How to Practice Arnis: The Philippine Martial Art with Weapons
How to Practice Arnis: The Philippine Martial Art with Weapons
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Arnis is a traditional martial art from the Philippines that is famous for using weapons such as sticks, swords, knives, and various other tools. In addition, Arnis also teaches empty-handed techniques for self-defense. This martial art is also known by other names such as Eskrima or Kali, and aims to train speed, agility, coordination, and reflexes in combat.
Arnis has a long history in self-defense, and has now developed into a sport that is popular with many people around the world. Arnis training not only teaches fighting techniques, but also teaches discipline, self-control, and physical and mental skills.
If you are interested in learning Arnis, here is a basic training guide that you can do:
1. Training Preparation
Before starting Arnis training, there are several preparations that need to be considered:
Equipment: Start with a training stick made of safe material, such as a light wooden stick or a foam stick. If you are practicing with sharp weapons, make sure you are under the supervision of an experienced instructor.
Clothing: Wear comfortable and flexible clothing to allow for freedom of movement, such as sportswear or a gi (training outfit).
Warm-up: A good warm-up is essential to avoid injury. Do light warm-ups such as jogging, stretching, and joint rotations to prepare your body.
2. Basic Arnis Exercises
a. Basic Stance
The first exercise you must master is the basic stance, which will be the basis of all movements in Arnis. The correct position will provide good balance and help you in defending and attacking.
Horse Stance: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees slightly, make sure your back is straight, and raise your arms in a ready position.
Ready Stance: Hold the stick in front of your body, with the tip of the stick pointing towards your opponent, and your other hand at your side. This is the basic position before attacking or defending.
b. Basic Strikes
Basic movements are attacks or punches with the stick that must be learned first before moving on to more complex techniques. Some basic strikes in Arnis include:
Strike 1 (Angled Strike): A diagonal strike from top to bottom towards the opponent's head or body.
Strike 2 (Horizontal Strike): A horizontal strike to the side of the opponent's body, usually to hit the side of the head or stomach.
Strike 3 (Vertical Strike): A strike from bottom to top aimed at the opponent's lower body.
Strike 4 (Backhand Strike): A counter strike using the back of the stick aimed at the opponent.
c. Blocking Techniques
In Arnis, you will also be trained in blocking techniques to protect yourself from attacks by your opponent. Some basic blocks that need to be mastered include:
High Block: Block with the stick above your head to ward off attacks from above.
Low Block: Block with the stick below your waist to ward off attacks coming from below.
Side Block: Block with the stick at the side of your body to ward off horizontal attacks.
d. Combination Techniques
After mastering the basic strikes and blocks, the next exercise is a combination of attack and defense. These combination drills teach you to deflect attacks, block, and counterattack in one quick, efficient movement.
A simple combination in Arnis:
Strike 1 (Angled Strike) → Block → Strike 2 (Horizontal Strike): The first strike is followed by a block and a subsequent horizontal strike.
Strike 3 (Vertical Strike) → Backhand Strike → Block: A combination of vertical strikes followed by a counter strike and a block.
e. Partner Drills
Arnis is often practiced with a partner to improve reaction time and coordination between the two parties. Partner drills involve alternating attacks and blocks.
Some common partner drills in Arnis include: Slot Raffi Ahmad 77
Sinawali: A partner drill that uses sticks to strike and counter with a predetermined pattern of attacks and blocks. Sinawali teaches speed, coordination, and precision in movement.
Sparring: A light sparring or fighting exercise to apply the techniques learned in a more realistic situation. Sparring is done with protective gear to avoid injury.
3. Training with Other Weapons
In addition to the stick, Arnis also involves the use of other weapons such as swords, knives, and even bare hands (as a form of self-defense). This training helps you understand how to use various tools in combat.
Sword (Espada y Daga): This technique teaches the use of a sword with one hand and a knife in the other, as well as a combination of attack and defense using the
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