The 12 Principles of Presas Arnis - Know the Commonalities, Understand the Differences

A popular maxim within the martial arts world is "The Weapon is the Extension of the Hand."

We'll discuss the real meaning below, but for many, this maxim suggests that using any weapon is as simple as doing what they know empty-handed, but with a tool in their hand while they do it.

On the one hand, yes, but on the other hand... absolutely not.

This is why the 7th principle of Presas Arnis is KNOW THE COMMONALITIES, UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCES.

So let's talk about what the maxim really means, and why you can't pick up a katana and start boxing with it to "use" the weapon.

Where the weapon IS the extension of the hand is that much of what we learn in one context applies in another. In karate, there is a reverse punch, and it could be interpreted as a similar motion to performing as a downward strike from overhead (what we learned as a shomen motion in kobudo), when the bottom (or left) hand is pulling the weapon down.

But a shomen motion with a bo or katana is not a reverse punch, and you can't execute the shomen motion by reverse punching with a bo in your hand. Obviously, using the tool requires a little more understanding than just "do karate moves with a big stick in your hand".

In Presas Arnis, especially via our Modern Arnis foundation, we use many tools, including punches and kicks, like other martial arts. Just as we learned in the post about "It is all the same", we ask consider if a specific technique works in one context (like with a knife), will it work in another (with a stick, with a staff, empty-handed, when grappling, etc.)?

Once we consider if it's possible, then we hone it down even more:

• What are the details that make the specific weapon (or lack thereof) work?

• How is a blunt weapon different than an edged weapon, and how are they similar?

• How is a short weapon alike and dissimilar from a long weapon?

• How is a one-handed weapon like a two-handed weapon, and how is it different?

• How are flexible weapons different than non-flexible weapons, and how are they they same?

• What do I have to consider when facing different weapons? What's more dangerous and riskier, and what's less dangerous and safer?

We have classes where we explore using a two-handed staff (bangkaw) and a flexible weapon (tabok-tayok) with arnis principles, to expand our understanding of different tools. We also have "Improvised Weapons" classes a few times a year to work with real-life tools and consider how to apply what we learn to using them in self defense.

We want to understand what changes, and how we have to change, with whatever tool we're using.

What DOES "the weapon is an extension of the hand" really mean?

When you first pick up a weapon - any weapon - it often feels weird at first. You feel clumsy, because you aren't used to the reach difference, or how to manipulate the weapon around you and towards the opponent. You're afraid of hurting yourself or others in training.

You find, however, after training for a while, that all of that clumsiness goes away. You learn the proper range, you become comfortable in manipulating the weapons, and you find yourself being able to do things you once thought were impossible.

The weapon feels as natural as an extension of your own body. You don't have to think hard about it any more.

THAT is how the weapon is an extension of the hand.

We'd love to show you how things change - and how they don't - when you use different tools (or none at all) in Presas Arnis. Come join us for a free trial lesson (click here) and find out!