HISTORY OF ARNIS

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.

The 12 strikes of arnis`

Founder:

Remy Amador Presas was the founder of Modern Arnis, a popular Filipino martial art.
Born in the Philippines, he moved to the United States in 1974, where he taught his art
via seminars and camps.Wikipedia
Born: 19 December 1936, Hinigaran
Died: 28 August 2001, Victoria, Canada
Martial art: Modern Arnis
Siblings: Ernesto Presas

Safety tips in playing arnis

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
behavioural 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 endeavour 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 behaviour 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 endeavour. 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 dishonourable but hasty reaction to it is just as dishonourable 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 endeavour. 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.
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