Modern Arnis: Short Sticks
What is Arnis? Arnis is an ancient Filipino Martial Arts
also known as Kali or Eskrima. Originally known as Arnis
de Mano or harness of the hand, the art incorporated empty
handed fighting as well as techniques with a variety of
weapons specializing in short sticks and knife techniques.During
the Spanish occupation of the Philippines, the practice
of Arnis was banned. However, in order to preserve the art
the Filipino people hid the techniques in their folk dancing.
They later used the art to defeat the Spaniards and free
their land from Spanish rule over 300 years ago.
In December 1936, Remy Presas was born, the
son of Jose Presas, who was a lieutenant in the Philippine
Army. As a boy, Remy watched intently as his father taught
the Filipino soldiers Arnis. His grandfather recognizing
Remy's fascination with the art, began teaching Remy the
Crossada & Espada Y Daga (sword and dagger) style. Professor
Presas went on to study and master many other styles of
Arnis. Recognizing that his Arnis was a dying art. Prof.
Presas developed his own style called Modern Arnis, in order
to preserve the art of his heritage. He began teaching Modern
Arnis in local high schools, colleges, and universities.
In 1960 Prof. Presas moved to Manila, the
sports mecca of the Philippines. Where Modern Arnis would
draw national attention. Through his continued efforts,
the Bureau of Public and Private Schools eventually made
Modern Arnis the official Physical Education program of
the entire Filipino school system. Prof. Presas brought
Modern Arnis to the United Stated in 1975 and he continues
to promote Arnis throughout the world.
Learning Modern Arnis will have many benefits
to your Martial Arts training.
- Your eye and hand coordination will double. This is
due to the stick moving 3 to 5 times faster than the
empty hand techniques.
- You will learn body shifting and better foot work.
- While learning how to use the stick or knife, you
will learn about its weak points and how to stop them.
- Arnis players always move away from the line of attack;
below, outside, or inside.
- Arnis players use the principle of "destroying the
weapon." Rather than attacking the opponent's head or
torso directly, one first attempts to attack his opponent's
limbs and render them useless.
