The 12 Essential Striking Techniques in Arnis: This article will introduce you to the fundamentals of Arnis, covering its background, the seven basic stances, and the twelve striking techniques. If you’re on the lookout for self-defense classes, learning Arnis is a smart decision. As the national martial art and sport of the Philippines, it prioritizes defense over offense. Its techniques are particularly effective against multiple attackers, aiming to conclude a fight in the fewest moves possible.
What is Arnis?
Arnis Martial Arts hails from the Philippines and is often referred to as Eskrima or Kali in various regions. Its primary goal is self-defense, utilizing techniques in hand-to-hand combat, grappling, weapon disarming, and stick striking. Over time, Arnis has branched out into more than a hundred different styles, shaped by the diverse islands and families within the archipelago.
Two Types of Arnis
1. WEKAF (World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation)
Internationally, the WEKAF system stands out as the most popular. It utilizes a 10-point scoring method akin to that of boxing. Practitioners engage in sparring with live Filipino fighting sticks, all while donning protective attire that includes a long padded vest, sleeves, and skirts. Striking below the thighs is against the rules. Furthermore, the WEKAF arnis regulations feature a “four-second rule,” preventing practitioners from using the same strike more than once in a row.
2. ARPI (Arnis Philippines System)
The ARPI system was established prior to the WEKAF system. Its scoring method resembles that of fencing, allowing participants to earn points by disarming their opponent, landing strikes, or pushing them out of the ring. Unlike WEKAF, ARPI utilizes padded light rattan sticks instead of solid sticks, offering more flexibility during attacks. Additionally, referees keep track of fouls during matches in the ARPI system.
The 12 Basic Striking Techniques of Arnis
Once you feel confident with the basic stances of Arnis, you’re all set to explore the 12 key striking techniques. These techniques work hand-in-hand with the stances. Remember, the success of each strike is largely influenced by your mobility, which is why mastering the basic stances is important before tackling the striking techniques.
Left Temple Strike
Start in a forward position and rotate your wrist to a 1 o’clock angle as you draw your hand back toward your shoulders, getting ready to strike. Then, swing your arm diagonally downwards towards the left temple of your opponent while keeping your other hand on your chest.
Right Temple Strike
This strike resembles the one aimed at the left temple. The motion of the strike moves at an angle of 11 o’clock, with the free hand resting on the chest. It involves a diagonal downward backhand swing directed towards the enemy’s right temple.
Left Torso Strike
The left torso strike requires the practitioner to fully extend their lead hand to generate the most power. This technique involves a diagonal, forehand slashing motion aimed at any area between the shoulder and the hips. To enhance the effectiveness of the strike, the initial force should come from the back foot, followed by a rotation of the hips.
Right Torso Strike
Similar to the left torso strike, the practitioner will again extend their weapon hand to hit any area on the right side, from the shoulder down to the hips. The motion of the arm is a backhand slashing swing.
Thrust Strike
This strike delivers a strong blow to the opponent’s solar plexus, potentially inflicting serious harm to the abdominal organs. It’s particularly useful when you see your opponent leaning too far forward while attacking. This technique serves as a great counter to a temple strike, but be cautious not to overextend your reach during the thrust. The power of your attack should primarily derive from the opponent’s forward motion, making it more of a defensive response. If you use it as a regular strike, you risk exposing yourself to counterattacks.
Left Chest Stab
This technique involves pushing your arm forward in a thrusting action, ensuring your palm is facing outward toward the left side of your opponent’s chest.
Right Chest Stab
This strike resembles the left chest stab, but instead, direct your thrust towards the opponent’s right chest. If executed correctly, it can harm the opponent’s lungs, making it difficult for them to breathe and potentially leading to fatal consequences.
Left Leg Strike
This method focuses on targeting the lower leg of your opponent, typically the knee or ankle, to restrict their movement. To execute it, you need to lower your front leg and deliver a downward diagonal strike to their leg with your palm facing up. In traditional Arnis, the goal is simply to make contact with any part of the leg. However, in Modern Arnis and Jeet-Kune-Do, the strike should be directed about 6 inches above the knee, where a pressure point is located. A well-placed hit can effectively immobilize your opponent.
Right Leg Strike
This method resembles the left leg strike, but it targets the opponent’s right leg instead. The action involves a diagonal downward swing with a backhand motion.
Left Eye Poke
This method resembles the left chest stab, but instead, the focus is on striking the left eye socket. The intention behind this move is to impair the opponent’s vision, leading to a quicker resolution of the fight.
Right Eye Pokee Poke
Similar to the left eye poke, this move also disrupts the opponent’s sight, but it specifically targets their right eye instead.
Crown Strike
This strike involves a powerful downward swing aimed directly at the top of your opponent’s head. It can disrupt their balance and might even lead to a knockout with just one hit.
Conclusion
In today’s world, knowing how to protect yourself is crucial due to the presence of individuals with harmful intentions. Arnis stands out as an excellent martial art for self-defense, especially when facing multiple attackers. It not only helps in honing your physical skills but also sharpens your mental discipline. When practiced correctly, the techniques of Arnis can be incredibly effective. To truly excel as an Arnis practitioner, it’s important to master the 12 fundamental striking techniques, as these form the foundation for more advanced moves. Additionally, the principles of Arnis align with those found in many Eastern martial arts, making it easier for you to explore other Asian fighting styles.
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