WHY STUDY ARNIS (Filipino Martial Arts)?
The Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), often known as Kali, Eskrima/Escrima, or Arnis, are living, breathing, growing systems, grounded in the methods regular people have used to defend themselves and their community in the Philippines for generations.
Presas Arnis is a modern martial art with the same equipment and training structure most people expect (uniforms, belts, ranks, etc.), yet we are still very deeply connected to our roots in the indigenous martial systems of the Philippines.
The founders of Modern Arnis and Kombatan - the core of the blended art of Presas Arnis - hail originally from the city of Hinigaran, in Negros, Philippines, but also include influences from Cebu City, Manila, and other places in the Philippines as well as influences from martial systems of a variety of cultures, including Judo, Karate, Kendo, Kempo, and Small Circle Jujitsu.
Dedication of the Remy Presas Statue in Hinigaran, Negros Occidental, Philippines. Click to read more.
We’re famous for using rattan sticks in FMA training, but it’s not the only thing we do. We emphasize fundamental skills in empty hand martial arts training - striking, kicking, locks, takedowns, and some grappling - alongside the use of sticks, training knives, and other tools. This way, no matter the situation, our students are prepared in self defense. We find that the use of tools helps people who have physical limitations due to injury, age, or other barriers defend themselves effectively.
We want everyone to succeed in Presas Arnis training and be able to use it if necessary in real world situations, regardless of age, fitness level, disability, or experience.
WHY SHOULD ADULTS NEW TO THE MARTIAL ARTS TRAIN IN PRESAS ARNIS?
Many adults are interested in the benefits of martial arts training - mental and physical fitness and activity, stress relief, personal discipline and empowerment - but are afraid it’s too late to start.
In the US, we have come to think that martial arts must be started as a child, or that it’s only for children. At Kindred Protective Arts, we know that a new student can start at any age, and we create an environment that is adult-centric in our training culture. We adapt to the realities of adulthood - responsibilities, illness, injury or aging.
KPA students come from all backgrounds with a wide range of physical abilities. We firmly believe everyone can learn Presas Arnis, and we welcome everyone who's ever been interested in trying a martial art to join us for a free trial session and discover that you belong at KPA.
WHY SHOULD EXPERIENCED MARTIAL ARTISTS TRAIN IN PRESAS ARNIS?
One aspect of Modern Arnis that its founder, Remy Presas, talked about is how experienced martial artists could easily connect with Arnis when they discover the similarities between what they’ve learned and what is taught in our art. This is often referred to as “The Art Within Your Art” and is meant to show how training in Presas Arnis is not a replacement for what experienced martial artists have trained in, but is a supplement and enhancement to what they already know.
At KPA, we encourage cross-training with other martial arts, and we do not ask you to leave your experience behind and what you’ve learned outside the school when you train with us.
Presas Arnis can enrich your martial arts training, and bring new understanding to material you’ve trained in for years.
IS PRESAS ARNIS TRAINING SAFE FOR KIDS?
Martial arts training generally has a much better safety track record than other sports such as football, cheerleading, basketball, and soccer. However, all physical activities for children carry some level of risk, and Presas Arnis is no different.
Presas Arnis training is as safe as common styles like Karate, Taekwondo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Judo. At KPA, we do not allow full contact sparring for children and in semi-sparring we require safety helmets and do not allow head shots in our training rule set.
Our use of tools and weapons early in training gives our students excellent awareness of the dangers involved, and the habits we teach are well-grounded in being safe for all participants. Safety is always first inmind, and teaching children to be safe is our top concern.
Children in the Philippines learn Arnis as the official martial art and martial sport of the nation in physical education classes. We know our kids in the Kansas City area can do the same.