This landmark book features a twofold focus. First, it looks at the unique Filipino culture: how it was greatly influenced by Spanish colonization, the oppression it suffered under foreign rule, and how the native yearning for freedom led to the development of the martial art of arnis. The book then presents the distinct technical aspects and resultant physical manifestation of the indigenous fighting art. Centering upon the Kombatan method forged by Grandmaster Ernesto Amador Presas Sr., it describes numerous maneuvers utilizing stick, blade, and empty hand components, and offers information on their practical applications.

One of only a few arnis books composed by a native-born and bred Filipino author, this volume seeks to present arnis in its proper light, as a simple and pragmatic method of self-protection, while debunking the more fanciful theories and concepts that have crept in as it makes its way into world consciousness. Author Jose G. Paman is a first-generation graduate of the instructor’s program under Grandmaster Ernesto Amador Presas Sr. He also holds advanced instructor degrees in karate and jujitsu, and is a kung-fu expert. Paman works full-time for a government agency in California. He is also a founding member of the Polynesian music and dance group Uncle Pete’s Shipwreck Crew.