The Secrets Behind the Arnis Sinawali Movement

Sinawali is the art of double stick striking of Arnis. It is called Sinawali because of its intricate movements that resemble the weaving pattern of the sawali – the bamboo splits woven for walling and matting which is very common in the islands of Panay which is believed by other historians to be the origin of Escrima or Arnis de mano because the ten Boronean datus landed and settled in Panay in the 13th century.

People were amazed when they witnessed our exhibition using doble-baston or double stick because its movements are very entertaining.  When I began teaching Arnis in the school where I was employed as secondary school teacher, I observed that my students are very interested in learning the Sinawali form of striking.  Then I realized that this is a better way to begin our training.  Later on I was able to discover and learn many variations of Sinawali striking and adapted twenty four patterns in our system of training.  I also found out that there are hidden techniques beneath the intricate movements of the two sticks.

Now I would like to share this knowledge to all the people who are interested to learn the Filipino Martial arts. Here are the advantages of learning the Sinawali or the art of double-stick  striking.

 Advantages of learning and practicing the art of sinawali:

1. Sinawali is good form of aerobic exercise therefore it promotes good health.
2. Double –sticks coordination exercises are good aerobic exercise.  This can be practiced with a background of music. Its rhythm consist of 4/4, 2/4, ¾ time signature.  It is also to use ethnic music as a back ground.  You can even choreograph movements to create an Arnis dance. Practicing Sinawali with or without a partner is indeed interesting and calorie-burning form of exercise.
3. It develops dexterity to the practitioner.  In the world of martial arts, it is good to use proficiently your both hands whether in defensive or offensive movements. It will develop good hand coordination.  Training with weapons in your hands facilitate good hand coordination and timing.
4. It also helps strengthen the arms and legs.  Sinawali practice is coupled with footwork thus strengthening the legs also.
5. Sinawali offers variety of empty hand fighting techniques.  There are hidden empty hand techniques found in the sinawali movements.  An arnis expert should know how to interpret, practice and apply them in an empty hand encounters.

In our system we practice four, six, eight, and ten counts Sinawali patterns. We begin by practicing simple movements then progress to more complex patterns. When a student has already learnt the more complex patterns he is taught to apply the movements as both defensively and offensively.  In this stage of his training he or she must know already how to choreograph sinawali movements to compose a creative anyo or form using doble- baston or double sticks.

Sinawali patterns offer a variety of empty hand techniques. In fact, if you analyze the movements of the hands in the tapi-tapi system of empty hand training, you will notice that the same movements in the sinawali patterns are used in the tapi-tapi drills.  And by using your imagination and creativity you can integrate elbow strikes, knee kicks, head butts and locking techniques in your tapi-tapi drills. This is the basic principle in the Arnis system.  The stick is just an extension of your hand without it you can still use your hand as weapon by applying the movements you have learnt from the patterns of the Sinawali.

* For those who are interested to learn the different patterns of the Sinawali used by CASAS just email to: mel57_balberde@yahoo.com

2 Responses to “The Secrets Behind the Arnis Sinawali Movement”

|

1. leeian says:

   June 12, 2008 at 1:38 am

   can you give the basic moves in arnis?

   Reply
2. bobbyjones says:

   May 19, 2009 at 5:49 am

   Sir,

   Greetings in Christ!
   Is there any member/practetioner of arnis sinawali in Cagayan de Oro City or in Misamis Oriental? because I am willing to learn arnis the sinawali style… I am hoping for your response and God Bless!!!

   Respecfully yours,
   Bobbyjones

   Reply

|