ANGELES CITY — The Angeles City government through the initiative of Joel Madrona, 45, Arnis and Karate coach at the City Sports Office, held a free two-day training on ‘arnis’ joined by 32 barangay tanods from 15 barangays here on November 16-17 at Robinson’s Mall in Barangay Balibago.
Arnis, also known as Eskrima, Kali, Garrote and other names in various regional languages, such as ‘Pananandata’ in Tagalog; ‘Pagkalikali’, Ibanag; ‘Kabarao’n and ‘Kalirongan,’ Pangasinan; ‘Kaliradman,’ Bisaya; and ‘Didja,’ Ilokano, is an indigenous Filipino martial art and sport characterized by the use of swinging and twirling movements, accompanied by striking, thrusting and parrying techniques for defense and offense.
“Tayo sa Pro Active Arnis League at Philippine Arnis Foundation in coordination with the Angeles City officials, CLTV 36 and Robinson’s Mall ay nagbigay ng libreng training course sa mga tanod para maturuan sila ng basic at advance na technique ng paggamit ng arnis na siyang pambansang martial arts ng Pilipinas ayon sa RA 9850,” Madrona said.
Republic Act No. 9850 is an act declaring ‘arnis’ as the national martial art and sport of the Philippines signed by former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2009.
“Atin ito! At bilang Pilipino ay dapat na may kaalaman tayo sa sports na ito . Bukod sa magagamit nila ito as self-defense sa mga masasamang loob lalo na sa mga drug pusher/user, ay madedevelop rin ang kanilang mental at physical skills,” Guro added.
Arnis, unlike the Taekwondo of Korea and Karate of Japan, requires one or two sticks with bare hands and feet to strike, block, lock and grapple the opponent. –LARRICA ANGELA CUNANAN