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I was talking to a friend today (here in the U.S.) while we were having some coffee. He’s a real martial arts junkie, and he asked me about Arnis. I was surprised that he knew what it was, and I was a bit ashamed as well that I didn’t know more about it. A lot of my friends actually took it up at The University of San Carlos during our Physical Education courses, but I think I took up taebo instead. In fact, Modern Arnis is one of the National Sports of The Philippines. Even as early as highschool, students are introduced to this Filipino form of Martial Arts.

So, what is Arnis? Technically it’s the filipino art of Hand, foot and stick fighting. But most filipinos like myself usually equate the art with the stick fighting solely. The modern style of Arnis is adapted from the teachings of founded by the late Remy Presas. There are also other forms such as Arnis Balite.

With Arnis, at least what I’ve seen, you can use one or two sticks.

Other name for this Filipino Martial Art (FMA) is Eskrima and if you’re outside the Philippines then most people usually call this art as Kali. In fact, my friend who asked me about arnis actually asked about Kali. At first I was a bit puzzled until he said “you know with the sticks”, then it hit me. Of course, Arnis.

Arnis has evolved throughout the years and even as early as 2001 another form of arnis was founded called Kapatiran Arnis.

Everyday, I am humbled to know that a lot of people here in The U.S see filipinos in such a really wonderful light. This is just one of the nice examples. So, next time you are asked about Arnis, at least you’ll know more about it. Now to think about it, I wish I took up Arnis, but at least all that taebo firmed up my behind.

For more information, here’s some resources that you can read about:
Eskrima
Filipino Martial Arts
Arnis Balite
FAQ’s
Kapatiran Arnis