Melissa Kayla T.

Maniulit
CBET-01-401A

History of Arnis
The Filipino martial art of Arnis/Kali/Escrima/Baston has contributed to both the
history and diversity of the Philippines. There are an abundance of styles and
systems of Arnis/Kali/Escrima/Baston that are taught throughout the world to this
day, that have survived and developed throughout the different regions, families
and teachers.
Arnis/Kali/Escrima/Baston 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.
It was in the 16th century when Spaniards claimed the archipelago and named it
Philippines. This was the period of the dark age of Arnis/Kali/Escrima/Baston. The
practice of Arnis/Kali/Escrima/Baston 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, Escrima and Baston 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, Escrima, Baston 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.
It was year 1873 when this fighting system was renamed as Arnis. The term arnis is
said to be derived from a Spanish term “arnes or harness”, a reference to the
trapping or defensive armor worn by the early Filipinos in the Moro-Moro play.
Arnis has different names in different regions or provinces such as in the Tagalog
region, the art is known as Arnis or Pananandata, in ilocos region of Luzon, it is
called as Kabaro-an, Kalironagn in Pangasinan, in Visayas as Eskrima, Baston and
Kaliradman in Ilonggo and Bisaya, and in Ibanag as Pagkalikali.
To this day Arnis/Kali/Escrima/Baston 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.

Benefits of Arnis in Health

• It burns calories, reduces body fat and keeps individuals in good shape
• Develops the capacity of the heart and lungs with the physical activities it
takes.
• It stimulates joint mobility particularly shoulders, elbows, hips and knees.
• Developing fitness attributes of agility, flexibility and balance.
• It improves muscle tone and mass.
• It improves component of fitness reactions to time, speed, power,
endurance and balance.
• Relieves stress and put individuals in a good mood.

Advantages of Using Arnis

• It can be used in self-defense.
• Arnis can taught us discipline, self-control and keep our focus.
• Develop more confidence.
• Promotes overall improvement.
• It introduces healthy lifestyle.
• It teaches great morals and values.
• It promotes awareness to individuals in their surroundings.