Summary
Highlights
Arnis, also known as Kali or Escrima, is the official national martial art and sport of the Philippines, focusing on weapon-based fighting for self-defense. The video clarifies that concrete historical information is still being collected. It was officially declared the national martial art and sport on December 11, 2009, through Republic Act 9850, mandating agencies like DepEd, CHED, NCCA, and POC to promote it. The name 'Arnis' comes from the Spanish word 'Arnes' (armor), 'Escrima' from 'esgrima' (fencing), and 'Kali' from the pre-Hispanic Filipino term 'kalis' (blades and fencing). Practitioners are called arnisador/a or escrimador/a. The art's origins trace back to native fighting techniques, and it was influenced by Spanish fencing, as well as Chinese, Arab, and Indian martial arts like Silambam.
Various governing bodies have overseen Arnis, including NARAPHIL, ARPI, WIKAF, and IRNESS. Currently, the official governing body is PICAF (Philippine Escrima Kali Arnis Federation), established in 2017. PICAF aims to unite different Arnis clubs and promote the sport nationally and internationally, with a goal of inclusion in the Olympic Games. Arnis is now part of the Sea Games, showcasing its growing recognition.
Arnis focuses on weapons like knives, daggers, and swords, while Escrima emphasizes the baston or stick. Common equipment includes impact weapons such as baston, rattan, padded sticks, kamagong, or bahi. Edge weapons like knives, daggers, and spears are also featured, though wooden versions are used in competitions. Protective gear includes headgear, body armor, leg guards, groin guards, and hand gloves, ensuring player safety. The standard uniform consists of a white top and red bottom, with rubber mats providing a safe competition area.
Arnis competitions involve a tournament manager, screening and accreditation committee, referee, judges, corner officials, a timer, and a recorder. The tournament format has two main categories: sparring (labanan) and anyo (form/karanza). Sparring has sub-categories: 'live sticks' (unlimited rapid strikes with rattan sticks, scored based on dominance, power, and art) and 'padded sticks' (one hit, one kill, where the first to hit scores a point). Weight divisions categorize players in sparring.
Anyo involves showcasing strikes and stances as a performing art, with performances lasting 1-2 minutes. Judges score based on creativity, difficulty, and originality. Anyo events include individual and synchronized (three players) performances, further divided into single weapon, double weapon, and Espada y Daga (sword and dagger). There are also traditional (plain strikes, no music or creative moves) and non-traditional (musical accompaniment, creative styles, jumps, rolls) sub-categories, offering a wide range of competitive events.
Arnis classes aim to improve fitness through drills and exercises. The video highlights the differences between live sticks and padded sticks in sparring, emphasizing safety gear and scoring methods. In Anyo, individual and synchronized forms with various weapon combinations can be performed in traditional or non-traditional styles. It is stressed that there are no standard strikes in Arnis, and different clubs across the Philippines have their unique styles. Respect for all styles is crucial, whether club-based or school-based, as the goal is to promote Arnis globally and potentially include it in the Olympics.