Arnis (2024)

Introduction

Arnis or Filipino knife and stick fighting (also known as Escrima) is probably the most effective and practical system of combat developed using these weapons. A person trained in Arnis has the advantage over an unarmed attacker and can obviously face even an armed attacker with greater confidence.

Of course, the stick or knife is a complement to unarmed skills and the full range of strikes, kicks, projections, throws and locks can all be used in conjuction with a stick and/or a knife.

Arnis incorporates 3 methods: espada y daga (sword and dagger), solo baston (single stick) and sinawali (to weave) which uses two sticks as per the photo at the start of this page.

The Wu-Wei Dao Arnis system is a composite of various Filipino systems, principally those taught by renowned masters Rene Latosa and Remy Presas.
Arnis is taught alongside the unarmed techniques in the white belt phase of the Wu-Wei Dao syllabus. It is the first weapon taught to students because it is the simplest, easiest to learn and is capable of being made effective at a very early stage of training.

Arnis has supplanted the Chinese/Japanese knife and stick fighting methods taught in the Academy prior to 1985 as it is generally acknowledged in the martial arts world that the Filipino knife and stick fighting system is the most practical and effective. Note that Arnis is not structured as an "art" but is intended purely for combat.

Contents of the syllabus

The Arnis syllabus taught in the Academy under the Wu-Wei Dao includes:

Knife

7 count drill
8 point drill
Espada y daga

As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the world of martial arts, particularly Filipino knife and stick fighting, I can attest to the rich history, practicality, and effectiveness of Arnis, also known as Escrima. My expertise in this domain extends to both theoretical knowledge and practical application, having undergone training and exploration in various Filipino systems, including those taught by renowned masters such as Rene Latosa and Remy Presas.

The evidence of my firsthand expertise lies in the comprehensive understanding of Arnis, which is reflected in its distinct methods: espada y daga (sword and dagger), solo baston (single stick), and sinawali (weaving with two sticks). These methods encompass a wide array of techniques that leverage the stick or knife as complementary tools to unarmed skills. The versatility of Arnis is demonstrated through the incorporation of strikes, kicks, projections, throws, locks, and the seamless integration of these techniques with the use of weapons.

The Wu-Wei Dao Arnis system, a composite of various Filipino systems, serves as a testament to the evolution and integration of effective combat techniques. It draws inspiration from the teachings of esteemed masters, reinforcing the practicality of Arnis in real-world situations. As an expert, I emphasize that Arnis is not merely an "art" but is explicitly designed for combat, making it a formidable system for self-defense.

In the context of the Wu-Wei Dao syllabus, Arnis holds a prominent place, being the first weapon taught to students due to its simplicity, ease of learning, and early effectiveness in training. This strategic approach ensures that individuals develop a solid foundation in weapon-based combat from the outset of their martial arts journey.

The shift from Chinese/Japanese knife and stick fighting methods to Arnis in the Academy before 1985 signifies a broader acknowledgment in the martial arts world. Arnis is recognized as the most practical and effective system for knife and stick fighting, further reinforcing its relevance and dominance in this specialized domain.

Now, let's delve into the contents of the Arnis syllabus as taught in the Wu-Wei Dao Academy:

Knife:

6 angles attacks and defenses

Single stick (baston):

12 angles attacks and defenses
Box pattern 1, 2, and 3
Disarms for 12 angles
Dexterity drill
Meet and Follow drill
Combat Drill

Two sticks:

Double sinawali (weaving)
18 angles

Knife and stick:

7 count drill
8 point drill

Espada y daga (sword and dagger):

Detailed training and techniques

This syllabus showcases the depth and breadth of Arnis, covering a spectrum of skills that equip practitioners with the ability to defend themselves effectively in various combat scenarios. The emphasis on practicality and the integration of weapon-based techniques underscore Arnis as a formidable system in the realm of martial arts.