Arnis Self-Defense: Stick, Blade, and Empty-Hand Combat Techniques of the Philippines

Very pleased with book and transaction

This book is a great Arnis 101 book for those who are starting out in the Filipino Martial arts. I love that Mr. Paman explores the history of the Philippines which gives a lot of background on where the art originated and its place in history. I don't think it is meant to be a complete treatise on Arnis, but what it does it does well. It gives the new practitioner an introduction to the art.

Only a real basic overview of escrima strikes (good thing that i am already familiar with stances and technique from 30 years ago), and completely skips over balisong, save for a mention that they exist.

I have always had great respect for the Martial Arts of Asia and the Philippines. I have also been a student and instructor of numerous martial arts over the years (Judo, Jujitsu, Karate-Do, Military combatives, Kenjutsu, Kendo, Tanto-Jutsu various stick fighting arts like Arnis). One of the most effective stick and knife arts over the years has come from the Philippines. I have had the opportunity to train under several Arnis masters over the years. I have also read numerous books on Arnis. I just purchased this book (Arnis Self-Defense: Stick, blade, and empty-hand combat techniques of the Philippines by Jose G. Paman) and found it to be a good basic text on the techniques of Arnis.This 178 page text is organized into two parts. Part one explains the history of the Filipino martial arts. I was especially intrigued how “Modern Arnis” which I learned from Remy Presas at his seminars, is now known as “Kombatan” which was founded by Grandmaster Ernesto A. Presas SR. The second part gets into the actual practice of this Kombatan Arnis system. I found it fascinating that I was familiar with most of the techniques in this Arnis system, which includes weapon and empty hand combat.The techniques with the black and white photographs are clear and easy to follow for me; however, a book can never take the place of hands-on training with an Arnis instructor. A combination of hands-on training and studying this book will produce positive results in learning the system of “Kombaton.”Rating: 4 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Use of the Monadnock (MEB) Straight Baton).

Arnis is a Philipino system that is primarily based around the use of weapons such as the stick, the knife, and the sword. This book is an excellent primer, scratching the surface of many aspects of Kombatan, a system of Arnis developed by Ernesto Presas. The book beggins with several historical chapters that cover such topics as the name for Philipino martial arts ("kali" is apparently not widely accepted in the PI), some cultural information of the Philipino people, and how the system of Kombatan developed. Though this section is informative, I can't help but sense that there's a bias in the writting. Following that, we get to the technical aspect of Kombatan. The system seems to borrow from the Japanese Judo and Karate systems, especially in their stance, striking, and throwing techniques. Shotokan practitioners will find the stances very familiar. Single-stick work is given the most emphasis, with striking angles and gripping techniques being covered pretty well, as well as footwork. Knifework is covered next, and many of the strikes and counters are analogous to the stickwork. There's also a very good section on how to grip a knife without a cross-guard, an important distinction to make so that one doesn't injure oneself. The book finishes up with empty-hand work which, as noted, bears some resemblance to Japanese martial arts systems, and with some advice on training, weapons selection, and self-defense. One of the possitives about this book was that it often gave examples of impropper technique, which could aid students in understanding what they may be doing wrong. Overall, an above-average book that gives a broad overview of a deep system. Not a bad purchase for those new to Philipino systems, or for those interested in some weapons-based self-defense fundamentals.

This is a fine book with a load of history on the FMA. I believe it has given me some bits and pieces that I had not got any ware else (in type,or video)This book "is" worth the cost. Knowledge is one thing (being able to use it is another).Semper Fi. Mike Tabor (PKS) Charlotte, MI.

I was hoping that this book would be a change from most of the Arnis/Escrima/Kali books that have multiplied over the last couple of decades, but no, there really isn't anything unique here. Everything here is covered in just about any FMA book out. This is NOT a bad book at all. It's just not something that is going to further anything for anyone with a knowledge of solo baston style fighting. The angles of attack and defense are there, grip, some defensive techniques, etc. The author puts a little bit of empty hand techniques in which I liked. He mentions other styles, including dulo dulo, which involves two small palm sticks with both ends pointed and it would have been nice to show just a little more.If you are looking for a book that is easy to follow, has solid fundamentals,and has a strong focus on single stick skill, this might be what you want. If you have these skills (or a book that details intermediate to advanced skills) skip it.

Tempi di consegna rispettati, buon prodotto, spiegato bene e ricco di illustrazioni esplicative. Qualità prezzo ottimo.

The book concentrates on Modern Arnis and later Kombatan as it is taught by Presas Family and distinct differences of this style, it also provides short but informative historical background information about Kombatan Presas Style, IPMAF and how they came to be.Really GOOD BOOK, well written and worth a read.A bit different approach from other books I read on Filipino Martial Arts, It gives solid explanation of basics and theory behind it, which is all you need for self defence. In my opinion you should have some idea about the art already to really appreciate the book.The purpose of the book is showing how to execute techniques correctly and what to watch out for when executing them not on showing step by step instructions on many techniques which is OK as long as you know what you're doing already. There is also a bit of theory about awareness which is also important part of self-defenceTotally recommend to anyone interested in FMA.

a solid, nice book about Arnis/Escrima. nicely done, covers history, background and also some basic techniques.in my opinion a very good book and excellent way for beginners/starters into the Filipino Martial Arts (FMA); after reading this book you will know a great deal more about FMA and also the great and interesting history and culture of the Filipines.for advanced FMA students/practicioners - a nice to have as the techniques are very basic and only a few; they just seem to be shown to give an idea of the FMA combat concept.however - a solid, good book that is nicely done (good written, good illustrations/Fotos).for beginnes - get it!!for seasoned/advanced guys - if you have the money, try it, there are worse books than this on FMA.

Quite an informative book. I recommend it to practitioners of FMA and related arts.