Arnis was developed in the Philippines as a martial art known as kali, which used weapons like swords and knives. It was an important self-defense technique that helped Filipino islanders defeat a Spanish invasion in 1521. Arnis focuses on bladed weapons and different styles developed around tools like sticks, knives, and swords. The Philippine government declared arnis as the national sport in recognition of its cultural and historical significance. Competitive arnis takes two common forms - anyo focuses on choreographed performances while leban emphasizes speed and reaction through striking opponents.
2. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Arnis was developed by the indigenous
populations of the Philippines. It was
known in ancient times as kali, a Malayan
sword that implies a large bladed weapon
longer than a knife. This was practiced
primarily for self-defense and entertainment.
3.
4. In 1521, equipped with nothing more than
bladed weapons and their fearsome arnis
abilities, Filipino islanders defeated
Ferdinand Magellan’s armored, musket-
bearing Spanish conquistador forces when
they tried to invade.
5.
6. CULTURE AND TRADITIONS
KALI: Mother art of Arnis and Eskrima
ARNIS: It focuses on the knife, like dagger, sword and
other forms of bladed weapon
ESKRIMA: It is based on the baston and sticks
ARNIS DE MANO: It the most systematic fighting
arti in the Philippines
ESPADA Y DAGA: Sword and dagger
Solo baston: Sword and dagger
7. The Philippine government’s declaration of
arnis as the national sport has codified a
clear martial culture. It falls under the
Republic Act 9850 whereas “Arnis is hereby
declared as the Philippine National Sport
and Martial art” which inculcate patriotism,
nationalism and appreciation of the role of
national heroes and symbols in the historical
development of the country.
8. HOW IT WORKS
Competitive Arnis generally takes one of two
forms: the performance-based anyo model or
the combative leban. ANYO
COMPETITIONS are judged on the basis
of the overall choreography of the
performances, including the gracefulness,
strength and force employed.
9. Meanwhile, the LEBAN FORM tests
participants’ agility and reactions, as
competitions are judged based on the number
of strikes inflicted. Although most leban
competitions exclude body contact, such as
grappling, blocks and disarming an opponent
using the hands or feet, there are some
exceptions where full contact is permitted.
