General Rules of Arnis

Arnis, also known as Kali or Eskrima, is a traditional martial art from the Philippines that is focused on weapon-based fighting. It is believed to have originated in the pre-colonial period and has been influenced by various cultures, including Malay, Chinese, and Spanish.

In the early 1900s, Arnis became popular as a means of self-defense and was taught to law enforcement agencies and the military. It was also taught in schools as a physical education activity.

During the martial law era in the Philippines (1972-1981), the practice of Arnis was suppressed, but it experienced a resurgence in the 1980s and 1990s. It is now taught and practiced internationally and is recognized as the national martial art of the Philippines.

Arnis consists of a variety of techniques, including strikes, kicks, joint locks, and throws, as well as the use of weapons such as sticks, knives, and swords. It is known for its emphasis on fluidity, practicality, and adaptability, and is often taught in conjunction with other martial arts, such as Judo and Aikido.

Scoring in Arnis

In Arnis competition, points are typically awarded for successful strikes, blows, and other techniques that are delivered with proper form and technique. The specific rules and scoring system may vary depending on the event and organization, but here are some general guidelines:

• Strikes and blows: Points may be awarded for strikes and blows that are delivered with proper form and technique to legal target areas on the body, such as the head, chest, and arms.
• Disarms: Points may be awarded for successfully disarming an opponent and taking control of their weapon.
• Take-downs: Points may be awarded for executing a successful take-down, such as a throw or sweep.
• Control: Points may be awarded for maintaining control over an opponent or their weapon.
• Penalties: Points may be deducted for infractions such as illegal techniques, unsportsmanlike conduct, or failure to follow the rules of the event.
• In some competitions, the winner may be determined by the number of points scored, or by the number of points scored within a set time limit. In other events, the winner may be determined by a combination of points and other factors, such as superiority or advantage.

Common Terminologies in Arnis

Here are some common terminologies used in Arnis:

• Abaniko: A stick-fighting technique that involves a circular movement of the stick, similar to the motion of fanning oneself.
• Advancer: A footwork pattern that involves moving the lead foot forward and bringing the rear foot forward to meet it.
• Arnisador: A practitioner of Arnis.
• Babala: A warning given by the instructor before a technique is demonstrated.
• Baraw: A stick-fighting technique that involves a straight, upward thrust of the stick.
• Blocking: The act of intercepting or deflecting an opponent’s attack with a weapon or other body part.
• Eskrima: Another name for Arnis.
• Kali: Another name for Arnis.
• Largo mano: A range of combat in Arnis that involves the use of long weapons, such as sticks or swords.
• Medio: A range of combat in Arnis that involves the use of medium-length weapons, such as knives or short sticks.
• Panantukan: A form of hand-to-hand combat that is taught in Arnis.
• Sinawali: A stick-fighting technique that involves a series of intersecting, weaving movements with the sticks.
• Tapi-tapi: A footwork pattern that involves quickly tapping the lead foot in and out of a position.

Equipment in Arnis

In Arnis, practitioners typically use a variety of equipment, including:

• Sticks: Arnis practitioners often use sticks as a training tool and as a weapon. Sticks can be made of various materials, such as wood, rattan, or plastic, and may vary in length, thickness, and weight.
• Knives: Arnis practitioners may also use knives as a training tool and as a weapon. Knives can be made of various materials, such as wood, metal, or plastic, and may vary in size and shape.
• Swords: Arnis practitioners may use swords as a training tool and as a weapon. Swords can be made of various materials, such as metal or wood, and may vary in size, shape, and weight.
• Protective gear: Arnis practitioners may wear protective gear, such as padding for the forearms, wrists, and ankles, as well as helmets, gloves, and chest protectors, to protect themselves from injury during training and competition.
• Other equipment: Arnis practitioners may also use other equipment, such as training dummies or targets, to help improve their skills and technique.
• Penalties in Arnis

Penalties

In Arnis competition, penalties may be assessed for infractions such as illegal techniques, unsportsmanlike conduct, or failure to follow the rules of the event. The specific rules and penalties may vary depending on the event and organization, but here are some general guidelines:

• Warning: A warning may be issued for a minor infraction or for a first offense. A warning does not result in the loss of points, but may be considered in future decisions.
• Point deduction: A point deduction may be assessed for a more serious infraction or for a repeat offense. The number of points deducted may vary depending on the severity of the infraction.
• Disqualification: In severe cases, or in the event of multiple infractions, a practitioner may be disqualified from the event. This typically results in the loss of any points earned and may also result in the loss of any prizes or awards.

Penalties may be assessed by the event officials or judges, and decisions may be subject to review or appeal. It is important for Arnis practitioners to familiarize themselves with the rules and regulations of the event in which they are participating to avoid penalties.

10 General Rules of Arnis