Arnis: Filipino Martial Arts

If Japan has Judo, China has Kung fu, Korea has Taekwondo and Thailand has Kickboxing, the Philippines also has a deadly Martial art that the world has embraced. Collectively known as Arnis, it is a form of self defense which is characterized by the use of weapons in training. Internationally known as Kali, this Filipino Martial art is also known as Escrima in the Visayas. The basic weapon used is the stick called "cane" or "baston" but students are also taught to use other objects as weapons. I remember when I had this for my PE Class in college, my intructor told us that anything could be a weapon in Arnis. One just have to know how to use it to your advantage. He showed us how a mineral bottle, a ballpen or even a "paypay" can make deadly weapons in Arnis! Amazing, right? 

Popularized by the late Ernesto Presas, Arnis is now being learned by students from around the globe especailly in the US and Europe. Before Presas' death in Canada, it was said that he trained 7 students (all of which are foreigner) to spread the art around the world, and so the International Modern Arnis Federation was founded.

By Joe with 23 comments