Jan Krisha Tubog

BSA -2B

HISTORY OF ARNIS

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.

FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT

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 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 different color from that of
the floor and other lines previously drawn for other purposes.

 Boundary Lines

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 lines 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.

The horizontal match line left of the official’s table is colored red and the opposite
horizontal match line is blue to mark the respective line of each player.

 Referee Line

A straight line of 1.0 meter long is drawn 2.5 meters from the farthest boundary line
parallel to the official’s table.

 Warning Lines

A broken straight line is drawn one (1) meter before each boundary line to serve as a
marker before the outside zone.

 Playing Surface

The surface must be flat and smooth and must not be elevated from the ground.

The playing surface must be clean and free from foreign objects that may endanger or
cause injury to the players. It is prohibited to hold any competition on a rough, slippery or soiled
surface.

Weapons
 All participants must make provisions for the required weapons and equipment. Prior to
the start of all matches, fighters will submit to weapon and equipment will be inspection by
referee and judges. The required equipment is as follows:

• WEKAF armor (Headgear, armored gown)

• Protective full fingered gloves or WEKAF stick fighting gloves.

• Elbow pads, forearm pads, knee pads, protective cup and shoes are mandatory.

• T-shirts, pants (or shorts)

• Rattan sticks.

Other Equipments

 Stopwatch is use to keep the two-minutes per round. This excludes interruptions such as
injury, changing of broken padded stick. A gong and mallet or other similar audible
substitutes 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.

RULES AND REGULATIONS IN ARNIS

Arnis Competition Rules General Format

The Arnis Martial Arts Competition is a continuous, full contact, live weapon, stick
fighting venue. Competitors will fight each other with sticks – slender, cylindrically-shaped
rattan weapons in 2 round matches at 1 minute per round with 30 seconds of rest between
rounds. This is an open-style competition. Competitors will compete in an open matted surface
whose inbound space ranges from 15’x15’ to 20’x20’. Single stick fighting and double stick
fighting contests will be conducted in a round robin tournament format. All matches will be
scored by judges using a 10-point must system. Divisions of these contests will be based on
weight, age, gender, rank and martial arts experience level.

Pairings And Format

The tournament format will at the discretion of tournament officials. In adult divisions,
we will try as much as possible to form pairs that are within 8% of each other by weight.
Directors will combine divisions where competitors are scarce. In those cases, the directors are
authorized to adjust rules for fairness without compromising the primary objective – to showcase
martial skill and reward those that are better able to use their weapon. Fighters will be evaluated
based on accumulation of points on all matches combined. Gold, silver, and bronze medals will
be awarded in each division to fighters accumulating the highest scores. If two fighters
accumulate equal scores, the following will apply:

• If the pair previously fought, precedence will be given to the fighter who achieved the higher
point total during their match.

• If the pair previously fought to a tie or never fought, then tie-breaker will be decided by best of
three, weapon only point fight. Judges will only count head shots.

Rules Of Engagement

• Opponents will begin and end all matches with a salute or bow to each other and the judges.

• Referee will position fighters beyond largo range at the start of every round.

• Only attacks with the stick and feet are allowed.

• Hits, slashes, and witticks are all legal. Punots, pokes and stabs are all illegal.

• Target areas are: 1) front and sides of the body, 2) arms and hands, 3) top, front and sides of the
helmet.

• Kicks are allowed below the neck and above the waist only.

• In single stick competition, it is NOT legal to block a stick with your free hand. However, “arm
stopping” at quarto range or arm checking is allowed.

• Fighters are required to exhibit a realistic defense (movement, parrying, intelligent blocking…)

• No takedowns. No grappling, wrestling or hooking.

• No pushing or striking with any part of your body.

• No foot sweeps or throws, thrusting or butt strikes, 2 handed strikes.

• No strikes or kicks below the waistline or direct strikes to the back.

• No kicks below the waist or above the neck.

• No knee strikes or elbow strikes.

• Checks may be used to create distance but may NOT be directed to the face. Checks are
allowed below the neck and above the waist free hand or two hands on weapon (AKA rifle
checking).

• Trapping and parrying are allowed. Locking and holding are not.

• An instantaneous “Hold and Hit” with immediate release is allowed.

• Disarms must be immediate, or have an immediate release (1 – 2 rule applies).

• Joints may not be locked or twisted for a disarm.

• You may use the ring to control the action. You may not use it to avoid action.

• To signal surrender or stop action for an injury, equipment failure, etc., raise both hands and
back up. Do not turn away.

Corner And Coaching

Fighter is required to have at least one corner person with maximum of two. Coaching
may only be done during break in the action. Corner men are not to communicate with their
fighter while action is in progress. Do not remove any equipment, until the end of the match.
Helmet may be removed between rounds.

Judging, Scoring & Officiating

All matches scored by 3 judges on the “10 Point must” system prior to deductions.
Deductions will be issued by referee only. Judges may issue bonus points for exemplary
technique. Referee will ID rule infractions, issue warnings and mandatory point deductions.
Scoring is based on: Quantity of strikes, Effectiveness of Striking and Ring Generalship.

In single stick competition, disarms shall be scored as part of the match as a mandatory
point deduction. 3 disarms will result in a TKO. The 3 disarm rule may be waived at the
tournament directors discretion.

In double stick competition, a fighter will not be deducted if disarmed – the fighter will
continue to fight with one weapon until the end of the round. A fighter who loses both weapons
will automatically lose the match.

Professional Conduct And Etiquette Of Athletes, Coaches And Spectators

All participants are expected to exhibit professional behavior. Excessive foul language and un-
sportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated by any fighters, coaches, or spectators. Fighters and
coaches will not discuss fights with the judges or referees while tournament is in progress.

SKILLS INVOLVED IN ARNIS

Basic skills in arnis come in variations. Arnisador must come to learn and execute these
different basic skills:
1. Doce Tero or twelve striking techniques

2. Single Sinawali

3. Doble Sinawali

4. Reverse Sinawali

5. Redonda

6. Rompida

7. Ocho or figure of eight

8. Reverse figure of eight

9. Up and Down

10. Banda y Banda or the slash

There are also six basic blocking and disarming techniques and Anyo isa hanggang Apat
that must be mastered in order for an arnisador to advance in a higher level.

The six cardinal rules in arnis must be part of an arnisador's principle once he/she deals with
arnis execution...

Generally, the basic skills in arnis are the stepping stones for an arnisador to perform/execute
higher level of stick fighting (arnis).

 Self-defense
 self-discipline
 balance
 stamina
 speed and power
 flexibility

12 Basic skills/techniques in Arnis

 Right strike to the head