Arnis Self-Defense: Stick, Blade, and Empty-Hand Combat Techniques of the Philippines [Paperback]

Jose Paman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 3, 2007

The book features a twofold, interrelated focus. First, it looks at the unique Filipino culture; how it was greatly influenced by Spanish colonization, the oppression it suffered under foreign rule, and how the native yearning for freedom led to the development of the martial art of arnis. The book then presents the distinct technical aspects and resultant physical manifestation of the indigenous fighting art. Centering upon the Kombatan method forged by Grandmaster Ernesto Amador Presas Sr., it describes numerous maneuvers utilizing stick, blade, and empty hand components, and offers information on their myriad practical applications.

This volume is unique in that it is one of but a few composed by a native-born and bred Filipino author, one who absorbed lesson in the Philippines, directly under the guidance of an established system’s founder. The book seeks to present arnis in a proper light, as a simple and pragmatic method of self-protection, while debunking the more fanciful theories and concepts that have crept in as it makes its way into world consciousness.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Author José G.Paman was one of my first-generation black belt graduates in arnis and karate at the original Arjuken Karate Association at Quiapo...In this [book], Paman describes the background development of arnis and presents in great detail the vital self-defense skills needed to master the various combat situations one may face in everyday life. I heartily endorse this volume and recommend it as essential reading for practitioners of arnis everywhere."
—Grandmaster Ernesto Amador Presas Sr., International Philippine Martial Arts Federation, Manila, Philippines

About the Author

Jose G. Paman was born in the Philippines, holds advanced instructor degrees in arnis, karate, and jujitsu, and is a kung-fu expert. A resident of the Sacramento area of California, Paman practices, researches, teaches, and writes about traditional and contemporary martial arts.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Blue Snake Books (April 3, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1583941770
• ISBN-13: 978-1583941775
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 0.5 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #497,983 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jose G. Paman developed a fascination for writing in the English language as an elementary school student at the University of Santo Tomas (founded in 1611 AD, the UST offers education from Kindergarten through the doctoral levels) in his native Manila. Short in stature and slight of build, he also began the dedicated study of the martial arts as a means of self-protection at an early age. The two disparate endeavors turned into a writing career for Paman, who came into prominence as an author in 2007 - twenty years after he wrote his first published article. In that year, he published Arnis Self-Defense: Stick, Blade, and Empty Hand Combat Techniques of the Philippines (Random House) and Ngo Cho: Southern Shaolin Five Ancestor Kung-Fu (Unique Publications). Paman was also named 2007 Writer of the Year by Inside Kung-Fu magazine.

Paman holds instructor level ranks in arnis (Filipino martial arts), karate, jujitsu, and is an expert in kung-fu. He was a decorated karate and kickboxing competitor from the mid-1970s to the late 1980s. Later, he became a trainer, coach, judge and referee in the two sports. He has taught as Chief Instructor for Original Arjuken, a club he founded in 1983. The club actively presented demonstrations at major events including the California State Fair, the Festival of the Arts, and Asian Pacific Islander Week in Sacramento.

Paman's writing accomplishments include the publication of more than 120 articles, five books, and the inclusion of his work in the martial anthologies Best of CFW Martial Arts 2000 and The Ultimate Martial Arts Q&A Book. His efforts have resulted in cover articles highlighting prominent masters including Bruce Juchnik, Carley Gracie and Tayari Casel. Paman has served as the California correspondent for Rapid Journal, the Philippines' leading martial arts publication, and the trade publication MA Success. He is also the author of the continuing series Island Scares for the online magazine Haunted America Tours.

Paman presents lectures on writing for publication for audiences ranging from grade school and high school students as well as to private groups and professional organizations. He serves as an expert interpreter, translator and examiner in the Tagalog language of the Philippines. He is a singer, musician and Polynesian dance performer, and founding member of the group Uncle Pete's Shipwreck Crew (find the group's Fan Page on Facebook). Paman works full-time for a government agency in California.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great intro into Arnis, January 21, 2008

By 

Joseph M Burtner (Kennesaw, Georgia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Arnis Self-Defense: Stick, Blade, and Empty-Hand Combat Techniques of the Philippines (Paperback)

Arnis is a Philipino system that is primarily based around the use of weapons such as the stick, the knife, and the sword. This book is an excellent primer, scratching the surface of many aspects of Kombatan, a system of Arnis developed by Ernesto Presas. The book beggins with several historical chapters that cover such topics as the name for Philipino martial arts ("kali" is apparently not widely accepted in the PI), some cultural information of the Philipino people, and how the system of Kombatan developed. Though this section is informative, I can't help but sense that there's a bias in the writting. Following that, we get to the technical aspect of Kombatan. The system seems to borrow from the Japanese Judo and Karate systems, especially in their stance, striking, and throwing techniques. Shotokan practitioners will find the stances very familiar. Single-stick work is given the most emphasis, with striking angles and gripping techniques being covered pretty well, as well as footwork. Knifework is covered next, and many of the strikes and counters are analogous to the stickwork. There's also a very good section on how to grip a knife without a cross-guard, an important distinction to make so that one doesn't injure oneself. The book finishes up with empty-hand work which, as noted, bears some resemblance to Japanese martial arts systems, and with some advice on training, weapons selection, and self-defense. One of the possitives about this book was that it often gave examples of impropper technique, which could aid students in understanding what they may be doing wrong. Overall, an above-average book that gives a broad overview of a deep system. Not a bad purchase for those new to Philipino systems, or for those interested in some weapons-based self-defense fundamentals.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars very basic-could be a lot better, March 20, 2010

By 

Rickey L. Esteves Sr. - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Arnis Self-Defense: Stick, Blade, and Empty-Hand Combat Techniques of the Philippines (Paperback)

I was hoping that this book would be a change from most of the Arnis/Escrima/Kali books that have multiplied over the last couple of decades, but no, there really isn't anything unique here. Everything here is covered in just about any FMA book out. This is NOT a bad book at all. It's just not something that is going to further anything for anyone with a knowledge of solo baston style fighting. The angles of attack and defense are there, grip, some defensive techniques, etc. The author puts a little bit of empty hand techniques in which I liked. He mentions other styles, including dulo dulo, which involves two small palm sticks with both ends pointed and it would have been nice to show just a little more.If you are looking for a book that is easy to follow, has solid fundamentals,and has a strong focus on single stick skill, this might be what you want. If you have these skills (or a book that details intermediate to advanced skills) skip it.

5.0 out of 5 stars Must read for all my students., January 4, 2012

By 

Jason G Force - See all my reviews

This review is from: Arnis Self-Defense: Stick, Blade, and Empty-Hand Combat Techniques of the Philippines (Paperback)

This book is a great Arnis 101 book for those who are starting out in the Filipino Martial arts. I love that Mr. Paman explores the history of the Philippines which gives a lot of background on where the art originated and its place in history. I don't think it is meant to be a complete treatise on Arnis, but what it does it does well. It gives the new practitioner an introduction to the art.