The History of Arnis

The Philippines is an island nation rich in both culture and history. The Filipino martial art of
Arnis/Kali/Escrima has contributed to both the history and diversity of the Philippines. There are an
abundance of styles and systems of Arnis/Kali/Escrima that are taught throughout the world to this day,
that have survived and developed throughout the different regions, families and teachers who have
preserved what is sometimes called a complete martial art.

The arrival of Ferdinand Magellans force in 1521 was met in battle with a group of islanders, led by Raja
Lapu Lapu, who defeated Magellan using only a bladed weapon. Magellans armored and musket bearing
conquistadors were overpowered by the fierce fighters and retreated. The Spanish returned in the 1570s
and this time the Philippines came under Spanish rule unable to contend with the modern weaponry the
Spanish used. The practice of Arnis/Kali/Escrima was prohibited, but continued and was preserved
through native ritual dance, performance, and mock battles. Thus the arts were passed down in families
from generation to generation, honing their skill, speed, accuracy and agility.

The terms Arnis, Kali and Escrima are all used to refer to the Filipino martial arts. There has been some
confusion as to what word refers to which part of the martial art. It is believed that Arnis, Kali, and
Escrima are all a part of the same art and depending on the location, dialect and type of training taught.
Also, any of the three names may apply to a certain part of training. One interpretation is that Kali is the
mother art of Arnis and Escrima. Arnis focuses on the knife, including dagger, sword, and any other form
of bladed weapon. Escrima is based on the baston or stick. It has also become very popular in the sport
aspect of full contact stick fighting.

To this day Arnis/Kali/Escrima has retained a strong Spanish influence not only in the names and titles
used in training, but in the impact it has had on Filipino culture. Filipino martial arts continue to
encompass a large range of weapons training and hand-to-hand combat, enriching the culture of Filipino
society. Thus the reference to it being a complete martial art.

2. Origin of Arnis

Arnis is the system of Filipino martial arts founded by the late Remy Presas as a self-defense system . His
goal was to create an injury-free training method as well as an effective self-defense system in order to
preserve the older Arnis systems . The term Modern Arnis was used by Remy Presas younger brother
Ernesto Presas to describe his style of Filipino martial arts ; since 1999 Ernesto Presas called his system
Kombatan . It is derived principally from the traditional Presas family style of the Bolo(Machete) and the
stick-dueling art of Balintawak Eskrima , with influences from other Filipino and Japanese martial arts.

Remy Amador Presas (December 19, 1936 August 28, 2001) was the founder of Modern Arnis, a
popular Filipino martial art. Born in the Philippines, he moved to the United States in 1974, where he
taught his art via seminars and camps.
3. Parts of Yantok

Thrusting part Striking Part Blocking Part Butting Part

4. Striking Zones

The Twelve (12) Striking Techniques in Arnis

1. Strike to Left Temple
2. Strike to Right Temple
3. Strike to Left Arm
4. Strike to Right Arm
5. Thrust to Abdomen
6. Thrust to Left Chest
7. Thrust to Right Chest
8. Strike to Right Knee
9. Strike to Left Knee
10. Thrust to Left Eye
11. Thrust to Right Eye
12. Strike to Head or Crown