Class Number: 5 Adrielle Joy M. Anyayahan October 8, 2014 1 NUR – 4 College of Nursing Asst. Prof. Robinson V. Laxa ARC7

Arnis Reaction Paper: Solo Baston and Disarming

rnis is the Philippines' national martial art and sport, after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed the Republic Act. No. 9850 in 2009. Also known as kali, escrima, baston, etc., it is a complete martial art system, encompassing weapons training and empty-hand self-defense. It includes Atraining in single stick techniques (solo baston), double stick techniques (doble baston), stick and knife or dagger techniques (espada y daga) and knife techniques (daga). Some styles may include staff and spear (sibat) training in their curriculum. Others will include the practice of medium to long bladed weapons (bolo) in their repertoire. One suggestion is that it originally came from another martial art system, called tjakalele. This is actually the name of a branch of the Indonesian martial art system known as pentjak silat. Another suggestion is that it was brought here from the Southeast Asian mainland, particularly during the Madjapahit and Shri-Visayan empires. Yet another suggestion is that it was propagated by the so-called ten Bornean datus fleeing persecution from their homeland. Before it was introduced in Manila, modern arnis has its humble beginnings in Bacolod City in the Visayas where the author first learned the techniques of the art. Being a master of many martial arts, the author was able to compare the intrinsic qualities of Arnis with other martial arts. And this comparison led him to improvise the antiquated techniques of Arnis not only for reasons of pacing with the times but also for utmost effectivity. These improved techniques were then taught for the first time to the students in that city.

Sources: http://www.modernarnis.com/history.html, http://www.martialartsresource.com/filipino/arnis.html, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_Arnis There were 3 techniques using the Solo Baston introduced to us. These are the 6-strike, the 8-strike, and the 12-strike. They differ with each other in the number of strikes, the targeted body parts, and the sequence of the strike. For instance, in the 6 and 8-strike Solo Baston, the sequence of the strike is similar for both except the addition of targeting the left and right chest in 8-strike. In 12-strike, there was an addition of eye and shoulder target but we end the strike in the crown, unlike in the 6 and 8-strike, the ending strike will be on the stomach. I’ve noticed that with every attack or strike of the opponent, there is a corresponding block to it. These blocking techniques are used to counter opponent’s attack and protect oneself from it. Proper body position, strides, and hand placement are practiced in the 6, 8, and 12-strike Solo Baston. The free hand, whether left or right, should always be kept in the chest to avoid being hit. The proper way of blocking and attacking is also practiced. Disarming, on the other hand, is the process of taking away the opponent’s weapon and overpowering him. In Arnis, several techniques can be applied in disarming. In a video provided for us to watch, I’ve noticed that our professor always holds the wrist of the student before disarming his stick or either striking a body part. Disarming can be used to counter and avoid incoming attacks of opponent. These techniques are very dangerous and require mastery and practice before applying it in reality because it can cause serious injuries or even death. It would really require time too when this is practiced. When learning these techniques, one should be very careful and aware of where his or her baston is attacking because it may cause hurt to others. In spite all of these; I still admire its art when it is beautifully and precisely done. I value its importance even if other people will say Arnis is just one of the sports. The principle of the 6, 8, and 12-strike Solo Baston and disarming can be applied in fighting situations and for self-defense. It can be used in unarmed fighting and also when one is holding a weapon. One can apply all the techniques he knows in Arnis and incorporate it with these. One already has the knowledge of how to attack the body parts of your opponent whether he or she is unarmed, holding a baston, or in possession of other objects. The same is true with disarming. He or she can forestall his or her opponent before he can attack. With these techniques, one can keep the attacker on distance. In disarming, he or she can kick, box, or target the body parts of the opponent to avoid him of being able to attack again. If this principle is used by the opponent against, for instance you, you are confident of blocking, re-attacking, or disarming him or her, thus overpowering the opponent. Not that one can only be knowledgeable about self-defense and disarming, but he or she will also develop concentration, presence of mind, alertness, wisdom, calmness during a situation, speed, power, balance, stamina, flexibility, control, self-discipline, and self-confidence. 6, 8, and 12-strike Solo Baston and disarming also benefits physical fitness, weight- loss, and body coordination. There are many ways on how to do disarming, which gives a more concrete fact of how useful arnis is for self-defence. Some are stated below. Set A. 1. Inside Twisting/ block /hold partner’s cane with your left hand/push this cane with your cane at the same time step right foot forward 2. Snake circle/block/lock both canes with your left thumb and twist your cane under partner’s wrist to disarm 3. Downward strike/block right foot strike and hold partner’s wrist with your left hand and strike his/her cane with your cane (or strike wrist with your cane) 4. Cane twisting/block left foot strike and hold the tip of partner’s cane with your left hand and put your cane on top ofpartner’s hand from under his cane and twist the cane to disarm 5. Two hand block/two hand upper block/bring your right hand to your left on top of partner’s hand and grab partner’s wrist with your left hand over the top of your hand. Strike cane with your cane to disarm 6. Vertical block/block and hold under cane with your left hand and strike wrist with the butt of your cane 1. your cane Out balancing 1. Overhead strike/two hand overhead block then hold partner’s elbow from outside with your left hand and then butt strike 2. Overhead strike/two hand overhead block then hold partner’s hand from the inside and then butt strike 3. Left side strike/block and hold partner’s arm and then pull to the left side and butt strike 4. Left side strike/block and hold cane with your left hand and strike wrist with your cane

Source: http://www.scribd.com/doc/30386113/A-R-N-I-S

The outcome is revealing, modern arnis is now an institution in the world of martial art. It has caught fire in the hearts of Filipino martial art lovers. And the timing is perfect for we are now in the midst of national awakening to our true Filipino identity. The government is now exerting much effort to acquaint the Filipino people of their culture thus cementing nationalism in their hearts.

Arnis is one of our national cultural gems. The efforts of the author has become an instrument of this awakening to its worth. The chain of propagation that sprang from his unselfish and dedicated tutelage of the art has produced a nationwide fever that is now the pride of every Filipino for Arnis is true Filipino martial arts.

However, arnis should be done with utmost care and caution. As you may notice, the stick of arnis is very hard and it can inflict death and serious injuries on the person. Arnis should be used with wisdom and with right motives. Outwardly, it may be dangerous but as you start studying it, you will slowly realize and appreciate its beauty; the beauty of the National Game of the Philippines. Someday, Modern Arnis will become the martial art of the world.