How to Hold Arnis Sticks

Arnis is a type of martial art that originated in the Philippines. This ancient fighting technique --- also known as Kali or Eskrima --- utilizes a variety of empty handed techniques as well as weapons, such as the wooden Arnis stick. The use of these sticks and the practice of Arnis martial arts was banned during the Spanish occupation in the Philippines. However, Filipinos continued to practice this art in secret and eventually used these techniques to defeat the Spanish. Arnis sticks are made out of rattan, which is a dense fibrous vine. They are about 28 inches long, one inch wide and fit nicely into the palm of your hand.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Grab onto the Arnis stick and clench your hand as though you were making a fist. This is the most basic grasp used to hold this weapon.

   • 2

     Position your hand so that the bottom of your fist is about three to six inches away from the punyo, which is the bottom stub of the stick.

   • 3

     Hold the stick firmly, keeping your wrist flexible but firm enough to withstand a heavy blow. Keep your hand in the fist position so that the stick does not fall out of your hand when it makes contact with another Arnis stick during combat.