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HISTORY OF ARNIS Unknown to
the majority, martial arts have
many different kinds, style and variations. In fact, almost
every country has its own style and term (s) for their martial
arts and these are the different systems of ARMED or UNARMED fighting,
which could be against armed or unarmed opponents. Some
of the known martial arts called Karate
(Japanese empty hand fighting). Taekwondo (Korean empty hand
fighting) Japanese Jujitsu of Jujutsu or Judea, Chinese Kung Fu, Woo Sho
or Gung Fu, Aikido, Bruce Lee’s Jeet kune do, Thai Boxing,
Indonesian’s Bersilat. Silat or
Penchat Silat, Zabate, Kickboxing, Yawara, Yaw Yan, Kendo, Tonfa Bo
staff or Stave, Chako or Nanchaku, Chua Lifoot, Loo Hand, Tai Chi,
Philippines ARNIS or KALI and a long list of others, both empty hands or
weaponries. Contrary to
the knowledge of some people, martial arts are not only karate. Perhaps
it is not clear to many people that many refer to martial arts as karate
because the name itself is popular in many parts of the world. The
fact is that karate is not even the oldest martial arts around. Chinese
and Korean martial arts even known to have existed some 2,000 years ago
thus are making them more ancient. But
more than ever and unknown to many, ARNIS or STICK fighting which known
is some part of the world as KALI, has been known to exist and have been
said to be use since hundreds of years ago in the Philippines and has
been very popular not only among the Maharlika or royal Should
make every ARNIS BUFF and
enthusiast proud. But
more than ever, the Filipinos are proud that even during the time of
LAPU-LAPU, the national heroes of the Filipinos. ARNIS has been actively
in use and that was in 1521 when Portuguese adventure Ferdinand Magellan
set sail and landed in Mactan Island in CEBU Southern Philippines. Not
only those, some of the internationally known Filipino heroes have been
involved in this discipline. Dr. Jose Rizal, who is known worldwide, is
a typical example. He’s known to practice ARNIS. So was Gen. Gregorio
del Pilar, Marcelo H. del Pilar, Andes Bonifasio, Fr. Gregorio aglipay
and many others This
facts can well provide that ARNIS has been a Filipino martial arts and
sport for many centuries which shows that it is not only fighting an
opponent, but also kind of sport, a game, a physical exercise, an art of
self defense aside from being a discipline as practice by the Filipinos
for the fast many centuries and as practiced by people in many parts of
the world in the last due decades. Not
all people can learn this, however, because this discipline has its
principles. Its rules and regulations that have to be followed aside
from the steps and requirements that have to be done and are needed in
order to succeed in this to climb up its ranks. Not all people can be
accepted and given instructions in this kind of MARTIAL ARTS-SPORTS
because one of the criteria in screening the applicant is their
character. ARNIS
DE MANO, the native art of stick fighting, antedates recorded Philippine
history origin and development. For when the Spaniards in the 16th.
Century, they found the art flourishing in various parts of some 7,100
islands. It was then called KALI, a system of fighting with blades
weapons among the Maharlikas or Nobility. Fast
emerging Martial arts in the Philippines and around the world today is
ARNIS or ESKRIMA or KALI, a corruption of Karnes of Harness, the
colorful trappings worn by medieval soldiers. ARNIS is
commonly known as the art of CANE FIGHTING but in reality it is the
Filipino Martial arts of self Defense. A system of defense and control
techniques, which is primarily suited for those in the field of law
enforcement. ARNIS as a martial art, comes handy with the used of FOREARMS, ELBOWS, FIST, KNUCKLES, HAND KNIFE EDGE, STRIKES, and all kinds
of bladed weapons. In fact, people around the world observed that there
is an ARNIS technique also in the most of kinds of martial arts
worldwide. During the
pre - Spanish period, the Filipinos called it GILAS in the central and
Southern part of Luzon (Northern Philippines), KALI, BASTON and / or
ESKRIMA in the VISAYAS (or Central Philippines) and KUNTAO or SILAT in
the Central and Southern Philippines (or Mindanao). In some places,
however, it is also commonly known as MORO – MORO DANCE, generally
known as SINULOG BINABAYNI or ARNIS. ESKRIMA
was, in early Philippines, known as KALI which historian suspect might
have been derived from TJAKALELE or Indonesian, a neighboring country
south of the Philippines. TJAKALELE is a native Indonesian fencing whose
techniques are closely similar to those ESKRIMA or ARNIS. This theory
has a basis because Indonesia, in the ancient times, or about 200 B.C.
was a part of the Kingdom of Sri Vishayan and Madjapahit ever rule the
Philippines. According to records, it is possible that the TEN DATUS
From Borneo
who landed in the island of Panay in the central Philippines during the
13th. Centuries are part of the two kingdoms. The ART OF
MAN TO MAN fighting has always been a part of the Filipinos in his long
troubled and bloody history. Brought about by needs and self –
preservation, he has become an expert in the man to man combat, with or
without used of STICK and BLADED WEAPON. Even before the use of bladed
weapons, Filipinos were already warriors also, who were using BOW and
ARROW or SPEARS. The pioneering Negritos, who come from Central Asia
during the ancient times, were experts on these weapons. How ARNIS
or ESKRIMA came to be is a long story that embedded its roots in
Philippines past which it help get enriched. Looking
back to its origin, it has been known among the Filipino aborigines
because they were born to the use of bow and arrow and the ART OF ARNIS
came in handy in cases where they ran out of bow for actual close
combat. Anyway, it
was about 200 B.C. when the Malays came to the Philippines and brought
with them the long bladed sword. When,
Malaysians migration reached the Philippine archipelago, the art was
perfected and became rooted among the Filipino’s forefathers. It is for
these reasons that historians connote and find justifications into its
evaluation and rapid development during the period. Their
arrival provided additional knowledge to the Filipino’s art of
fighting. Aside from the sticks and bow and arrows, the early Filipinos
became experts in the use of DAGGERS and BLADED WEAPONS. This is more
true the Muslims in Mindanao and Sulo (Southern Philippines) where there
is a great fondness of these kinds of weapons. Their experts in the MAN
to MAN COMBAT with the use of weapons has been proven in the unblemished
history of success against
aliens or foreigners who came to the country in an attempt to colonize.
The many attempt of the Spaniards to defeat and colonize the Muslims
have always been aborted. One proof
of their fondness for bladed weapons is their various kinds of
weaponries, which included the kris, bolo, kalis, laring, barong, gunong,
kampilan, gayang, pita, punyal, itak, banjal, bangkcon. Lahot, and the
panabas. Even at present, the most artistic dagger of different sizes
and types can be found in Mindanao and Sulo. The Muslims of Mindanao and
Sulo, who are freedom – loving are the pioneers in the practice,
arrangements and use of weapons as for defense. Communication
and regional influence, which are usually brought about by commerce and travels, resulted in the merging
of the Muslims art of fighting with the
use of weapons and kalis, the origin of ARNIS of the Tagalog, Kalis,
which was shortened to KALI, is also an art of fighting using a long
sword or dagger, truncheon or baston and Knife. The ARNIS
de MANO is better known and is said to be the best art of fighting in
the Philippines. This is an proved art, after the long history of
development from the system of Kali, for these who want to learn to
defend themselves against armed or unarmed opponents. ARNIS, as it is
commonly called, is also known in other dialects as Estokada in the
Tagalog provinces and estoke or praile in other places. As a
fighting art, Arnis has three playing forms. One is Espada y Daga which
utilized a long wooden sword and short wooden dagger. Another is SOLO
BASTON which makes use of a long MUTON or BASTON (wooden or rattan stick
hardened by the heat of the sun or by fire heating), and the SINAWALI, a
native name adopted because of the Cress – crossed thin bamboo sticks
movements into interloping fashion and used in walls and mats. ARNIS is
for close combat fighting making it necessary for the player to practice
blocking and striking seriously. His expertise and the use of feet and
hips so he could bump and throw his opponent. Unlike other art of self
– defense that makes use of difficult body maneuvers, ancient and
modern ARNIS, emphasizes the use of a striking weapon and the movements
of the hands and arms. Like the
olden times, ARNIS today has three traditional way of practicing. These
are the MUESTRASION of PANDALAG which teaches the art of doing ALDABIS
or STRIKING for defense and offense through consistent practice; the
SANGGA at PATAMA or SOMBRA TABAK which teaches the striking, thrusting
and blocking techniques in an organized way, and the LARGA Muton or
LABANANG TOTOHANAN.Which is the fighting contest of two practitioners
who wants to win by using all their know – how and skill. This is the
last part of the study of ARNIS. This is
ARNIS, the art of self – defense of the early Filipinos that was their
dignity and honor, related to the amazing power of the art of ARNIS.
Their successful wins in their battle for their freedom is a proof of
the power and effect of ARNIS. Their victory over the superior arms of
the enemies in the battlefield is now an everlasting proof of time and
history. It is now
safe to assume that LAPU – LAPU, one of the early Filipino heroes, was
an expert in Kali (ARNIS). Indubitably,
however, the word ARNIS is derived the Spanish colonization, the word
itself had developed into its present day form of spelling in view of
the light pronunciation among when the Spanish authorities inhibited the
art among the votives in the islands. When Spain
colonized the Philippines, KALI was already a standard fighting art of
the early Filipinos. Native
rules like LAPU – LAPU of MACTAN was a KALI expert, according to
Magellan’s chronicler and historian, Pigafetta. Legend has it that
Lapu – Lapu killed Magellan with a bladed weapon, which KALI
practitioners used in pre – Spanish Philippines. Along with his bladed
weapon, which natives carried as part of the their habiliment, was a
sharf stick must have been the forerunner of MUTON or BASTON now, the
standard fighting weapons in ARNIS. In 1564,
more than 43 years after Ferdinand Magellan “discovered” the
Philippines archipelago, Spanish conquistador Don Miguel Lopez de
Legaspi and his 380-armed Spanish soldiers found that the native could
play Arnis like the “Espada y daga” of England. When
Legaspi landed in abuyog, Leyte, in Mid – February 1564, he and his
soldiers were pleased and glad when a feast was held in their horror by
Maltik, the popular ruler of Leyte and his son kamutuhan. This festivity
in honor of a royal guest was pleasing to them because of Maltik showed
them the different types of native dance, fights and Arnis known by its
name KALI during that time. This was the highlight of the affair. After the
feast. Kamutuhan brought Legaspi to Limasawa (limasagua), and here, they
witnessed again the game kali (Arnis) which was demonstrated for them by
the Abuyog natives. When Legaspi arrived at kamiguin 9Camiguing) on
March 11, 1564, this game was again shown to them by the natives. When
they landed in the island of Bohol, they were warmly received by
sikatuna, the island’s chieftain, who had a blood compact with the
Spanish leader. ARNIS, the game of festivity was again witnessed as the
most important part of the affair held for them. In Dapitan, aplace
ruled by Datu pambuwaya (Pagbuaya), it was also the climax of the affair
held in their honor. When they arrived in Cebu in April 27, 1564, the
chieftain Tupas and his rough and veteran warriors met them. On this
occasion, he witnessed the SKILL and expertise of the soldiers of Tupas
in the game of KALI (Arnis) as a result, Legaspi told himself that
“KALI” is not only a game for entertainment and to pass the time but
also an effective ART of SELF – DEFENSE in the battlefield. He was
amazed with the realization that he never expected. Out of the total
administration on the fighting skill of the Filipinos, especially in
KALI, and thinking that he might meet the same fate as Magellan, Legaspi
decided to be friend the Filipinos. He tried his best and luckily
obtained the friendship of the BRAVE DATU TUPAS. The two leaders became
good friends and on January 4, 1564, Tupas was christened, in the name
of GOD FATHER, the SON , and HOLLY
SPIRIT. He was name Don Felipe in honor of the King Philip of
Spain. During the
early times, this sport was known as the KALI among the out forefathers,
but due to changes in time and events, it was named PANANDATA in Tagalog,
PAGKALIKALI in Cagayan Vally of the Ibanags, KALIRONGAN in Pangasinan ,
KALIRADMAN in the Visayas and PAGARADMAN in Ilongo in 1860, and DIDYA in
Ilocos Region and gain
became kabaroan , according to Rev. Fr. Gregorio Aglipay, who was also
known in ARNIS in 1872. KALI (ARNIS)
became known in the early times and was popularized as a sport of king
and Royalties. The pioneer’s experts in this art are the RAJAHS and
ROYALTIES of the Visayas and Tagalog region, the AMANDAKWA of Pangasinan
the BARUWANG in the Cagayan area. This are is
not limited to the Royalties alone. Even ordinary Filipinos are playing
Kali not only as a SELF – DEFENSE but enjoyment also. This is the most
awaited part of a festivity in fiestas and other gatherings. Sometimes,
those who have misunderstanding utilize their expertise in kali to
resolve their indifferences. KALI is the
Filipinos’ major way of fighting in MAN TO MAN combat when the
revolted against Spain. The Katipuniros used ITAK or GULOK (bolos) in
their bloody battle against Spanish soldiers. It is slated in the
history books that BONIFASIO waved a gulok (bolo), a major weapon in
Kali in his famous CRY OF BALINTAWAK (Sigaw ng Balintawak). The greatest
Filipino hero, Dr. JOSE P. RIZAL, studied Kali or Arnis before he for
Europe. Both Gen. Gregorio del Pilar and Antonio Luna likewise studied
Arnis even before the start of the revolution. Rev. Fr. Gregorio Aglipay
is known to have also practiced the art. Because the acceptance of ARNIS
has been widespread, Dr. Jose de Azas put up a school for the study of
ARNIS and FENCING in 1896. The few who
survived told of the MASTERFUL of ART OF CANE fighting they have seen.
In Spain, they have something they called ESKRIMA of FENCING. When the
country was ultimately conquered and occupied by Spain, their language
was forced upon the people. And ARNIS was known ever since as ESKRIMA. The
FILIPINOS’ not used to certain Spanish sounds, used “K” of
“G” and pronounced it as ESKRIMA to this day. How KALI
became ARNIS was an aftermath of an episode in Philippine history when
KALI was outlawed by the Spanish authorities as one of the precautionary
measures taken to discourage an enslaved people from rising in revolt
against the Spanish rule in the Philippines. Henceforth, Kali was only
practiced in SECRET. During the
Philippine revolution in the 1800s, the first known fighting weapon of
Filipino revolt leaders like Andres Bonifacio was ITAK, which he used
probably with Kali fighting techniques. Other Filipino revolutionary
leaders never actually used Kali in fighting the Spanish soldiers, but
where said to be experts in this fighting art, which they learned in
their youth. The greatest Filipino hero Dr. Jose Protasio Rizal, for
instance, studied Kali before he left for Europe. Revolutionary Gen.
Gregorio del Pilar and Antonio Luna where known to be practitioners. KALI was
downed since 1596 when it was stopped by the powerful Spaniards, and
later on, practicing this art was BANNED in 1764. They say that the
Filipinos was enjoying this art much making them neglect their farms. It
was also make known by the Spaniards that practicing it resulted in
death or injuries to the protagonist especially when they have lost
their coll. It was assumed by some knowledgeable people that the
Spaniards have other possible reasons in banning the practice of Kali. Perhaps the
Spaniards thought this art is dangerous because they decreed that
whoever is caught practicing Kali (Arnis) would be considered an outlaw
or bandit. After more
100 years of Spanish rule in the Philippines, in 1937, however, Spanish
friars who came to the country introduced “MORO - MORO” and “DUPLO”,
a socio – religious play dramatizing the victory of Christian
Spaniards over the Muslim Moors apparently as a visual aid in
prosecuting the name of Christianity. The play includes a game of ARNIS,
which was derived from the word “ARNES” of the Spaniards, where the
players used the needed costume and weapons. The play called for the use
of sword or any bladed weapon by characters who played the role of
Spanish soldiers. These soldiers wore colorful trappings called Arnes,
which the early Filipinos cleverly used as the new name of KALI whose
techniques were again practiced in the guise of using them in the moro
– moro plays. The play
showed ways and methods of fighting with the use of swords and similar
needed weapons. The participants in the moro – moro or duplo are
recognized by their “arnes” they wore which indicate their ranks in
the group they were with, and they could be identified as to what group
the belong – whether Christians or Pagans. Since the
start of moro – moro plays, the Filipinos again had the chance to
practice their ART, thereby receiving their fondness of KALI (Arnis). From then
on, Kali became ARNES. And in 1853, the word KALI was replaced and
popularized as “ARNIS” (Arnes) which was literlly immortalized as
such as Francisco Balagtas’ Florante at Laura in this lines: “
Minulan ang galit sa nagsasayawan Ayon
sa musika’t awit na saliwan Larong
buno’t arnes na kanakitaan Ng
kani – kaniyang liksi’t karunongan”. In 1762.
Don Simon de Areda y Salazar issued the prohibition. It was due to the
discovery that the revolts were led by the MASTERS OF THE ART, but
because of Filipino ingenuity, it crept its way among the performers of
ceremonial dance so that it could not be forgotten. This the authorities
themselves loved very much to witness but unknown to them the performers
were in fact concealment of what is was publicity prohibited. For this
reasons, the use of RATTAN or ANAWAN, instead of bladed steel, had found
justification for it being played that it found its way into the arsenal
of native weapons. For various
reasons, the conquerors suppressed the practice of the art. If ever it
was played at wall it was clandestinely and only among selected few.
Knowledge of the art was handed down from one generation to another like
a family heirloom. It survived, however, in the mock bottle sequences of
the moro – moro or comedia, plays depicting religious conflicts
between Christian and Muslims. Poet
Laureate Francisco Baltazar or “Balagtas” made frequent mention of
ARNIS in his immortal romance. Florante at Laura. Among the
old-timers and avid believers of the art and some of our national
heroes, notably Dr. Jose P. Rizal, Gen. Antonio Luna, Gen Gregorio del
Pilar, Gat Andres Bonifacio, and Mons. Gregorio Aglipay, were known to
have studied or practice ARNIS for self defense and to develop there
fighting spirit. Many of them even topped in many instances, in bouts
among their hometown contemporaries during fiestas. Therefore,
ARNIS is a Tagalog word derived from the Spanish ARNIS. But then other
place in the country, the word KALI is still being used in referring to
this art. In fact we have Pagkalikali of Ibanags, Kalirongan of people
from Pangasinan, Kaliradman of the Visayas (Eskrima or Garote in
Cebuhanos) and Baston of to the people of Panay and Negros Occidental
and Sinawali to the Capangpangans. In contrast
with its origin outside the archipelago, we should not over look the
fact that it is related way back to the early stage or the Bronze Age.
In those early races of mankind like the Babylonians, Greeks, Romans,
and Persians, the art began for purposes of Defense and Offense but
perhaps it might have been lacking only on the aspects of appreciable
art. Conceivably, therefore, it would date back to this area of metal
– conscious loving people only what it was yet rugged, clumsy, and
naturally heavy. The art was then called “fencing” because the blade
of the weapon was a big heavy blade leaf until it developed into a well
– shaped lighter weapon about an arm – length chopped very
manageable to handle. Today ARNIS
is practiced both for SELF – DEFENSE and PHYSICAL CONDITIONING. Now
part of the physical education programs of many schools and
universities. ARNIS is well on its way towards becoming the national
sport. ESKRIMA or
ARNIS today is popularly with the use of cane, it being less than lethal
than the bladed weapon like ITAK or BROADSWORD. The cane in assumed to
be an extension of the hand so that ARNIS is in Spanish as ARNIS de MANO
or ESKRIMA. Among the
Tagalog provinces, ARNIS in known as the ESTOCADA or ARNIS de MANO.
Ibanag is to the Pagkalikali, Kalirongan to Pangasinan, Kaliradman to
the Visayas (Eskrima or Garote to the Cebuhanos), baston to the people
of Panay and Negros Occidental, Sinawali to the Pangpangenos.
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