# The Importance of the #5 Poke in Modern Arnis

- Link: https://brianejohns.com/2015/03/10/blog-the-importance-of-the-5-poke-in-modern-arnis/
- Published: 2015-03-10T19:15:00-04:00
- Author: Brian Johns

The #5 poke is a tremendous way to move your opponent. Why? You are attacking your
opponent’s centreline; frankly, folks don’t like their center being attacked. They
either get hit or move out of the way. Either way, it’s a winner for the driver.

If you are not able to view this video, click [here](https://youtu.be/6J_3xou7IKU).

On the other side of the coin, I can tell you that defending against the #5 poke
is no fun, especially if a driver like Master Chuck is in this position:

![Master Chuck with a poke.](https://i0.wp.com/bamboospiritmartialarts.com/wp-content/
uploads/2020/06/Screen-Shot-2020-06-15-at-7.22.33-PM.png?fit=1024%2C695&ssl=1)

Master Chuck controls Andy’s cane while thrusting a #5 at him. Andy’s arm is semi-
extended away from his centreline, which creates additional vulnerabilities that
can be exploited.

Quite frankly, Andy is dead meat here. The key is that if you have [control of your opponent’s cane](https://brianejohns.com//2016/07/11/blog-three-ways-to-grab-the-cane/)
while thrusting a #5 at your opponent, it’s either game over or you have moved your
opponent into a very disadvantageous position.

Andy now has to catch up. In a sense, he’s behind time.

![Master Chuck with a poke.](https://i1.wp.com/bamboospiritmartialarts.com/wp-content/
uploads/2020/06/Screen-Shot-2020-06-15-at-7.37.48-PM.png?fit=1024%2C699&ssl=1)

Let’s look at this photograph and ponder the options available to the driver.

**(1)** Disarming;

**(2)** Hitting with the driver’s cane;

**(3)** Hitting with the defender’s cane;

**(4)** Set up a sweep (especially with Andy’s right leg in position);

**(5)** Takedown;

**(6)** Punching; and

**(7)** Kicking.

Looking at this picture, I can see a couple of beautiful jiu-jitsu/judo techniques
that can be employed here. Poor Andy. As one can see, the #5 poke opens the door
to all kinds of possibilities, depending on your opponent’s reaction.

As Master Chuck points out in the video, you must have intent behind that #5 poke.
That intent is what makes this technique work. If the intent is not there, you will
be countered.

## Through Tapi Tapi, there are strategies and tools with which openings and vulnerabilities can be created to your advantage. The #5 poke is one of them. Practice this!

## Additional Reading

 * [4 Ways To Set Up Your Opponent](https://brianejohns.com/2021/05/31/blog-4-ways-to-set-up-your-opponent/)
 * [Navigating Between Too Much Or Just Enough](https://brianejohns.com/2024/01/24/navigating-between-too-much-or-just-enough/)
 * [The Dance of Pain!](https://brianejohns.com/2012/04/04/blog-the-dance-of-pain/)
 * [The Third Lockdown](https://brianejohns.com/2021/04/19/blog-the-third-lockdown/)
 * [Inaugural Video of the Week: Stick and Foot Position](https://brianejohns.com/2024/02/26/stick-and-foot-position/)

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