How to train solo in Arnis

[RapidAssault16]

I have enjoyed and completed reading the book "Filipino Martial Culture". In it, I noticed that a lot of the grandmasters of arnis developed their own styles and practiced their respective styles by themselves in their backyards.

I trained intensively in Manila for about 2 years in the arts of Arnis and escrima, but here in my town (central NJ) it's tough to find any affordable Arnis schools (notice i say AFFORDABLE). As much as I would just LOVE to train at the few schools here, a lot of the training studios here are really expensive and I don't have the money to train at these places. Is there any way I can train by myself or with partners outside the confines of an Arnis school? What would be a good training program for someone in my situation?

[adacas]

I would try to find a partner to train. I have to train by myself because I have no one interested in training to practice with and because like you I too am a tight with money and I will tell you it sucks. It really helps to see peoples reactions and you will learn how to adapt to them in combat. Also try doing a sinawali by yourself. It kinda looks funny and I can never tell if I am doing it right without stick contact. I do practice angle of attacks and try to visualize attacking enemies while going through the moves but besides that I have nothing else. So finding a partner is a priority if you ask me. I'm still lookin. Perhaps you can find somebody who is doing the training in there backyard. I know people who hold martial arts classes in their garage. Its real mickey mouse but hey they train hard. I don't really think that those masters practiced all alone. I'm sure they had partners as it would be ridiculous to create a style that was never tested on another person.

[krys]

I understand your situation... as I had to train for eight years alone with a partner because I couldn't afford fma classes while a student....

Right now I practice fmas (Arnis and Silat) mostly alone (but train 2-3 months a year in the Philippines with a G.M. now that I can afford these trips)....

My Arnis training consists of visualisation-concentration exercises, wrist strengthening, striking-slashing on tires (very important), shadow fighting... but the emphasis is on pratcicing forms and fooftwork....
You can do all of this alone.... but a training partner will of course be helpfull.

Mabuhay ang filipino Silat at Arnis.

[Airyu]

Hello,

Where in central NJ are you located?? There is an Atienza Kali school in Woodbridge. Go to www.atienzakali.com for more details.

Gumagalang
Steve Lefebvre - Kayan dalawa Guro Sayoc kali

https://www.Bujinkandojo.net

[RapidAssault16]

Woodbridge Atienza Kali Class

Yeah, I trained there for about a month...and let me tell you I LOVED IT!!! But, like I said, I needed something I could afford, and unfortunately, I couldn't afford the monthly fee ($95 a month for one day a week). As much as I would've loved to continue training there, I simply couldn't afford it.

[adacas]

$95 dollars a month for only one day a week. That seems like a lot to me. Then again $40 dollars a month is a lot to me.

[krys]

100$ an hour to learn knive fighting?

Isn't it a "little" overpriced?


Mabuhay ang filipino Silat at Arnis.

[RapidAssault16]

Yeah tell me about it!! But, I hold nothing against the Atienza guros. They are awsome guys and truly know their stuff. There's nothing I want more than to train with those guys, but unfortunately, I don't have the cash to train with them.

[HeadHunter01]

Where in Jersey do you live? If you are interested check out Kuntawkali.com.

Respects,

HeadHunter01

[RapidAssault16]

I live in Woodbridge, NJ

[darrianation]

I Trained in arnis for three years. That was about 7or 8 years ago. I live in a place where there is no arnis. I love arnis so I practice with my sticks 2 to 3 days a week for about an hour.

I am somewhat lucky in that I have two friends that have studied arnis in the past as well and we get together once a week and practice. I think I'm pretty good but I'm sure if I went into a real gym with real arnis guys they would probably laugh at me.

[yenhoi]

Probably the most important purely martial training that you should focus on while training solo is your footwork drills. Drill them drill them drill them.

Next would be any hand and foot etc patterns... in the air, on tires, on trees, on walls, on whatever. With and without stick(s.)

If there are several FMA schools in your town, then there are groups of people interested in training with you. You just need to find them. Many ways to do this, be creative. You dont even need to limit yourself to people who practice a FMA. There are often free "clubs" in big citys.

Then you can do all sorts of "non-martial" training... like pushups, situps, squats, jumping rope, wind sprints... the list here is almost endless.

[HeadHunter01]

We offer classes in Hoboken,NJ.


Respects,

HeadHunter01

[Airyu]

Hello Everyone,

The cost thing...it is always an issue with some people, but when you see what you can acheive with a great teacher in a one on one, the price becomes moot.

Footwork is good, but integrate your striking with your footowrk every practice! An easy exercise is to just walk along with your stick and practice swinging your strikes, from the open and closed positions. Add footwork as you walk along, and integrate the strikes always!!

Gumagalang
Guro Steve L.

https://www.Bujinkandojo.net

[haumana2000]

darrianation, whee in colorado are you located?