About Arnis

Is “KALI” appropriate to describe an indigenous blade based Filipino Martial Arts?

August 6, 2008 by Talibung Antike

True blooded genuine Eskrimadores in the island Panay from the coastal plains to the hinterlands of Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo and Antique who are mostly if not all are World War II underground guerrilla fighters pitted their craft using “Talibungs”, “Sanduko” and “Ginuntings” against the Japanese soldiers’ “Katana” swords and Bayonets in hand to hand combat when they ran out of bullets. One will never hear a word “Kali” from any of them that alludes to fighting whether unarmed or armed confrontation where sticks, spears, or bladed weapons are used. It should be noted that the word “Kali” in the major languages of Panay and Negros (Hiligaynon and Kiniray-a) means “to dig” which refers to a farming or harvesting activity when one has to dig something from the ground like: “to dig camote=kali camote”, “dig peanuts=kali mani”, “dig gabi=kali gabi”. The word in itself has no reference to fighting at all whatsoever. All these veteran fighters and war survivors refers to their craft as “Eskrima, or the act of “Eskrimahay” which refers to skirmish, a confrontational exchange of blows/attacks, offense/ defense- it may be used outside the context of physical combat, as in “eskrimahay ka tinaga” which means a fierce verbal exchange, and may also refer to the use of weapons like: “baston, talibung, binangon, ginunting, sanduko, lantip, sanggot, espading, daga, lugod, bahi, bugsay, tungkod, yaming, tuwang-tuwangan, garab, kaw-it, hal-o, etc”. The experts and practitioners of these indigenous martial arts systems are either called “Eskrimador” or “Bastonero” not “Kalista”, “Kalidor” nor “Kalinero”.

The claim that the word “Kali” came from the Muslim chieftains that established a colony in Kalibo, Aklan — (sometimes cited as the origin of the name “Kali”) is very wrong and has no historical basis at all.

The official history of Kalibo on record states that, Kalibo is a town in Aklan, founded by settlers from Malaysia who came with Datu Bangkaya (The Muslims had never been successful in conquering Panay Island despite relentless attempts even during Spanish times). Upon the arrival of the Spaniards, Madianos (Madyanos) is the primitive Pre-Hispanic name of Kalibo. It was found to be the first place in Aklan with houses grouped together, the inhabitants thereof, already having some form of political organization.

How Kalibo got its present name was because of a mass Christening of One Thousand (1,000) natives in “Madianos” in May, 1566, by a Spanish priest, who came with Adelantado Don Miguel Lopez de Legaspi. One thousand (1,000) is written in the Aklan dialect as “ISA KA LIBO”, “SANG LIBO”, and in order to commemorate and perpetuate this historical fact, the name “Calibo”, a contraction derivative of these three words in the Aklan dialect, was given to the town instead of “MADIANOS”. From year 1566, “CALIBO” was the official name used up to about 1929. Upon the recommendation of the Committee on Geographical Names, the official name “KALIBO” was finally adopted.
If Kali as a blade based fighting system is to be alluded to the word “Kalis”, it is even farther from the true meaning of the Hiligaynon word “Kalis”. “Kalis” in Hiligaynon and Kiniray-a is a verb which means “to scrape off” and if used as a noun it refers to the straight edged wooden or bamboo slat used to swipe the excess grains being measured. The word “Kalis” is a measuring device or activity to ensure accuracy of measurement where the excess are scraped off or leveled out or “kalison” using a “kalis” before counting it as one full unit volume. Traditionally the grains or farm produce like: rice, corn, monggo, sugar, salt, beans, etc are quantified based on traditional volumetric measuring containers like: “ganta or gantangan” (25 gantas = 1 sack), wooden box “panega” (3 panegas=1 sack), “tabig”, and “tabungos”.

(Note: The use of kilograms in measuring plant or farm products is a relatively recent development when the Philippines adopted the metric system during the 1980s)

Hence, based on the aforementioned elucidations the use of the word “Kali” parallel with Arnis and Eskrima in Filipino Martial Arts if it has to be used at all is absurd and very etiologically inappropriate. Example: you “Kali” your opponent! That would mean “you DIG your opponent!” or say: Lets practice “Kali” that would mean “Lets practice DIGGING”

If you KALI your opponent, you DIG your opponent! So he must have been buried, must have been dead a long time ago or a victim of a land slide! That would be the most absurd FMA indeed!

The languages used in Negros Island are “Hiligaynon” (most of Negros Occidental close to Panay Island) and “Bisaya or Cebuano” (Negros Oriental close to Cebu Island). These languages are influences brought by migrants from both islands as workers in the Haciendas of Negros mostly owned by the Hacienderos who are landed elite migrants from Jaro, Iloilo City. If there is no KALI in Cebu Island nor in Panay Island, then claiming KALI as indigenous blade based fighting arts of Panay Island brought to Negros Island is one of the greatest frauds that ever plagued the Filipino Martial Arts History and Martial Arts World as a whole.

It is high time to “KALI” deeper= to “DIG” deeper and ferret out the “TRUTH” about “KALI” as clearly it has no rightful place in the Filipino Martial Arts World historically and etiologically.

This is a big challenge to the well meaning Filipino Martial Arts enthusiasts, avid practitioners, scholars, researchers & historians to start retracing back and DIG deeper into the true Filipino Martial Arts History…. there are still lots to DIG out (KALI) into the open here in PANAY island… the center of the PHILIPPINES.

Welcome to Panay Island PHILIPPINES!

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Classifications

May 15, 2008 by Talibung Antike

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.

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Weapons

March 9, 2008 by admin

 

Arnis

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Arnis or baston is the main weapon used by Arnis/Eskrima practitioners. It could be deadly as that of the bladed weapons if you fully discover its potential.

 

Kampilan

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The kampilan is the weapon most favored by the warriors of Mindanao. This large single edged blade is most considerably noted for its fearsome look and at total lengths ranging up to 40 inches it is the largest Moro sword.

 

Kris

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The kris is undoubtedly the most famous of Moro weapons. Variations can be found in every Moro tribe. Besides being a blindingly agile blade it was also a key symbol of a man’s status/rank in society, as well as often bearing h3 talismanic properties as an anting-anting (talisman/amulet). The kris was a key part to the everyday wear of a man’s dress, which often conflicted with later attempts by colonial invaders to disarm Moro society and led to many unfortunate conflicts.

 

Barong

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The barong is the favored weapon of the people of the Sultunate of Sulu. This generally single edged, leaf shaped blade is an amazingly effective slicer and has been known to have the ability to cleave a man in two. The blade tends to be thick and heavy with the weight aiding in the slicing capability of this sword.

 

Gunong

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Little has been written about the gunong. Gunongs are often considered to be the dagger version of the Moro kris. With blades that often bare h3 resemblance to their larger Moro Kris sword relatives. While many gunong blades are found as double edged either straight or wavy, there also exist gunong blade variants that are single edged, often with more crescent like blade shapes.

 

Panabas

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The Panabas (also known as Tabas) is a chopping weapon favored by the moros of Mindanao. Panabases range in size from 2 to 4 feet. While probably originally an agricultural tool, this weapon soon gained its place as a weapon of war similar to the western battle axe. This wicked weapon can deliver horrible cleaver like blows, and was sometimes used as an execution weapon. It is sometimes said that the warriors wielding the panabas would follow the main group of warriors, summarily mopping up any survivors of the first wave of attack. The panabas blade is often features damascene patterning. On the spines of some panabas one will find decorative file work. Panabas hilts were often wrapped in rattan bindings, though some featured no wrap.

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What is arnis?

March 9, 2008 by admin

Eskrima, Arnis and Kali [hereafter Eskrima], is different from many other martial arts in that the student is trained with weapons from the very beginning. The primary training weapon is the baston, a rattan stick usually about 30 inches long. The baston is both a weapon and a training tool meant to simulate a short sword or kris, the traditional knife of the archipelago. In the southern dialects, the kris is referred to as a kalis, from which is derived the name “Kali”.

Eskrima practitioners believe that training with baston builds manual dexterity and trains fasters conditioned responses. The various Eskrima drills are certainly very fast, and typically include either programmed or semi-programmed exchanges of attack and defense using the baston.

Although weapons based, Eskrima also included striking with the hands and feet, wrestling, grappling and even some groundfighting. Additionally, many of the armed offensive and defensive techniques may be used empty handed. Thus, Eskrima offers practical defenses against most hand weapons.

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History of Arnis

March 9, 2008 by admin

Arnis, as a martial art, originated and developed in the Philippine soil. This was practiced and mastered by early Filipinos for defense and self preservation. It was known in ancient Philippines as kali believed to have derived from the Indonesian word tjakalele which means fencing. Later on during the Spanish regime in the Philippines Filipinos called it arnis. Historically, It was a derivation from the word “Arnes,” a colorful trappings on defensive armors used in moro-moro plays which were then a socio-religious plays depicting the victory of Christian Spaniards over the muslims. The shows were used primarily as propaganda and also for entertainment. During that time, The Filipinos were prohibited by the Spanish regime to practice their martial arts so the staging of moro-moro gave the players a good excuse to practice their fighting art.

The Arnis system of fighting includes empty hands techniques which employ the flowing method of training like the tapi-tapi(Tapping) sytem to develop reflexes, sensitivity, timing, and good coordination. It also utilized kicking techniques but usually applied to the lower part of the body. Traditional arnis is usually practiced in three forms of play. They are solo baston or single-stick in which a long stick or baston is used; the espada y daga or sword and dagger in which a long stick or sword and a wooden dagger are used; and the sinawali, a native term applied because of its intricate movements of the two sticks resemble the weave of sawali(crisscross fashion), the bamboo split weave pattern used in walling and matting which was very common in Visayas Islands.

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