About Filipino Martial Arts
Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) is known by many names such as Arnis, Kali, and Escrima. Our program combines Modern Arnis with other Filipino Martial Arts systems. Rattan sticks (escrima) are used in the core of the martial art. The sticks are used as a teaching tool and the skills learned transfer to empty hand techniques. The basic FMA footwork uses a stance that is far easier on the knees than traditional Taekwondo or Karate and it encourages natural movement and fast footwork.
MODERN ARNIS
Modern Arnis, founded by Grandmaster Remy Presas in the 1960s, is a comprehensive Filipino martial art that blends traditional techniques with contemporary approaches. Remy Presas, a master of Filipino martial arts, sought to develop a system that was both practical and adaptable for modern self-defense. The goal of Modern Arnis was to create an art form that could be utilized by people of all skill levels, combining elements of weaponry (such as sticks and other tools) with empty-hand techniques. The art emphasizes fluidity and adaptability, teaching students to respond to different types of attacks and situations with precision and control.
At its core, Modern Arnis is designed to be a system that prioritizes efficiency and simplicity. While it incorporates advanced weapon techniques, it also places significant focus on empty-hand combat, locks, joint manipulations, and grappling. One of the most distinct features of Modern Arnis is the use of double-stick training, where practitioners learn to wield a stick in each hand, greatly enhancing their coordination, reaction time, and ability to control distance in a confrontation. Through its versatile approach, Modern Arnis allows practitioners to develop a well-rounded set of skills for both armed and unarmed defense, making it a powerful martial art for real-world situations.
Grandmaster Remy Presas also emphasized the importance of tradition and respect in his system, ensuring that Modern Arnis was not only a martial art for physical defense but also a means of building character and discipline. His teachings were meant to foster mental clarity, humility, and focus, instilling values that go beyond the physical aspects of combat. Over time, Modern Arnis has gained worldwide recognition, with students and practitioners across the globe continuing to honor Presas’s legacy. Whether practiced for self-defense, fitness, or competition, Modern Arnis remains a relevant and valuable martial art, carrying forward the wisdom and philosophy of its founder.
Rising Phoenix FMA (Arnis / Kali) and Wing Chun 