Filipino Modern Arts of Stick Fighting Self- Defence System By: Edgar J. Salomon (ejsalomon@yahoo.

com)
Modern Arnis is the system of Filipino martial arts founded by the late Remy Presas as a self-defence system. His goal was to create an injuryfree training method as well as an effective self-defence system in order to preserve the older Arnis system .

The main purpose of this guide is for beginners to actually study and learn for themselves the basic techniques of the Filipino modern art of stick fighting self-defence system. This guide can actually help them develop their own skill and flexibility by practicing the simple exercise and drills either with partner or alone. It is essential that the Arnis (Stick) is held correctly. So to grasp the Arnis stick properly, hold it firmly as if shaking hands and fold your thumb on top of your first finger. Do not leave your thumb exposed the top of the stick, as it may cause injury. Keep the wrist relaxed.

As with any form of exercise be sure to do some stretching exercises / warm up first before doing any other stick exercises to avoid future injuries.

Warm-up
Starting Position hand on hips Ankle Twisting turn ankle in a circular motion. Repeat with the other foot. Knee Twisting move knees in a circular. Repeat in the reverse direction. Hip Twisting move hips in a circular motion. Repeat in the reverse direction. Back stretching bend for backward keeping leg straight Pelvis Twisting twist hips in a circular motion, then repeat in the opposite direction. Trunk Stretching move body in a large circular motion without bending knees. Trunk Twisting Twist body to the side as far as possible. Repeat. In the other direction. Neck Twisting slowly twist head from left to right. Then, move head upwards and downward. Finally swing head in a circular motion, then in reverse direction. Arm stretching rotate arms forward, and then reverse. Rotate arms sideward then reverse.

The Twele Vil Srii Pi of the bod

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Left Temple Right Temple Left Arm Right Arm Thrust to the stomach Left ch est Right Ch est Right Foot Left Foot Left Eye Right Eye Crown/Top of head

The fir t set of Ar

is exercises here are to strengthen your wrists and make them more flexible.

E X E R C I S E S: Arm Twisting (Two Cane)

Note: Hold the cane vertically in the middle and twist:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Hold arm upward To the Side To the back Left over right Right over left Squat and jump while twisting cane

Double Cane (ariation #1)

1. Alternate one stick up, and one down 2. One cane on shoulder and the other in arm pit

 t h ith ce i top of right sho lder d left hd ith ce u der left r pit

Double cane (variation #2) 1  Up d down - both cnes 2  Both cnes going down in cross (slashing) position 3  Both canes up and to ar  pit

Single cane (variation #1) Stepping 1  Execute 12 vital stri ing points of the body a  Standing fir and still b. Attac and retreat c. 6 forward and 6 bacward d. V for  2. Execute 6 blocing a. Standing fir  and still b. Attac and retreat c. 6 forward and 6 bac d. V for 
3 .Ar circle a. b. Inside the body Outside the body

4. Circular stri e 5. X stri e (reverse figure 8) 6. Pilanti  (Snap) Rapid left and right teple stri e 7. Double one circle outside and 2 big circle outside 8. Banda y banda (Side Stri e) 9. Focusing six blocing with counter. No retraction of cane 10. Figure 8 11. Rompida (Side Figure 8 Stri e) 12. Abanio (Fan) 13. Up and down 14. Sungiti (Thrust)

Single stick
1. Side position 1.middle stri e(left/right ) 2. Pilanti (Snap) 2.lower stri e(left/right)

3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Abani !o (going outside) Abani !o (going inside) Side position(Figure 8 stri!e to groin) Abani !o stri !e and pilanti ! (left/right) to the head One circle stri !e One big ocho - ocho(Figure 8)stri !e

BLOCKING
9.
RAISING BLOCK With the blocking cane parallel to the ground, the block is executed in a raising upward direction. REVERSE DOWNWARD BLOCK With the blocking cane coming from the upper left position, the block is delivered downward in a diagonal direction. This block is effective against abdomen thrust and right or left knee strike 1. INSIDE BLOCK With the blocking cane perpendicular to the ground, the striking cane of the opponent is parried to the right. This block is applied against right temple strike, right shoulder strike and right chest thrust 2. DOWNWARD BLOCK With the blocking cane coming from the upper right abdomen thrust and left knee strike. 3. OUTSIDE BLOCK With the blocking cane perpendicular to the ground, the sticking cane of the opponent is parried to the left. This is effective against left temple strike, left shoulder and chest thrust.

Drill (exercise)
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Single sinawali Double sinawali Reverse Double sinawali Redonda (four direction) Reverse redonda Hand flow Sinalakot (umbrella) Palis-palis (double stepping) Abaniko blocking and pilantik strike Boxing form in V form movement

a. b. c. d. e. f. g.

Strike to right with right hand (step left foot to the left) Strike to the left with left hand "eft with right hand right with left hand "eft knee with left Right knee with right Strike to left and right alternate in V form

11. 6 common strikes (Note: Execute the Techniques below after the Strike) a. b. c. d. Banda y banda Figure 8 Up and down Reverse figure 8

12. Eight common strike block in the wrist and push attacking hand 13. Tapi-tapi (hand releasing) 14. Application of two cane. Strike to left temple# right temple# left knee# right knee Note: strike single# double sinawali# redonda and reverse sinawali after blocking 15. 8 common strike (blade to blade blocking and hold wrist or cane then counter strike) 16. Sungkiti (thrust to left eye then strike to left shoulder and the same with the other side)

SLASHINGS
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. Left shoulder (going down) Right ribs (going down) Left ribs (going up) Right shoulder (going down) Left eye (thrust) Left shoulder (going down) Right eye (thrust) Right shoulder (going down) Chest (going to the right) Abaniko strike (head) Right temple (pilantik) Left temple( pilantik) Zero strike (crown)

#2
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Zero strike (left) Slash (right shoulder)going down Butt strike (left temple) Slash (left shoulder)going down Thrust middle going to left

#3
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Left shoulder (going down) Right side ribs Left side ribs Right side neck Stomach Slash right shoulder Thrust stomach Thrust right chest Slash groin (cane coming from left side) Slash groin (cane coming from right side) Thrust chest Crown strike

#4
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Left temple Right temple Crown Groin (upper from left) Groin (upper from right) Right shoulder (going down) Ribs (left side) Ribs (right side) Thrust (middle going to the left side) Snap strike (front middle) Zero strike (left side) Upper Strike from right or saboy

#5
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Arm (under) Arm (top) Ribs (right) Right temple Right temple Thrust (stomach)

7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

Crown Left temple Right temple Left ribs Right ribs Back of head

SINAWALI comes from the Filipino term sawali which refers to the pattern used in weaving bamboos which have been spits lengthwise, and the resulting frame is used as walls of bamboo house.

S IN G L E S I N A W A L I P o$ % t % o &' f % ght %& g for ( (r % ght )*&+ -upp + r $ hou ,- +r/ ,+ ft )*&+ -r % ght * r ( p % t/ ,+ ft foot forw * r - )
1. 2. 3. 4. Left temple strike (right cane)/Left cane(under your right armpit) Right knee strike(right cane)/left cane(on your upper left shoulder) Right temple strike(left cane)/right cane(Under your left armpit) Left knee strike(left cane)/right cane(oin your upper right shoulder)

A D V A N C E S IN G L E S I N A W A L I
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Left temple strike(right cane)/left cane under your right armpit) Right knee strike(right cane)/left cane(on your upper left shoulder) Right temple strike(right cane)/left cane(on your upper left shoulder) Right temple strike(left cane)/right cane(under your left armpit) Right knee strike(right cane)/left cane(on top of your right shoulder) Left temple strike(left cane)/right cane(on your upper right shoulder)

DOUBLE SINAWALI
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Left temple strike(right cane)/left cane(Under your right armpit) Left knee strike(left cane)/right cane(on top of your left shoulder) Right temple strike(right cane)/left cane(on your upper left shoulder) Right temple strike (left cane)/right cane(Under your left armpit) Right knee strike(right cane)/left cane(on top of your right shoulder) Left temple strike(left cane)/right cane(on your upper right shoulder)

ADVANCE DOUBLE SINAWALI

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Left temple(right cane)/left cane(under your right armpit) Left knee strike(left cane)/right cane(on top of your left shoulder) Right temple strike(right cane)/left cane(on your upper left shoulder) Right temple strike(left cane)/right cane(under your left armpit) Right knee strike(right cane)/left cane(on your upper left shoulder) Right knee strike(left cane)/right cane(on your upper left shoulder) Right temple strike(right cane)/left cane(on your upper left shoulder) Right temple strike(left cane)/left cane (under your left armpit) Right knee strike(right cane)/left cane(top of your right shoulder) Left temple strike(left cane)/right cane(on your upper right shoulder)

REVERSE DOUBLE SINAWALI

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Left knee strike(right cane)/left cane(on top of your right shoulder) Left knee strike(left cane)/right cane(under your left armpit) Right knee strike(right cane)/left cane(on your upper left shoulder) Right knee strike(left cane)/right cane(on top of your left shoulder) Right knee strike(right cane)/left cane(under your right armpit) Left knee strike(left cane)/right cane(on your upper right shoulder)

X S I N A W A L I (two canes in front)

1. Strike to the left temple with your right cane and then put your right cane under your left arm pit 2. Strike to the right temple with your left cane 3. Strike attackers right knee with your right cane 4. Strike to attackers left temple with your left cane

DOUBLE XSINAWALI
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Fighting form (double stick) right foot forward Strike temple (left and right) with your right cane. Then put your cane in your left shoulder Strike down with your left cane. Then, bring cane to your upper left shoulder Strike temple (right and left) with your right cane. Then, put cane to your left armpit Strike temple (right and left) with your left cane. Then, put cane in your upper right shoulder

6. Strike down with your right cane. Then, bring cane to our upper right shoulder 7. Strike temple (left and right) with your left cane. Then, put cane in your right armpit

R E D O N D A (round or circular movement of the stick)

1. Crown or head strike (right cane)/left cane (under right armpit) 2. Crown or head strike (left cane)/right cane (in front of your left lapel) 3. Crown or head strike (right cane)/right cane after the strike bring cane under your left armpit) and bring your left cane to your upper left shoulder 4. Crown or head strike(left cane/right cane (under left armpit) 5. Crown or head strike (right cane)/left cane(in front of your right lapel) 6. Crown or head strike (left cane after the strike bring cane under your right armpit and bring your right cane to your upper right shoulder)

REVERSE REDONDA
1. Left ribs or groin strike (right cane) Left cane in your right side (left hand on top of your right hand) 2. Left ribs or groin strike (left cane) Right cane (under left arm pit) 3. Right ribs or groin strike (right cane) Left cane (upper left side oblique position of your body)

A N Y O OR F O R M Anyo #1
1. Inward downward block / right foot forward 2. Downward outward block / step forward left foot 3. Parallel forward strike / step right foot (straddle stance) 4. Downward inward block / step right foot forward 5. Downward - outward block / step back 6. Inward block / left foot forward 7. Outward block / right foot forward 8. Upper blow 9. Outward upper blow 10. Downward upper block 11. Downward inward block

Anyo #2
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Outward downward blow Upward outward block Downward inward block Outward upper blow Downward outward block Downward inward block

Anyo #3
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Right side block Left side block Rising block Outward upper blow Downward- outward block Downward inward block Outward upper blow Downward outward block Downward inward block

Anyo #4
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. Right downward / inward block Left foot forward /downward outward block Turn about face /downward inward block Left foot forward / downward outward Twist body to the right /inside block Left foot forward outside block Right foot forward /rising block Turn around 270 degrees to the left outward upper blow Right foot forward inward upper blow Turn 180 degrees backward inward upper blow Left foot forward outward upper blow Turn 90 degrees to the left downward outward block Right foot forward inward block Left foot forward outside block Turn 270 degrees to the right - inward upper blow Left foot forward outward upper blow Turn 180 degrees right inward upper blow Left foot forward upper blow

19. Right foot to the right side (straddle)swing cane across the body parallel to the ground

Anyo # 5
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Pugay (bow) Left side block left foot forward (heel right side) while right foot (heel left side) Right side block right foot forward (heel left side)while left foot (heel right side) Forward stance (left foot forward)+upper block with right cane Move right foot (straddle stance)+upper level strike Move right foot backward (become forward stance) then downward strike to the right Maintain position (downward strike to the left)strike coming from your right upper shoulder Maintain position(downward strike to the right)strike coming from your upper left shoulder Cane thrust (left foot forward Outward upper blow (foot work same with #1 let foot forward) Upward upper blow (feet the same with #2 without moving)

N ot ./ Th .0 . 11 1 ov .0 out 234. 5 tr 354 g 2. .

DISARMING Set A.
1. Inside Twisting/ block /hold partners cane with your left hand/push this cane with your cane at the same time step right foot forward 2. Snake circle/block/lock both canes with your left thumb and twist your cane under partners wrist to disarm 3. Downward strike/block right foot strike and hold partners wrist with your left hand and strike his/her cane with your cane (or strike wrist with your cane) 4. Cane twisting/block left foot strike and hold the tip of partners cane with your left hand and put your cane on top ofpartners hand from under his cane and twist the cane to disarm 5. Two hand block/two hand upper block/bring your right hand to your left on top of partners hand and grab partners wrist with your left hand over the top of your hand. Strike cane with your cane to disarm 6. Vertical block/block and hold under cane with your left hand and strike wrist with the butt of your cane

Set B.
1. One hand circle/block and put your left hand on top of partners hand and twist it under. Butt strike with your cane 2. One hand circle/block and put your left hand on top of partners hand and twist it under and strike partner with your cane

3. Butt strike/block (right foot strike) and hold partners hand with your left hand and butt strike to the hand with your cane 4. Cane pulling/block and hold the tip of partners cane and put your cane on top of opponent hand and pull your cane toward you to disarm 5. Two hand block/two hand upper block and bring your left hand to your right on top of partners hand and grab wrist with your right hand from the top of your left hand. Strike cane with your cane to disarm 6. Vertical block/block and hold the top of partners cane with your left hand and strike wrist with the butt of your cane

Set C.
1. X block/ block and lock both cane with your left thumb/twist your cane and put the butt of your cane in top of partners hand/pull your right hand with cane to your right side to disarm 2. Wrist strike/block and hold cane with your left hand and strike wrist with butt of your cane 3. Butt hold and twisting/block and hold the butt of partners cane with your left (thumb pointing down) and push cane with your cane inside going up to your left side at the same time push down the butt of partner with your left. 4. Butt hold and twisting/hold the butt of partners cane with your left/push partners cane with your cane forward going up to your left side at the same time push down partners cane butt with your left 5. Two hand block/block (two upper hand) and hold cane with your left hand/strike head (3 pilantik)with your cane/butt strike to partners wrist to release 6. Vertical block/block and hold partners wrist with your left hand and strike hand with your cane

Out balancing
1. Overhead strike/two hand overhead block then hold partners elbow from outside with your left hand and then butt strike 2. Overhead strike/two hand overhead block then hold partners hand from the inside and then butt strike 3. Left side strike/block and hold partners arm and then pull to the left side and butt strike 4. Left side strike/block and hold cane with your left hand and strike wrist with your cane

Sungkiti (Thrust) 7 strikes

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Left temple Right temple Left leg Right leg Left chest

6. 7.

Right chest Stomach thrust

N ot 67 Aft 6 r b 8 o 9 k :; g th 6 < tr : k 6 ho 8= th 6 9>;6 of your oppo ;6; t >;= thru< t your 9>;6 to th 6 > tt >9 k 6r< 6 y 6 ( 86ft/r : ght)

Abaniko(Fan) doblada(Zero) Strikes

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Crown strike Left shoulder strike Right shoulder strike Left knee strike Right knee strike Left chest strike Right chest strike Stomach strike

N ot ?@ Th ? b A o B k CD g of th CE t ?B h DC qu ? CE CD th ? wr CE t F r ?F to b ? fo AA ow ?G -up by F b FDC ko or p CAFD t C k E tr C k ? ( A? ft/r C ght) CD th ? t ?H p A?. Th ?D , G?AC v ?r F G ob A? t ? ( BC r B u AF r t ?B h DC qu ? ) E tr C k ?

Hirada(Umbrella) Abaniko(Fan) Doblada (Zero)

1. 2. 3. 4. Crown strike Left shoulder strike Right shoulder strike Stomach strike

N ot IJ Pina yo n g (u K br ILL a ) b L o M k in gN to b I fo LL ow IO -up by p ilan t i k s tr i k I to th I t IK p le ( le ft/r i ght) and d ob le t s tr i k e

Focusing Technique
After your partner executes the 12 striking points to the body you perform blockings and hold wrist and strike 1. Single strike 2. Double strike 3. Butt strike

Single cane drill

One stick Vs double stick/one stick will perform blockings and will continue to perform until all the strikes are finished 2. Overhead Strike/perform the overhead block in oblique position (left/right) 3. Six common strikes 1. Left temple strike 2. Right temple strike 3. Left knee strike 4. Right knee strike 5. Overhead strike 6. Stomach thrust 1.

N ot e: Slas h in g b l o P k in ob li qu e po si t i o n or V for Q ( le ft/r i ght)

4. Side way position 1. Snap strike to opponents knees and face 2. Overhead snap strike or pilantik(snap) 3. Under and down strike 4. Circle strike in four direction

The Eight Strikes in Dulo-dulo (Small stick using both ends)

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Crown Left temple Right temple Left neck Right Neck Left ribs Right ribs Solar plexus

Cinco tiros (5 strikes)drill

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Buhat araw strike to the upper left shoulder Hugot strike to the right side ribs/your stick is coming from your left hip Saboy strike to the left side ribs or groin(stick coming from your right side hip) Aldabis Strike to the upper right shoulder Tusok Thrust to the solar plexus

Terminologies
ABANICO CORTO and ABANICO LARGO are striking techniques which consist of moving the stick in front of the body in a fanning -like movement, hence the term abanico which is a Spanish word for fan. ANYO a combination of pre-arranged of choreographed striking, blocking and body shifting movement which equivalent to the KATA of other martial arts. ARNIS it is supposed to have been derived from Spanish word RARNES which is equivalent of the English word Harness and refers to the colorful appendages and trapping worn by Medieval soldier. BANDA Y BANDA Sticking techniques which consist of pointing the stick forward and moving it rapidly and horizontally from left to right in front of the body. CROSS STRIKE an upward-downward strike with counter strike horizontally to the right and left alternately across the body DOBLE ZERO a right downward strike to upward strike with a combination of encircling the stick overhead to strike diagonally across the body with downward-outward motion. DOBELTE a right downward strike to upward strike a combination of encircling the stick overhead to strike diagonally across the body with downward-outward motion. KALI is an ancient Malay word which refers to a long bladed weapon. It derived from the word tjakaele which is an Indonesian traditional form of fencing. ROMPIDA a striking technique which consists of circling the stick in front of the head prior to each up and down striking movement in front of the body. VERTICAL STRIKE this striking technique is also similar to Rompida expect that the stick overhead in circular movement.