december-2011

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Fight, Pinoy-style
“Arnis is now our national sport
and martial art as per Republic
Act number 9850,” says Senior Master
Samuel Bambit Dulay, Chief Instructor
of the International Modern Arnis
Federation Philippines (IMAFP). Also
referred to as “kali” or “escrima,” the
term “arnis” comes from the Tagalog
corruption of the Spanish “arnes” or
harness, which refers to decorations
worn by Filipinos in early times. The
sport involves the use of sticks, a dagger
and even a bolo (long blade). There are
also forms of arnis that don’t require
weaponry, but involve lots of kicking,
striking, throwing, locking and chocking
techniques to subdue the opponent.
“The criss-cross movement or
sinawali technique using double sticks
R ECONNECT WITH YOUR ROOTS
isn’t found in any other form of martial
art,” says Master Dulay, adding that the
values behind the practice — “godliness,
family bonding and respect for elders”
— resonate with the Philippine spirit.
The mental alertness from avoiding
sticks coming at you and the super-fi t
body are just bonuses.
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How to do it Learn the basics of arnis at
Planet Infi nity, where they offer courses
in arnis. Tel: +63 (2) 376 6919, 4/F
Crossroad 77, Mother Ignacia Ave cor
Scout Reyes St, Quezon City
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies to Manila from across
the network. www.cebupacifi cair.com
Learn the truly Pinoy
martial art of arnis.