Classifications

Arnis/Eskrima Jugado

This is recent development in the world of Arnis/Eskrima where it is practiced and promoted as a sportive competition in tournaments participated by practitioners matured and young alike. Rules and guidelines on points, safety and protection are laid down to ensure the safety of the participants, to develop sportsmanship and the competitive spirit of the Arnisadors. Arnis Jugado is a very effective way to promote, propagate, capture and sustain the interest of the young
people, and new comers into the world of Arnis. Currently there are two categories in Arnis Jugado: “Labanan” ( Combat) and “Anyo” (Form). If Arnis is to be made popular and acceptable to the majority of the masses especially kids and teenagers and young adult alike, it is this kind of Arnis that will be appropriate. It is basically inherent to man to prove to himself and others that he is better than the other and in return gets recognized and rewarded. It is this sense of
competition and need to achieve something higher that motivate great athletes, sportsmen, students, businessmen, professionals, researchers to persevere and move on and face the odds.

Arnis/Eskrima Entablado

This is the kind of Arnis/Eskrima that is inherently practiced for exhibition and to entertain the viewers since Pre-Hispanic times, Hispanic times and our present modern times. Flashy and spectacular moves, techniques and motions are dominant and some even performed with more acrobatic forms and exaggeration to make it look more impressive and powerful, formidable, complex, artistic and entertaining. It can also be in the form of linked forms, dances, pre-arranged fights and duels conveying a story like “moro-moro” and “zarsuela” in Barrio and Town fiestas. Practitioners of this must have the gift of artistry and creativity. This kind of Arnis is a good vehicle to promote the art.

Arnis/Eskrima Matador

This is the kind of Arnis/Eskrima for the streets and self defense. It is basically a kind of Arnis practiced for self defense. Most often it is practiced in conjunction with or other unarmed self defense systems like grappling, wrestling, and kicking making it a complete self defense system. Other practitioners make it up as another level to be pursued by those who started off from Arnis Jugado and or Arnis Entablado .

Arnis/Eskrima Guerrero

This is supposedly the Arnis/Eskrima as Martial Arts for the warrior class, rajas and chieftains a rarity in these modern times. Very select few Eskrimadores pursue to elevate their growth in this kind. Very few in the context that it is not economically viable as a livelihood and with the prevailing mindset of the current generation who loves something fast. Fast cars, fast computers, fast courses, fast foods to name a few. It is definitely not for everybody as it requires a practitioner to possess certain attributes in order for him to be fitted and get immerse into this level of Eskrima System. It is practiced to protect not only the person but in a greater context the community and society as a whole. Most often this has closely guarded disciplines, principles, theories and philosophies that require oral transmissions and elucidations for the system to be completely understood and honed to an ever higher level of mastery and perfection. The arts does not only center to killing but healing and life management as well. It may take a lifetime to master the different facets of these arts making mastery a lifelong journey and a way of life.