Modern Arnis: The Filipino Art of Stick Fighting (Paperback)

~ Remy Presas (Author) "The need for basic warm-up, muscle-building and limbering exercises prior to any training, in the martial arts or any athletic endeavor, is obvious..." (more)
Key Phrases: low backhand strike, single sinawali, double sinawali (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

In Modern Arnis: The Filipino Art of Stick Fighting, Remy Presas covers a variety of preparatory stretches and warm-up exercises, the 12-zone striking and defense systems, hand-to-hand combat ("trapping hands"), flow-practice drills, sinawali and redonda.

In this 160-page, fully illustrated text, Presas simplifies some of his teachings in order to give novices a tangible amount of self-defense skill through specific drills. For example, the sinawali is taught without sticks, in empty-hand fashion, to illustrate how its weaving motions can be easily translated into empty-hand movements for blocking, punching and takedowns. He discusses the 12 important angles of attacks on the human body, 12 basic ways of dealing with each angle plus stick and sword disarming techniques.

About the Author

Remy Presas was one of the most vibrant personalities in the martial arts. One of the Philippines' premier stick fighters, he became a national figure in his native country for blending the countless styles of the islands -- including important aspects from kali, escrima, tjakalele and arnis de mano ¬-- into one system, which he named modern arnis. Having studied the Philippine martial arts throughout his life, Presas was inducted twice into the Black Belt Hall of Fame (1982, Instructor of the Year; and 1994, Weapons Expert of the Year).

Presas' travels throughout the Philippines led to the rise of arnis as a national sport that was taught regularly in physical-education classes throughout the country. After leaving his nation in 1975 on a government-sponsored goodwill tour to spread arnis to other countries, Presas worked with a variety of groups in the United States. From law-enforcement agencies to senior citizens, he taught armed and unarmed self-defense techniques to a variety of groups and organizations. He also demonstrated the daring techniques of the bolo (machete) and sinawali's bewitching twirl of the double rattan sticks.

Today, despite the passing of its founder and grandmaster in 2001, modern arnis continues to flourish in cities across the United States and abroad. His legacy lives on through his book and DVD collection, Modern Arnis: The Filipino Art of Stick Fighting.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Black Belt Communications (June 1, 1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 089750089X
• ISBN-13: 978-0897500890
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #204,656 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Basic concepts to spur further study., February 7, 2000

By	Daniel Farris "D" (DFW, TX) - See all my reviews

I disagree with anyone that says this book is not a good one. I am an arnis instructor with the IPMAF, and Remy's book is exactly what many lucid readers have deduced: an introduction to a great martial art. Also, keep in mind that for years, the art of arnis was considered, even by some of its own practitioners, a "stick-fighting" art. It wasn't until Ernesto Presas and his brother Remy developed this into a more comprehensive art.

In closing, this book is a good, fundamental book upon which one may make a somewhat educated decision on whether or not they would like to further pursue the art.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Introduction, April 25, 2001

By A Customer

As a long time student of the Filipino martial arts, I have seen many books on the subject, and this is a must have. This book is an introduction to the art of Modern Arnis written by the man who spread the art around the world. "Modern Arnis : Filipino Art of Stick Fighting" is great for beginners or as a reference for those more advanced. Many basic exercises are photographed step by step and are easy to follow. The instructions are very clear and the pictorials are well done. Anyone interested in stick fighting should own this book!

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Modern Arnis : Filipino Art of Stick Fighting, November 18, 2001

By	Ann E. Ladis "guitar wannabe" (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

When I first started training in Modern Arnis 6 years ago,this book was my bible. It provides the most clear and concise breakdown of techniques of any martial arts book that I have ever read (I own about 75). As a student of a Master of Tapi-Tapi in Modern Arnis, I can not reccommend a better to supplement to training.
Sadly, Professor Presas passed away this fall, but his art and his spirit live on through his books, videos, and Masters.