Jagutin,Kaye Y.

BSPT-1A
PE 103

ARNIS: THE PHILIPPINES’ NATIONAL SPORT

AND MARTIAL ARTS
Arnis was developed by the indigenous populations of the Philippines, who used an assorted
range of weaponry for combat and self-defense. Encompassing both simple impact and edged weapons,
arnis traditionally involved rattan, swords, daggers and spears.
EQUIPMENTS/TOOLS IN ARNIS
The primary weapon is the rattan stick, called a cane
or baston (baton), which varies in size, but is usually
about 28 inches (71cm) in length.

2 kinds of stick:
 Live stick
 Padded stick
BATTLE GEAR
-Stick -Body armour
-Head protector -Groin Guard
-Upper arm guards -Upper leg guard
-Hand gloves -Lower leg guard
-Lower arm guards
GUIDELINES/RULES IN ARNIS
Participants are required to wear the standard uniform
-White plain T-shirt (athlete’s name, school/club logo, division and region may appear on provided that it
does not dominate the over-all appearance of the shirt.
-Plain red pants (school/club logo may appear on the pants).
-Rubber soled shoes.
Other rules:
-Competitors are required to bring their own stick.
-There Is No Age Limit for Arnis Stick Fighting Competitors.
-If there are less than 2 competitors in an age group, the judges reserve the right to combine age groups.
-Mandatory Safety Equipments: helmet with face protector, gloves, chest padding, and groin protector
for men.
-Divisions: Male division and Female division; not categorized by weight.
-If there are less than 2 competitors in an age group, the judges reserve the right to combine age groups.
-Competitor who is disarmed or drops his/her stick 3 times in one round automatically loses.
-Competitors have 5 seconds to execute a disarm. A competitor who is disarmed loses one point
automatically.
-No punching, kicking, or takedowns permitted. No contact to the back.
-The format of arnis stick fighting is continuous. Referee stops and restarts the fight if one or both
competitors fall on the ground, one or both weapons fall on the ground, or one competitor grabs the
handle and takes away the opponent’s weapon.
SCORING SYSTEM
All matches scored by 3 judges on the “10 Point Must” system prior to deductions. Deductions
will be issued by referee only. Judges may issue bonus points for exemplary technique. Referee will ID
rule infractions, issue warnings and mandatory point deductions. Scoring is based on: Quantity of strikes,
Effectiveness of Striking and Ring Generalship.
In single stick competition, disarms shall be scored as part of the match as a mandatory point
deduction. 3 disarms will result in a TKO. The 3 disarm rule may be waived at the tournament directors
discretion.
In double stick competition, a fighter will not be deducted if disarmed – the fighter will continue
to fight with one weapon until the end of the round. A fighter who loses both weapons will automatically
lose the match.

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
 Total body workout  You might get hurt during practices
 Healthy lifestyle
 Self confidence
 Improved cardiovascular health
 Weight loss
 Improved reflexes
 Focus and stillness
 Teaches great morals and values
 Muscle tone
 Better mood