I’ve been training in Arnis, Filipino Martial Arts, Eskrima or whatever else it is being called, for 30 years.  Most people say the same thing when I explain that arnis is the generic Tagalong word for stick fighting.  They say “what if I don’t have a stick?”  I try to explain how arnis starts with sticks for many reasons;

    1.  The fear of a weapon being wielded at you is generally greater then the fear of an empty hand.  This teaches you an increased awareness level at the beginning of your training.

     2.  The speed of a stick strike is much faster then that of the hand.  This makes it easier to deal with empty hand after you are comfortable with sticks.

      3.  Sticks and knives are still used in the modern world.  Therefore your arnis training keeps you current, not stuck in the past.  When was the last time you heard of an attack with a set of swords, kamas, nunchakus or other ancient weapons?

Feel free to respond to this by email or in class, as I hope each month to write an article on arnis.  Your comments both good and bad are always welcome!

-Guro Dave Bird