The Pinoy martial art

Is called Arnis, kali , or escrima in various parts of the country Is a martial art developed by early Filipinos that uses both bladed and unbladed weapons, and unarmed combat.

 It was used by early Filipinos as a means of self defense The word kali may have been derived from tjakalele, an Indonesian art of swordfighting. It was attributed to have been brought to the Philippines by the 10 chieftains or datus that came from the Malayan empires of Madjapahit and Vishayan of the 1300. Was taught in an early age in a school called a bothoan. The Malays that came to our islands on 200 B.C. brought the long dagger that was integrated in the art.

 Lapu-lapu was attributed as a person skilled in the art of Kali. Accordig to Pigafettas journal on April 27, 1521stated that Lapu-lapu killed Magellan witth a dagger and most of the natives are using wooden sticks called bastons. 1564, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi came to Philippine islands and was greeted with festivities wherein the natives showed him their prowess in the art

 It was lost during 1596 when the Spaniards asked to stop practicing it and banned it during 1764. they claimed that it was the cause of Filipino slotheness. Soon, anyone who practiced the art was labeled as bandidos or pirates by the Spaniards. During 1637, the moro-moro was introduced by the friars which portrays swordsmanship used in war which paved the way for Filipinos to once again practice the art. The play required the soldiers to wear Arnes, armor used by soldiers of old. It was here that the word ARNIS was derived from.

 Arnis de mano, commonly known as ARNIS is an art taken from the old Kali systems and was further develop to be used as a means of self defense either armed or unarmed. It has three forms, espada y daga which uses a wooden sword and dagger, solo baston which uses a single wooden stick hardened through sunlight, and sinawali that uses two sticks whos movements are similar to a sawali, a type of woven material used as roofing.

 The main weaponry used in ARNIS is piece of wood made from yantok, is cylindrical in shape and has a diameter of to one inch and a length of 28-30 inches. Costume includes red shirt and trousers and belts of different colors that signify rank. Its weaponry also includes other bladed weapons such as punyal, itak, kris, bolo, etc. but is not used in sparring and competitions to prevent unnecesary

 It is important to know how to properly handle the stick since it is in the grip that dictates control of the stick and strength of the blow. Proper gripping is to hold the stick one inch from one en of the stick, the thumb pressing against the index finger. A strong grip is necessary in order to deliver a strong blow. Loosen the grip after striking and tighten only when you strike, bock, or parry.

 First position closed feet, stick hel with both hands near the waist. Second Position step right foot sideward, bow at the opponent. Third position return to first position
note- this is not the only method of giving respect. There are several variants used by different schools of ARNIS.

Humanism Honesty Discipline Self-control Good Manners Self Confidence

Left temple death or internal bleeding of the brain Right Temple same as above Left shoulder exterme pain and/or breaking of shoulder Right shoulder same as above Stomach - crippling pain and death Left chsest may be fatal Right chest may be fatal Left knee dislocation or breaking Right knee same as above Left eye extreme damage to the eyes Right eye same as above Crown death

Nose extreme pain and breaking of nose Nape death Neck death Adam s Apple death Breastbone Extreme pain and/or death Side below the floating ribs breakage of the rib and exteme pain Crotch can cause crippling Balls death Shin extreme pain and numbness