Doors to Diplomacy Participants

Saint Louis University Laboratory High School (2012 Doors to Diplomacy Project ID 7235)
Philippines, Benguet, Baguio City
Official Status: Final Project: Ready for Judging
Teacher:
Category: 8. Arts and Culture

We estimate 4 student(s) from 15 to 16 will work on this entry.

Description of Our Team: "Shan Batalla. Paul Delos Santos. Jay Jamero. Francis Samson."

Project Description: "The art of stick fighting, simply known as “Arnis”, is an ancient martial arts developed here in the Philippines initially for hurting and self-defense. Filipinos over the time have perfected the art of stick fighting which they have used against the colonizers especially during the time of Lapu-Lapu who used Arnis in slaying the Spaniard colonizer Magellan.

The art of stick fighting dramatically drew to its dark years for the use and practices of this were banned during the Spanish colonization era. Not even the Spaniards’ brutality and force could stop the passion of the Filipinos to continue to practice this art. It continued to strive through the test of time which has influenced foreign countries. With its complex techniques, graceful forms, and formidable power paired with expert timing, truly it will not only attract the Filipinos but also foreigners. Recently, it was recognized as the national sport of the Philippines. It is also now part of the events played during the South-East Asian games. It does not only take its feat as a sport but also in its actual application. The United States Marines apply Arnis as a part of their training module. Also, it has been featured in some Hollywood films that we know. Enthusiasts practice Arnis not only for self-defense but also for its health benefits such as a healthy body, sound mind, and self-discipline which continues to draw different practitioners of different nationalities and ages. The basic principle of Arnis taught to the students is that any extension of the body could be a lethal weapon. The most basic is a stick made out of rattan, a hard yet flexible kind of wood which is abundant in the Philippines.

Arnis, one of the ancient forms of art which has been in the culture of the Filipinos, is now found and used in the cultures of others. Truly, Arnis is something which makes us Filipinos discreet from others. "

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