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

~ Jose Paman (Author)

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

Product Description

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.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Blue Snake Books (April 3, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1583941770
• ISBN-13: 978-1583941775
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #486,949 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 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)

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.

4.0 out of 5 stars History, December 17, 2009

By	Michael A. Tabor (Charlotte,Mi. U.S.A.) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

This is a fine book with a load of history on the FMA. I believe it has given me some bits and pieces that I had not got any ware else (in type,or video)This book "is" worth the cost. Knowledge is one thing (being able to use it is another).

Semper Fi. Mike Tabor (PKS) Charlotte, MI.