Arnis player. It is the sincerity in
him to his fellowman and to his art that makes him shine in the array of men. The will to win maybe inculcated,
but such tutelage should never end after the tick of the ultimate second in the game but beyond the canvass
and the arena of competition. The martial art of Arnis, it should be remembered, is a good medium of
development man's sense of dedication in all his everyday endeavor and involvement. Sincerity, is the mother
of trust and trust makes an institution of what has been shattered by doubts. A man who is not sincere will
never have a true friend.

c) Discipline - Arnis is a molder of discipline. Proper behavior in the sport and in life itself will be the gauge of
success. Personal discipline is important. The kaleidoscopic invitations and temptations of life should never
undermine man in his obligation to his art, to himself and his fellowman. A student should learn to control
himself in the pursuance of his goal, not only to his art but also to life in general.

d) Self-control - losing one's head means defeat. One should learn to control his temper if he hopes to achieve
success in every endeavor. In Arnis, self-control is important for without it, life and the good health of another
may be lost. The possession of an ability to kill or main a person should be handled with extreme caution and
prudence. Man's clear perception of things is anchored on his ability to control the outbursts of his inner self.
Provocation is dishonorable but hasty reaction to it is just as dishonorable if not despicable

e) Etiquette - etiquette is allied to the main cardinal rules in arnis. One's norm and standard should never be
imposed upon others. One should learn how to respect others. Giving credence to the standard and ability of
another person should or will best prepare anybody in any endeavor. The pacific waters of human
understanding will stay unruffled if exercise of proper etiquette and respect whether it be in sporty
competition or in life itself is observed.

f) Student's loyalty - loyalty should be emphasized to the student, loyalty to the art, to a fellow player, and to
his teacher. Ingratitude to one is ingratitude to the other. A student should be loyal to a fellow player because
any disloyalty to him is disloyalty to the art itself. More important, a student should be loyal to his teacher.
Everything one has learned is owned by him to his teacher. Personal whims should never cause one to be
ungrateful to where he owes everything he knows. Even if the ultimate aim of the art is already achieved by a
student that he can now manage on his own, he should never forget the teacher who labored for him. In the
skirmishes of things, the student should be always loyal to him.

D. Courtesy and baton gripping

1.Grip: Proper hold of the stick-hold the stick one fist awayfrom the punyo (butt) of the stick. Close
thegrip with the thumb.
2. Basic Stance and Salutationa
a. Handa
-Feet are positioned shoulder width apart.
-Stick is held in front of the body.
b. Pugay
-Place the weapon hand across the chest
-Bow by bending at the waist
c. Handa sa Paglaban/Fighting Stance
-One foot in front (foot the same as the weapon hand), the other foot on the rear
-Keep feet apart, distance of one foot. Both knees slightly bent. Toes facing forward. Weight evenly
distributed on both feet.
d. Forward Stance
-Distance of 5 steps between the feet. Back leg kept straight, rear foot is held at a 45 degree
angle. Keep the front knee bent. Weight is evenly distributed on both feet.
e. Backward Stance
-Distance of 4 steps between the feet. Both knees are slightly bent. Rear foot held at a 90
degree angle. 70% of the body weight on the rear foot while 30% is placed on the front foot.

E. Important forms of Arnis Technique

 The different techniques range from the very basic engagements to the more complicated
ones that involve the use of more than one weapon.
 Practicing and perfecting each technique should be your priority if you really want to
experience the magical world of the Arnis.
 As a matter of fact, most of the time the practitioners start practicing with different weapons
like the knife, sword and stick. Once the practice is over, a warrior will start to experiment
with empty hand training. This type of training utilizes the body force to act as a deadly
weapon meant to neutralize your enemies. These empty hand techniques range from using
different types of kicks, punches and clinching techniques to hit the enemy where it hurts
the most, even killing him on the spot.
1. Baston
Batons, or Arnis sticks, is the most basic weapon used in the Arnis. It is made from rattan that
doesn’t shred like wood and is by far more durable.
2. Espada y Daga
Modern Arnis and Self Defense
Daga is knife or dagger. It is mainly used in close range combat as you need to get too close to hurt
your enemy. This is a rather difficult weapon to use, since you will have to dodge your opponent’s
attacks from a close distance. You can easily use two knives at the same time to inflict more harm
and to drive more than one opponent away.
3. Balisong
balisong knivesThis is a butterfly knife.
This knife has two pieces of handles that attach together in the middle and fold to close the blade.
It is a serious weapon that requires a lot of practice.
4. Karambit
Karambit - Arnis Techniques
This is an Indo-Malay claw shaped knife that is held by warriors by inserting the finger into a hole at
the top of the handle.

5. Sibat
This is a spear that is held to defend against close range attacks. It can also be used to attack
enemies at a distance if it is thrown at the right speed and angle.

F. Facilities and Equipment and the playing area

FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT OF ARNIS

The game is played by using prescribed padded stick in delivering artistic and legal blows,
strikes, thrusts, and disarming the opponent to gain score.
COMPITATION AREA
Shall refers to the area by which the conduct of the competition shall be set or held
including the free zone around it.
DIMENSIONS
The playing area is a square measuring 8.0 meters by 8.0 meters with a two (2) meters
minimum free zone around it, and a clear space without any obstruction up to a height not
less than 5 meters from the playing surface.
LINE OF THE PLAYING AREA
All line of the playing surface are 5.08 cm.
(2 inches) and must be of the floor and other lines previously drawn for other purposes.
BOUNDARY LINE
Four lines mark the boundary of the playing area.
The free zone distance measuring 2.0 meters are drawn outside of the playing area.
MATCH LINES
Two lines of 1.0 meter long and 2.0 meters apart mark the horizontal match line.
The horizontal match line are drawn 3 meters from the boundary lines that run
perpendicularly to the official’s table, and 3.5 meters from the boundary line that run
parallel to the official’s table.
WEAPON
The padded stick shall be the official weapon of the player.
The specification of which shall be in accordance with the i-ARNIS standard.
No other similar material will be allowed to be used in any local, national or international
competition.
Each padded stick shall be properly foam-cushioned and shall have a maximum grip
diameter of not more than 3.81cm.
(1 ½ inch) and length of 76.20cm (30 inches for men and women).The length of padded stick
shall be 27 inches for boys and girls.
Both padded stick shall be color-coded, one red and the other blue.
HEAD PROTECTOR
Refers to a pair of protective head gear to include an impact worthy face mask, the
specifications of which shall be in accordance with the i-ARNIS standard.
Both headgears must be color-coded, one red the other blue, to match the padded stick of
the player.
BODY PROTECTOR
Refers to a pair of protective body protector, properly cushioned, the specifications of which
shall be in accordance with the i-ARNIS standard.
Male and female player must both wear body protector and groin protector.
Body protector and groin protectors specifications shall be in accordance with the i-ARNIS
standard.
Both body protectors and groin protectors shall be color coded to match the color of the
player.
Forearm and shin guards are compulsory.
 The specifications shall be in accordance with i-ANIS standard. Both shin & forearm guards
must be color of the player.
SCOREBOARDS
A pair of scoreboard, either manually or electronically operated, the specifications of which
shall be in accordance with the i-ARNIS standard.
Two score boards per contest area shall be placed at diagonally opposite at diagonally
opposite corners outside the playing area, inside the competition area within the free zone,
right where the judges are positioned.
FLAGS
Two sets of red and blue flags, the size of which is 30 cm by 25 cm, are used by the judges in
declaring decisions or asking for consultations.
One yellow flag, size 30 cm by 25 cm.
For timer’s use to signal the start and the end of each round and to declare a time-out and
resumption of the game.
OTHER EQUIPMENT
Stopwatch is use to keep the two-minutes per round.
This include interruptions such as injury, changing of broken stick.
A gong and mallet or other similar audible subtitutes such as whistle, bell or buzzer shall be
provided for the timer to indicate the start and end of the round.
A table shall be provided for the TIMER and RECORDER which shall be situated one (1) meter
in front of the playing area so that time signals are audible enough to both players and
referee.
Playing Area
Mitchell A. Montañez BEED II-K March 23-27, 2020

A. Participants qualification

PARTICIPANTS
RULE 3.0 COMPOSITION
 3.1 MEN’s team may consist of a maximum of eleven (11) players, one (1) player per weight
division; one coach; one trainer; one medical doctor and two officiating RJs licensed by i-
ARNIS (samecomposition for WOMEN’s team).
 3.2 BOY’S team may consist of a maximum of eleven (11) players, one (1) player per weight
division; one coach; one trainer; one medical doctor and two officiating RJs licensed by i-
ARNIS (same composition for GIRLS’ team).
 3.3 Only players listed in the entry form shall participate in the game.
RULE 4.0 QUALIFICATIONS
 Shall mean the approval by the Tournament Screening Committee for an individual or group
to participate provided that the following requirements are met i-ARNIS / 20
 4.1 The players shall meet the requirements of the weight division in which he/she is to
compete.
 4.2 The players shall meet the age requirement set by the organizing committee.
 4.3 The player shall be physically and mentally fit to compete as certified by a licensed
medical practitioner from the player’s origin. In special cases, the official tournament
physician may certify the player’s fitness. This should be submitted together with the
tournament application form.
 4.4 The player shall fill-up a competition application form and it should be properly and
completely accomplished.
 4.5 Sex test may also be required in cases where there are doubts in real sex of the
participants.
 4.6 Drug test may be required in cases where there are doubts.
RULE 5.0 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
5.1 Players
 5.1.1 Players must have full knowledge of the rules of the game and are duty bound to
follow.
 5.1.2 Players must accept the decision of the officials with sportsmanlike conduct, without
disputing them. In case of doubt, only the coach may request for clarification after the game.
 5.1.3 Players must at all time observe proper decorum such as respect and courtesy towards
the referee, other officials, opponent, teammates and even spectators.
 5.1.4 Only members of the team who are officially listed to play are allowed to sit on the
bench designated for them during the game.
 5.1.5 During the game, the team members are not allowed to stand or cheer or give
instructions to their member player. i-ARNIS / 21
 5.1.6 Jeering, provocations, and similar acts which destroys spirit of competition and fair
play are not allowed.
 5.1.7 Any violation of the above rules shall be given corresponding penalties. (refer to rule
15.1)
5.2 The Coach
 5.2.1 The coach is responsible for the conduct and discipline of the players. He MUST attend
the solidarity meeting.
 5.2.2 Coaches must at all times observe proper decorum such as respect and courtesy
towards the officials, opponent, teammates and even spectators.
  5.2.3 Only during time-outs and intervals between rounds may the coach give instruction,
without entering the playing area or delaying the game.
 5.2.4 Any violation of the above rules shall be given corresponding penalties. (refer to rule
15.1)
5.3 Trainer
 5.3.1 If the team coach is present, the trainer may sit on the team’s bench, but has no right
to intervene the match.
 5.3.2 In the absence of the coach or in case the coach leaves during the match, the trainer
may take over, only after properly informing the table officials who will give him authority to
assume as such.
 5.3.3 The trainer and other Team Officials are responsible for the conduct and discipline of
their team members.

B. Tournament time regulation

RULE 8.0 CONDUCT OF THE TOURNAMENT
 8.1 The conduct of the competition shall be on two-out-of-threeround system. Each
round shall be held for a maximum of two (2) minutes.
 8.2 Upon the initial command of ―Handa‖ for each round, the referee shall allow both
players to display artistic Arnis movements, unique to their styles.
 8.3 The player must continuously perform artistic Arnis strokes depicting their styles
whenever apart during the game.
RULE 9.0 SALUTATION
 At close stance, salutation is done by placing the right hand with the weapon pointing
upward over the left chest, while the left arm is at the side and is followed by a Nod.
Upon entering the playing area, playersmust do the salute to the officials together with
the referee. Finally, salute must be given to the opponent. This shall be done before and
after every game.
C. Weight division and Pairing
RULE 10.0 MATCHING & PAIRING
 Blind matching & pairing of single elimination or knock out system shall be
adopted in most cases where the number of participants will allow it. Otherwise, a round robin
system shall be used. This shall be done at least one day before the tournament.
Representatives from the respective teams concerned shall be invited to witness the matching &
pairing.
D. Scoring system
RULE 11.0 SCORING
 11.1 A score shall mean a strike or thrust with a padded stick using one hand only,
delivered to a specific body point and is counted upon confirmation by the two (2) or at
least one (1) of the judges, simultaneously recorded on the scoreboard.
 11.2 A legitimate strike is given a point if it is delivered to a specific body point in correct
form, that is –with power, right timing, with art, distance and intent.
 11.2.1 Simultaneous Strike - When the two players deliver strike simultaneously , it will
not be given a point. i-ARNIS / 25
 11.2.2 Spontaneous strike is allowed, but the judges can only give maximum three (3)
points per encounter per player.
 11.3 A thrust to body points C and E (abdominal area and leg area) is a point, provided
that the requirements for a legitimate thrust, which are with power, right timing, with
art, distance (at least one arm length) and intent are met.
 11.4 A disarming execution is awarded a point. (refer to rule 16.2)
 11.5 Follow-up strike after a legitimate disarming is given a point.
  11.6 A score is recorded on the scoreboard by the judges.

E. Anyo Events:
1. Order of competition, criteria and scoring system
II. GAME CHARACTERISTICS
Arnis Anyo (form) event is a demonstration of artistic, choreographed, pre-arranged
sets of movements, offensive and defensive techniques using stick, wooden replica of a bladed
weapon or metallic unbladed replica of a weapon. The competition shall be one round of Anyo
performance, where in the performers are awarded points by the judges based on criteria. The
performance shall have a minimum time limit of one (1) minute and a maximum time limit of two (2)
minutes.There would be different divisions in the single weapon, double w e a p - on and sword &
dagger weapon categories, both in the individual a n d team events. The players will be ranked
based on the scores awarded by the judges.

COMPETITION AREA
 Shall refer to the area by which the conduct of the competition shall be set or held including
the free zone around it.(12 meters by 12meters) in size.
1.1 Dimensions
 The playing area is a square measuring 10 meters by 10 meters with a one meter minimum
free zone around it, and a clear space without any obstruction up to a height of not less than
5 meters from the playing surface.
 Lines of the Playing Area. All lines of the playing surface are 5.08 cm. (2 inches) and must be
of a different color from that of the floor and other lines previously drawn for other
purposes.
1.3 Outside Lines
 Four lines mark the outside line of the playing area. The free zone distance measuring one
meter are drawn outside of the playing area .
1.4 Entry Lines
 The entry line is the farthest line parallel to the position of the judges.
1.5 Playing Surface
1.5.1 The surface must be flat and smooth and must not be elevated from the ground.
1.5.2 The playing surface must be clean and free f r o m foreign objects that may endanger or cause
injury to the players. Other surfaces must have the approval of i-ARNIS. i-ARNIS / 33
1.6 Temperature
 The minimum temperature for an outdoor competition shall not be below 25 degrees
Celsius (77 Fahrenheit). For the indoor competition, the temperature shall not be higher
than 25 degrees Celsius (77 Fahrenheit) and lower than 16 degrees Celsius (61 Fahrenheit).
1.7 Lighting
 Lighting apparatus is located above the free space, It must not cause any reflection to the
surface and must not affect the vision of the performer/s.
1.8 Entrance of Players
 Before the game starts, players must enter thru the entry lines.

Scoring
 Shall mean the materials and accessories that are used in the conduct of the competition.
2.1 Weapon
Players are required to use any of the following options.
2.1.1 Wooden Stick
 The wooden stick shall measure not less than 60 cm and not more than 90 cm in length with
a diameter of not less than 1.3 cm and not more than 3.8 cm. It must not have sharp edges
or pointed ends.
2.1.2 Wooden Replica of a Bladed Weapon
 The wooden replica shall measure not less than 60 cm and not more than 90 cm in full
length and should be Ethnic Asian in origin. It must not have sharp edges or pointed ends.
2.1.3 Metallic Blunt Replica of a Bladed Weapon
 The metallic replica shall measure not less than 60 cm and not more than 90 cm in full length
and i-ARNIS / 34 should be ethnic Asian in origin. It must not have sharp edges or pointed
ends.
2.1.4 Wooden Replica of a Dagger or Knife
 The wooden replica shall measure not more than 60 cm in full length and should be ethnic
Asian in origin. It must not have sharp edges or pointed ends.
2.2 Score Card
 Judges will use score card to indicate the score given to a player or a team. The score card
shall measure 12 x 8 inches (30.48 cm x 20.32 cm ). See Diagram 5.
2. Individual and team events: single, double and espada y daga weapons
RULE 3.0 COMPOSITION
 A team may consist of a maximum total of twenty four (24) players, (composed of twelve
(12) male players and twelve (12) female players); one coach, one trainer, one medical
doctor, and two officiating judges licensed by i-ARNIS.
3.1 Individual Event
 A team may field in one player per category. Only players listed in the entry form may
participate in the competition.
3.1.1 Single Weapon Category
3.1.2 Double Weapon Category
3.1.3 Sword and Dagger Category
3.2 Team Event (Synchronized Anyo)
 A team shall composed of three (3) performers per category. Only players listed in the entry
form shall participate in the competition.
3.2.1 Single Weapon Category
3.2.2 Double Weapon Category
3.2.3 Sword and Dagger Category

RULE 4.0 QUALIFICATIONS

 Shall mean the approval by the Tournament Screening Committee for
an individual or team to participate, provided that the following requirements are met:
 4.1 The player shall meet the age requirement set by the organizing committee on a specific
category.
 4.2 The player shall be physically and mentally fit to compete, as certified by a licensed
medical practitioner from the applicant’s origin . In special cases, the official tournament
physician may certify the player’s fitness. This should be submitted together with the
competition form.
 4.3 The player shall fill-up a competition form, and it should be properly and completely
accomplished.
 4.4 Sex test may also be required in cases where there are doubts in real sex of the player.
 4.5 Drug test may also be required in cases where there are doubts .
RULE 5.0 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
5.1 Players
 5.1.1 Players must have full knowledge of the rules of the game and are duty bound to
follow .
 5.1.2 Players must accept the decision of the officials with sportsmanlike conduct, without
disputing them. In case of doubt, only the coach may request for clarification after the
match.
 5.1.3 Players must at all time observe proper decorum as respect and courtesy towards the
officials , opponent , teammates and even spectators.
 5.1.4 Jeering, provocations, and similar acts which destroys spirit of sportsmanship and fair
play are not allowed.
 5.1.5 Only members of the team who are officially listed to perform/s are allowed to sit on
the bench during the competition.
 5.1.7 Any violation of the above rules shall be given corresponding penalties. 5.2 The Coach
 5.2.1 The coach is responsible for the conduct and discipline of the players. He MUST attend
the solidarity meeting.
 5.2.2 Coaches must at all times observe proper decorum such as respect and courtesy
towards the officials, opponent, teammates and even spectators.
 5.2.3 During the performance, he/ she must stay at the area designated for him / her.
  5.2.4 Any violation of the above rules shall be given corresponding penalties. (refer to rule
12)
5.3 Trainer
 5.3.1 If the team coach is present, the trainer may sit on the team's bench but has no right to
intervene the competition.
 5.3.2 In the absence of the coach or in case the coach leaves during the match, the trainer
may take over, only after properly informing the table officials who will give him authority to
assume as such.
Single Weapon Category
 At close stance, salutation is done by placing the right hand with the weapon pointing
upward over the left chest, w h i l e the left arm is at the side and is followed by a Nod. Upon
entering the competition area, players must do the salute to the officials. this shall be done
before and after every performance.
8.2 Double Weapon Category
 At close stance, salutation is done by placing the right hand with the weapon over the left
chest, while the simultaneously extending the left hand with the other weapon horizontally
to his/ her left side with both weapons pointing upward and is followed by a Nod. Upon
entering the competition area, players must do the salute to the officials. This shall be done
before and after every performance.
ORDER OF COMPETITION
 The order of competition shall be made through drawing of lots. This shall be done at least a
day before the competition. Representatives from respective teams concerned shall be
invited to witness the drawing of lots.
RULE 10.0 SCORING
 10.1 A score shall be awarded by the judges to the performer/s and shall be reflected on the
score card raised above their heads.
 10.2 A score shall have a numerical value from 1-10 with an increment of 0.25.
 10.3 The seven Judges shall formulate their judgment and scoring base on the specified
criteria.
Mitchell A. Montañez BEED II-K March 30-April 3, 2020

A. Limbering Exercises

B. Stances, body shifting and posture

1. Ready Stance
 This is the most common used stance when you are standing at ease. You can use this stance
in tournaments and fights before you start engaging with the opponent.
 In this stance you need to stand with your toes pointing forward and your feet parallel to
your shoulders. Standing with your feet apart gives you balance so that you can move to the
next position and attack your opponent.
2. Attention Stance
 This stance is different from the ready stance, since you stand with your feet forming a
45 degrees angle. Your torso and the legs should be facing forward while keeping the
knees straight. In this stance, you will stand with the heels close to each other and the
shoulders dropped to the sides. Both hands should be kept at the waist level. This
attention stance is usually used for courtesy in preparation for a fight at the beginning
before sparring.

3. Forward Stance
 As you start from the ready stance, you will have to move one foot to the front. You will
have to do this until your toes and your knee are in line with each other. Your toes, torso
and waist will be facing forward, hence the name of the stance. Make sure that your foot is
As you start from the ready stance, you will have to move one foot to the front. not too much
extended or the body is too low, otherwise it will be hard to maneuver or attack from this
position. You should be able to distribute the weight of the body equally on both legs. There
are two types of forward stances. The right foot stance or the left foot one, depending on
the foot you are extending to the front. It is usually used in striking or blocking techniques.

4. Oblique Stance
 This stance starts again from the ready stance. In this stance, you will start moving one foot
in 45 degrees angle until the toes and the knees are in line with each other. The foot is
moved forward away from the body to reach the right position. Your moving foot is called
the lead foot.
 5. Straddle Stance
 You should start from the ready stance then move either the left or right foot for a distance
of 2 feet to the left or right direction. This is done until both lower legs are now
perpendicular to the ground. The whole body, the legs and the toes should be facing
forward to make sure that this stance is a success.
 Again, it is crucial to make sure that the feet are not too extended as this makes you in a
position where you are unable to move properly in order to attack or defend. The name of
this stance is due to the resemblance to the position a horse rider would maintain. This is
why it is also sometimes called the Horseback Riding Stance. This stance is one of the most
efficient stances used to block the strikes especially to the side of the body.

6. Side Stance
 This is very close to the straddle stance as you again start from the steady stance then move
your feet either to the right or the left.
 However, in this position the moving foot will be kept perpendicular to the ground while the
other leg would be extended.
 This Arnis stances somehow looks as if you are about to engage in a side kick. Again, the
torso, the legs and the toes should be kept pointing forward. Also, it is very important to
make sure that the body is not too low by extending your foot too far to the side. You can
engage in a right side stance or a left side stance depending on the foot you choose to move.
This stance is usually used in evasion techniques or strike deflection.

7. Back Stance
 As the name suggests, in this stance the foot is moved to the back rather than the side.
 You will start from the ready stance then extend his foot to the back in a 45 degrees angle
away from the body.
 While the legs are in a straddle position, the heels should form an imaginary “L” shape.
 The weight of the body should be equally distributed on both legs and it is very important
not to extend the foot too far.
 Back stances can be done by extending the right or left foot. They are used in back evasion
techniques and in blocking.

C. 12 Striking Points
#1 - Left side of the head attack
 From the fighting stance, the warrior will hold the stick with one hand at 1 o’clock.
 He will then move the stick in a slashing action while keeping the free hand on the chest.
 This is a diagonal downward forehand swing to the left temple.
#2 - Right side of the head attack
 Like the left temple strike the warrior assumes fighting stance, this time with the stick held
at 11 o’clock and the free hand kept on the chest.
 The strike to the right temple is then done in a diagonal downward backhand swing.

#3 - Left side of the body or torso

 In this strike, the practitioner will extend the weapon hand.
 Then he will proceed to strike any part of the trunk located between the shoulder and the
hips. The stick will be held in a diagonal forehand slashing swing.
 This is the way to deliver the maximum amount of damage.
#4 - Right side of the body or torso
 Again the practitioner will extend the weapon hand to strike any part of the body located on
the right side between the shoulder and the hips.
 The weapon of choice will be moved in a backhand slashing swing.

#5 - Thrust To The Stomach

 This is a strong thrust to the solar plexus or the stomach and can cause fatal damage to the
vital organs in the abdomen.
 In this strike, the practitioner will thrust the weapon hand to the target point, which is the
solar plexus.
 It is then followed by an upward motion that will cut through the opponent’s body.

#6 - Left Chest Stab

 In this strike, the practitioner will assume the fighting stance with the weapon of choice in
his hands.
 The weapon hand is then extended to the front with the palm facing outward and the elbow
kept up. This strike can cause real damage to the rib cage.
 A weapon like a knife, spear or sword will end your opponent’s life immediately as it
punctures the lungs and the heart.

#7 - Right Chest Stab

 After assuming fighting stance, the practitioner will practice the scooping action.
 The weapon hand is then extended forward with the palm facing outward.
 The elbow should be kept up in order to deliver an efficient strike to the right lung that will
puncture it and end your opponent’s life immediately.

#8 - Left Lower Leg

 A practitioner here will try to deliver a powerful strike to the lower leg, targeting the knee,
the shin or the ankle.
 The aim of the strike is to throw your opponent off balance and immobilize him.
 Using the right weapon, you might be able to break a bone or even cut a limb.
 The warrior is supposed to lower his body while extending the weapon arm.
 He should hold the palm upward and hit any part of the lower leg.

#9 - Right Lower Leg

 This strike is just like the previous one.
 The practitioner will extend the weapon hand and lower his body to hit the knee, the shin or
the ankle.
 This time the palm should face downward.

#10 - Left Eye Poke

 A targeted thrust to the eye socket will not just blind your opponent, but will also deliver
real damage to the brain.
 Using a sharp weapon like a sibat or the right baston can end your opponent’s life right
there.
 The practitioner should assume fighting stance then extend the weapon hand forward with
the palm facing outward and the elbow kept down.
#11 - Right Eye Poke
 This thrust is similar to the previous one except that the practitioner will have to hold his
elbow down.
 This will allow him to hit the eye precisely with the right weapon penetrating all the way
through to the brain.

#12 - Strike to the crown/top of head.

 This is a straight downward overhead swing directed towards the crown of the head.
 Hitting the top of the head can immobilize your opponent, deliver damage to the brain and
throw him off balance.



 Using a real sharp or powerful weapon can even shatter the skull bones ending the fight to
your favor in a matter of seconds.

D. 12 blocking techniques

#1 - Blocking an attack to the left side

 Practitioners use this block to stop strikes number 1, 3 and 6.
 This is where Arnis fighters aim to attack the left side of the body.
 We can’t really list down all the vital and important organs and spots on your left side. Your
temple, your heart, your left arm….need we say more? The damage can be real, even if your
opponent is using a peaceful innocent looking stick.

#2 - Blocking an attack to the right side

 In this block, the body is turned outward while the right foot is pulled back to protect against
strikes number 2, 4 and 7.
 Again, it is very important to keep the elbow close to the body while keeping your left hand
behind the cane.
 Although, there are very low chances that anybody could develop fatal injury during modern
Arnis, there would still be some pain.
 Also, it makes sense that you will not just stand there waiting for your opponent to shower
you with strikes.
#3 - Blocking an attack to the solar plexus or chest
 Strike number 5 is a serious one that can cause serious damage to the fatal organs.
 Historically speaking, fighters used strike 5 to kill their opponents in a glimpse of an eye.
 By powerfully thrusting the weapon hand towards the chest, the sword would puncture the
abdomen and any vital organs located in the area.
  The stick is held vertically to stop the upward motion of the weapon.

#4 - Blocking an attack to the stomach

 This block is mainly used to protect the body against a lower hit or strike directed towards
the stomach.
 Even using the practicing baton, a very strong strike can lead to internal bleeding.
 Since you are mainly practicing modern Arnis to stay in shape or simple for the love of the
ancient Filipino arts, protecting your body becomes a necessity.
 By blocking your opponent’s movement, you are simply stopping the stick from hitting the
lower part of your abdomen, saving you a lot of pain and time spent thinking about quitting
Arnis altogether.

#5 - Blocking an attack to the Lower Body

 A strong strike to your legs or knees can throw you off balance.
 Strikes number 8 and 9 are seriously annoying, simply because you will immediately fall
under your opponent’s mercy.
 In this block, you should use your stick to stop the opponent’s weapon from reaching your
leg or knee.
 The downward block is either practiced outward or inward depending on the direction of the
hit and which side of the body your opponent aims to target.

#6 - Blocking to the attack at the center of the head

 In the good old days, the overhead shield block would protect your skull from being
shattered into a thousand pieces.
 A strong strike from your opponent’s sword can set the line between life and death.
 Don’t start celebrating just yet. Although no sharp weapons are used in the training arena,
this block is still essential to save your life.
 Strike number 12 is a serious one. Your opponent would do it to throw you off balance and
turn the fight to their favor. Using your stick and the right technique you can stop this from
happening.
E. Disarming
F. Single and double basic and advance sinawali
G. Redonda

H. Individual Anyo: single, double and espada y daga weapons

I. Team Anyo (Tatlohan): Single, double and espada y daga weapons