Modern Arnis

Modern Arnis LogoCome learn MODERN ARNIS!
at the Safety First Dojo

We are an officially sanctioned school
by MARPPIO.

Head Instructor
Chris Arena, Lakas Antos Isa

 

Arnis-Escrima - A Misunderstood Art

(Excerpts from C. Arena)

The Filipino arts were brought into the US by early pioneers such as Remy Presas Sr., Dan Inosanto, Leo Gaje and others.    Although Arnis is definitely a weapons based art, it is also a complete martial system incorporating boxing, locking, trapping, kicking and grappling; as well as staff, sword, knife and stick fighting.  The major difference is that the new student is first introduced to the sticks first, since it is a great way to train basic form, footwork and to establish a strong defensive base to attack from.  Therefore, Arnis is a complete system that can stand on its own with any so-called traditional arts and can take a lifetime to learn complete, as its depth incorporates the fighting wisdom of many skilled masters that have gone before us.                          

How Will We Learn?

All of the techniques listed below, will teach the student how to move!  At first, the student will be challenged to master these drills.  They all come from the traditional Arnis practitioners.

Grandmaster Remy Presas
  1. 12 Angles of Attack
  2. 12 Angles of Defense:  Student will learn at least 3 instinctive responses to each angle of attack.
  3. Striking Styles:  Double Zero, Abinico, Rumpida, Banda y Banda, Crossada, and others, including strike drills.
  4. Double Stick Sinwalli Drills:  Not really taught as a fighting style, but as a reaction and movement drill set.  Double stick sets also develop a high level of awareness to hand-to-hand combination striking and closing attachment techniques.
  5. Flow Drills:  4-Count, 6-Count, 10-Count, DeCuerdas single- stick and empty hand drills will be taught as learning tools to Free-Form Flow Sparring.
  6. Tindig:  “Hold one’s ground.”  This involves split-second grounding techniques for sinking and springing footwork.  The student will learn how to overcome the attack of a stronger attacker, to flow around his power, and to attach to it as well.
  7. Visidario Rapid-fire Striking:  The last technique taught by Grandmaster Remy Presas Sr. before his passing.  This drill teaches natural counter striking; especially when your opponent blocks your first strike.  This is also a basic training tool for developing more advanced Tapi-Tapi skills.
  8. Tapi-Tapi (Counter for Counter):  This was the jewel that was left to us after the passing of Grandmaster Remy Presas Sr.  These highly effective combat techniques are first taught with the sticks.  However, the real shocker is that these drills develop devastating empty hand-vs-weapon or just plain hand-to-hand fighting technique.  Tapi-tapi works well for just plain striking.  However, it also teaches what we call “Presas-Lock Flow” technique that at times, equal advanced Jui-Jitsu or Aikido technique.  Tapi-Tapi is an ever changing, ever-evolving set of techniques that is also a lot of fun to learn!

This martial art has its roots in the Philippines Islands and was made popular in the United States and internationally, by the late Remy Presas Sr.

Incorporating weapons training initially, arnis then graduates to a myriad of hand-to-hand applications.  With the continuation of the art by the family, especially under the guidance of Dr Remy Presas Jr, Modern Arnis continues to evolve and to stay ahead of its time

For more information on Modern Arnis, visit: www.modernarnis.com.