History of Arnis
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History of Arnis
--Philjendo 07:13, 18 June 2008 (GMT)
Arnis is a sick-fighting skill in self-defense that belongs to Filipino Martial Arts. It is an art that we can truly be proud of being called a Filipino Martial Art since it originated and was developed here in the Philippines.
Much of the techniques of this exotic art of edged weaponry are actually indigenous to the Philippines. Many sources all over the islands denote the roots of this stick/blade fighting art. Most of them imply that the history of Arnis dates back before the Spanish set to shore. Among them is when “Arnis” then was called Kali, by the people from Panay Island in the Philippine Visayas. They teach their children the art in schools called “bothoan” as part of their education. The word “Kali” came from the word “Kalis” which refers to an edged weapon used by the locals. The art spread out and came to be called with different names like Pagaradman, Pananandata, Kalironang, Kaliradnan, Baot and Kabaron. In the Northern part of the Philippines they also practice their blade fighting art and perform them as part of their tribal rituals, especially before setting out in campaigns.
It came to be known as “Arnis” during the early 1850s. At this time the Spanish have already taken over much of the Philippines. The ruling Spanish authorities banned the carrying of bladed implements thinking the Filipinos would use them against their civil guards. The Filipinos did plan to fight against the Spaniards but they trained themselves using short hardened sticks instead, and they trained in secret, teaching only their families or close friends before reaching out to other comrades. Some of the Filipinos justified the practice of this stick fencing so they can showcase them in stage plays. Among these is the “Moro-Moro”, introduced by the friars in 1637, is a stage presentation that features the battle between the Spanish and the Moors in medieval times. The Filipinos took this chance to once again learn their fighting arts. The word “Arnis” actually came from the Spanish word “Arnes” which refers to colorful paraphernalia attached to a soldier’s armor and weapons featured in this play.
In the late 1800s, the practice of Arnis became so widespread that one, Don Jose De Azas opened a a school for the Art of Weapons Fighting at Salas Street in Manila. Some of the early elements of formal Arnis education were formed in this school. Many key personalities in Philippine history at this time are said to have practiced the art. More Filipinos continued to practice Arnis until the Revolt and the fall of Spanish rule in 1898.
Arnis became very well known in the 1960s through the efforts of some cultural societies and martial arts associations. These groups made the pride and honor of the Filipino as their calling. They propagated the art all throughout the distant provinces. This is the time when the Asian martial arts flourished in the West. Some of the individuals who have mastered the art also traveled to other countries. There they had the chance to write books and teach the Art of Arnis to foreigners. Some of the countries these masters visited even adapted Arnis as part of the training program for their troops and soldiers.
Today, Arnis is widely taught in schools as part of the physical education curriculum. Some colleges and universities offer seminars and training camps to professors and future instructors. Much of the martial systems developed by the Filipinos have reference to this stick fighting art. The soft dancing movements of Kuntaw and Silat are reminiscent of the Islamic roots of Arnis from the Philippine South while the swift shifting maneuvers of Baot, Balisong and Sikaran are suggestive of the Ilocano and Tagalog Arnis roots from the North. Even the recent innovations have reference to Arnis. In the midst of the fast punching and trap-fighting techniques of Jendo lies a very extensive stick and knife fighting system. Arnis is now an institution in the martial arts world and it carries with it, with head held up high, the dignity of the Filipino nation. Arnis is one answer in the search for what is truly Global Filipino Identity.
Different Styles of Arnis
Arnis martial originated in the Philippines, therefore any style developed by foreign nationals outside the Philippines is not an authentic Filipino Martial Arts.
Below are list of known Arnis System developed in the Philippines by a Filipino:
Filipino Originators of Arnis
- Grandmaster Dr. Jonathan Makiling Abaya (Traditional Arnis)
- Grandmaster Jose G. Mena (Doblete Rapilon)
- Grandmaster Ernesto Presas (Kombatan)
- Prof. Remy Presas (Modern Arnis)
- Punong Guro Garitony Nicolas (Modern Sinawali)
- Punong Guro Edgar Sulite (Lameco)
- Gat Puno Abon "Garimot" Baet (Garimot Arnis)
- Maestro Sonny Umpad (Visayan Corto Kadena)
- Pundador Manuel Molina Aguillon Sr. (Arnis Balite)
Links
| Arnis Styles of the Philippines | |
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| Abaya Arnis System | Arnis Balite | Arnis Doblete Rapelon | Doce Pares | Garimot Arnis | Modern Arnis | Kadena de Mano | Kalaki Arkanis | Kali Illustrisimo | Kombatan | Lameco Arnis | Lanada Arnis | Modern Sinawali | Singkatan | Traditional Arnis | Visayan Corto Cadena
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