# Modern Arnis-What it is and it isn’t

- Link: https://brianejohns.com/2007/10/09/blog-modern-arnis-what-it-is-and-it-isnt/
- Published: 2007-10-09T16:07:00-04:00
- Author: Brian Johns

## First and foremost, Grandmaster Remy A. Presas designed Modern Arnis as a self-defence system.

While Modern Arnis and many Filipino Martial Arts (referred to as FMAs) have origins
in bladed weapons usage, Professor Presas preferred not to teach the bladed aspect
of the art. Over the years, it evolved into a stick and empty hand-oriented art,
emphasizing the concept of “_the flow_” and “_counter for counter_.”

Modern Arnis is not a competition-oriented art, whether padded stick sparring, Dog
Brothers sparring or other similar types. As Professor Presas often said, “_Use 
Modern Arnis only for good._” Much of the Professor’s evolution was due to his encounters
with violence in the Philippines and his decision to teach self-defence. [Modern Arnis](https://brianejohns.com/2021/11/15/blog-farewell-to-dean-stockwell/)
is not about knife fighting. If you want to learn in-depth fighting skills, there
are plenty of knife-fighting instructors to learn from.

## One may ask, “_If Modern Arnis is a self-defence system, why do we train with sticks ?_”

That is an excellent question. You should view [sticks](https://brianejohns.com//2015/07/13/blog-the-stick/)
as a conceptual and training tool designed to develop eye-hand coordination and 
hand speed. Training with sticks also enhances the perceptual speed of recognizing
where an attack is coming from.

Once you reach a comfort level training with sticks, [empty-hand self-defence](https://brianejohns.com/2023/06/21/self-defense-tips-for-deaf-individuals/)
will be much easier. In addition, stick movements are easily translated into empty
hand movements.

If you are not able to view this video, click [here](https://youtu.be/pFH06TVlgT8).

Drills are prevalent in Modern Arnis and are designed to build muscle memory and
perceptual speed. Master Chuck Gauss of Detroit, Michigan, has said these drills
are used to build skills. They are not combative….they are designed to build skill
and make your movements second nature and instinctual. Many of these drills focus
on gross motor movement as those are less affected by stress than fine motor control.

Modern Arnis does not compete with MMA. I love watching UFC and admire the athletes
participating in that arena. However, the legality of the techniques employed in
those competitions for self-defence is questionable.

Lastly, the underlying concepts of this art consist of the _counter for counter_
and _going with the flow_. In addition, Modern Arnis is [constantly evolving](https://brianejohns.com/2009/11/09/blog-evolving-with-the-times/)
due to the influence of the late Professor Remy Presas.

## This fantastic martial art is designed to teach you how to flow with the opponent’s attacks using the least energy and his strengths and weaknesses against him.

 * [Bamboo Shoots](https://brianejohns.com/2010/01/04/blog-bamboo-shoots/)
 * [Friday Recommendation #15](https://brianejohns.com/2023/08/11/friday-recommendation-15/)
 * [“There Are No Superior Styles, Just Superior Fighters.”](https://brianejohns.com/2007/09/07/blog-there-are-no-superior-styles-just-superior-fighters/)
 * [Friday Recommendation #9](https://brianejohns.com/2021/05/21/blog-friday-recommendation-9/)
 * [Go With The Flow!](https://brianejohns.com/2015/04/13/blog-go-with-the-flow/)

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