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MODULE 2: BASIC SKILLS IN ARNIS

Overview:
This module presents the basic skills of arnis: vital striking techniques, blocking, single
sinawali, and double sinawali.

Intended Learning Outcome:

At the end of this module, students are expected to make an instructional video
performing/demonstrating the chosen skill.

Objectives:

At the end of this module, the students are expected to:

• Repeat the order of the proper sequence of the 12 vital striking techniques,
• Actively participate in demonstrating the striking and blocking techniques,
• Familiarize the flow of a single and double sinawali.
• Demonstrate properly the basic skills of arnis

Course Materials:

• Internet Access to MOLE Classroom

• Rattan Cane/ any stick form similar to Arnis cane
• Jogging Pants, sports Attire

Reminder:

This Learning Guide is designed such that it can be used remotely and online. Thus,
there will be a lot of teacher-independent tasks such as reading by yourself, watching
videos, reflections and others.

Readings:

Basic Skills in Arnis

A. 7 Basic Striking Techniques

Striking is the basic skill in arnis, it is a way of attacking an opponent

through a forceful hit.

There are two types of striking: forehand and backhand strike which
can be done in a high or low position.

Course Code/Title: PED002 Dance/Martial Art V.L. Carbonell, MSPE

Arnis PE Department, MSU-IIT
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1. Crown strike
2. Right knee strike
3. Right temple strike
4. Left knee strike
5. Left temple strike
6. Right shoulder strike
7. Left shoulder strike

7 Basic Striking Techniques Pattern

B. 3 Basic Thrusting Techniques

Thrusting is the other skill in arnis in which the cane is pushed against
the opponent with force.

1. Abdominal thrust
2. Left Chest thrust
3. Right Chest thrust

3 Basic Thrusting Techniques Pattern

Course Code/Title: PED002 Dance/Martial Art V.L. Carbonell, MSPE

Arnis PE Department, MSU-IIT
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C. The 12 Vital Points of the body

1. Left Temple 7. Right Chest

2. Right Temple 8. Right Knee
3. Left Shoulder 9. Left Knee
4. Right Shoulder 10. Left Eye
5. Abdomen 11. Right Eye
6. Left Chest 12. Crown

The 12 Vital Striking Techniques (In order)

1. Left Temple Strike

2. Right Temple Strike
3. Left Shoulder Strike
4. Right Shoulder Strike
5. Abdominal Thrust
6. Left Chest Thrust
7. Right Chest Thrust
8. Right Knee Strike
9. Left Knee Strike
10. Left Eye Thrust
11. Right Eye Thrust
12. Crown Strike

Course Code/Title: PED002 Dance/Martial Art V.L. Carbonell, MSPE

Arnis PE Department, MSU-IIT
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D. Blocking
To block is to stop, obstruct, hinder, or halt an oncoming blow. Blocking
is a form of force against – force.

Blocking Techniques are employed to protect or defend the areas of the

body: the front, left, right sides of the mid-section, the lower extremities of the
body, and the upper body.

The Blocking Techniques:

1. RISING BLOCK. With the blocking cane parallel to the ground, the block is
executed in a raising upward direction over the head.

2. DOWNWARD BLOCK. With the blocking cane coming from the upper right
position, delivered downward going to the left side with the cane pointing on the
floor.

Course Code/Title: PED002 Dance/Martial Art V.L. Carbonell, MSPE

Arnis PE Department, MSU-IIT
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3. REVERSE DOWNWARD BLOCK. With the blocking cane coming from the
upper left position, the block is delivered downward in a diagonal direction.

4. INSIDE BLOCK (R and L). With the blocking cane perpendicular to the ground,
the striking cane of the opponent is parried to the right/left.

Course Code/Title: PED002 Dance/Martial Art V.L. Carbonell, MSPE

Arnis PE Department, MSU-IIT
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The blocking Techniques applied in the different vital points of the body:

Blocking Techniques Points of the body

Rising Block Crown

Inside Block Right temple, Right eye, Right shoulder, Right chest
Left temple, left eye, Left shoulder, Left chest
(Right and Left side)
Downward Block Left Knee
Reverse Downward Block Abdomen, Right Knee

E. Sinawali

Sinawali means weaving, is a filipino martial arts referring to a structured

double stick pattern. These drills can be done solo or with a partner.

An integral part of Modern Arnis practice is the sinawali, whether it could

be single, double, reverse or heaven six/redonda. From a physical standpoint,
sinawali practice builds hand, wrist and forearm strength through a repetitive
striking against an opponent’s canes. Timing becomes ingrained as a result of
sinawali practice as well. In addition, sinawali practice also helps to develop
range finding skills, also encourages one to explore the various aspects of the
beat and/or rhythm.

A. Single Sinawali
Single Sinawali is the simplest weaving pattern. The pattern is
characterized by a right high forehand and then a right low backhand. The
pattern is then mirrored on the left side, left high forehand and left low
backhand.

B. Double Sinawali
In double sinawali the hands are alternate i.e. right hand right side, left
hand right side and right hand left side. Whereas in single sinawali, one hand
does each side i.e. right hand right side, left hand left side.

Course Code/Title: PED002 Dance/Martial Art V.L. Carbonell, MSPE

Arnis PE Department, MSU-IIT
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Mapping Sinawali
Mapping sinawali illustrates the sequence and positions of each strike easier.
In mapping draw four (4) quadrants that represent the human body; the vertical line
divides the LEFT and RIGHT side, while the horizontal line divides the upper and lower
extremities.
upper extremities
Left Right
side side

lower extremities

Mapping Single Sinawali

The right hand strikes a high forehand (1R) and then followed with a low
backhand (2R), then the left hand does the same. The left hand strikes a high forehand
(3L), then a low backhand strike (4L) that completes a set.

Single Sinawali (Right Side) Single Sinawali (Left Side)

1R 3L

2R 4L

Course Code/Title: PED002 Dance/Martial Art V.L. Carbonell, MSPE

Arnis PE Department, MSU-IIT
 8

Mapping Double Sinawali

The right hand strikes a high forehand (1R) left hand under right shoulder, then
the left hand strikes a low backhand (2L) right hand place over the left shoulder, and
then the right hand strikes a high backhand (3R) left hand place on the left side, to
complete the right hand side of the sinawali. Then the mirror image, the left hand
strikes a high forehand (4L) right hand under left shoulder, the right does a low
backhand strike (5R) left hand is place over the right shoulder, and the left hand strikes
a high backhand (6L) to complete a set in double sinawali.
Double Sinawali (Right Side) Double Sinawali (Left Side)

3R 1R 4L 6L

2L 5R

Activities:
A. Drills and Exercises
Perform these drills during your free time. Note: do not forget to do warm up and
cool down, also practice safety first)

1. 12 vital striking techniques (in order)

2. Blocking (have a partner and instruct your partner to attack you
with the following strikes, upon your partner attacking you,
perform the appropriate block for each strikes.)
a. Attack to crown
b. Attack to stomach
c. Attack to right knee
d. Attack to left eye
e. Attack to right shoulder
f. Attack to right eye
g. Attack to left shoulder
3. Single Sinawali drills. Master the sequence and count slowly,
once mastered perform with moving.
a. 8 counts single sinawali in place
b. 8 counts single sinawali while moving forward
(every count is equivalent to one step)
c. 8 counts single sinawali while moving backward
(every count is equivalent to one step)

Course Code/Title: PED002 Dance/Martial Art V.L. Carbonell, MSPE

Arnis PE Department, MSU-IIT
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4. Double Sinawali drills. Master the sequence by performing

infront of a mirror. (once mastered perform the following.
a. Execute 1 set (6 counts) by closing the eyes
b. 6 sets of double sinawali (36 counts)
c. Right foot forward stance first 3 counts. (rep. 3x)
d. Left foot forward stance last 3 counts. (rep. 3x)
e. 1 set double sinawali 1st 3 counts right foot
forward, then shift to left foot forward last 3 counts.
(rep. 3x)

B. Module 2 output. Instructional Video

Make an instructional video of the basic skills in Arnis.

Guidelines:
1. Choose one skill only to perform (12 vital striking/blocking/single
sinawali/double sinawali),
2. Make an instructional video of the chosen skill,
3. Must be in a proper attire,
4. Video duration must be at least 1 minute and a maximum of 3
minutes.
5. Video effects can be applied but it must be you who will be
executing the skill, do not use animated character to
execute/perform in your behalf.
6. Refer to the rubric below on how you will be graded.
7. Submission must be in the google drive, make sure to upload
your video in the folder assigned to your section, kindly rename your
video following this format (family name, first name, M.I.)

Rubric for Instructional Video Making

Course Code/Title: PED002 Dance/Martial Art V.L. Carbonell, MSPE

Arnis PE Department, MSU-IIT
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References:
12 striking techniques - https://www.slideshare.net/nieromer/striking-techniques

12 vital striking techniques and blocking - https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/polytechnic-

university-of-the-philippines/physical-education/12-basic-strike/10891821

Sinawali - https://arnistirada.com/filipino-martial-arts-sinawali-tutorial/
- http://southwestportlandmartialarts.com/2013/02/07/single-sinawali-4/
- http://cc-kfc.com/CCKFC/single-sinawali/
-

Course Code/Title: PED002 Dance/Martial Art V.L. Carbonell, MSPE

Arnis PE Department, MSU-IIT