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For those of you who have little cash or time on your hands...and if you train solo a lot...I've found just the thing to make training in Arnis fun. It's simple, it looks like something out of The Three Stooges, but it works.
Step 1) Get some thin but strong rope, an arnis stick, and find a tree with a branch at about eye level...or any other place where you can hang up a target.
Step 2) Cut off about 3 feet of string or more, depending on the height of the object of which you will be hanging the stick from.
Step 3) Tie a portion of the rope around the center of the arnis stick...then tie the other end to the area where you want the stick to be suspended.
Step 4) Make sure the arnis stick is hanging well-balanced. The stick should be hanging horizontally in mid-air.
Step 5) Grab another arnis stick, and hit either one of the ends of the hanging stick, and do your best to counter the on-coming strikes of the spinning stick.
I picked this up in the Philippines a while back, but I always underestimated it's value. To be perfectly honest, it looks ridiculous to the average martial artist. But, many Filipino masters have used this method and it has proven successful for many of them. The late Edgar Sulite used this method of training as a child. Many Filipino masters who developed their own systems had a lack of time and this proved as an effective training tool for many of them.
Of course, this will not replace training with a partner. You need both to be an accomplished fighter. However, I can say in full confidence that this simple method has improved my speed, reflex, and footwork. Remember to use proper fighting form at all times. Don't hit the stick like you're swatting a fly...hit it with the proper body mechanics. This isn't a power drill...this is a reflex-honing drill. Don't hit it too hard...hit it with just the right amount of contact. Train distance and the angles of attack. Also, as in all Filipino arnis drills, don't just stand there and whack the stick..MOVE MOVE MOVE! Footwork is key when using this method.
God Bless....Kick Ass,
Mike
Step 1) Get some thin but strong rope, an arnis stick, and find a tree with a branch at about eye level...or any other place where you can hang up a target.
Step 2) Cut off about 3 feet of string or more, depending on the height of the object of which you will be hanging the stick from.
Step 3) Tie a portion of the rope around the center of the arnis stick...then tie the other end to the area where you want the stick to be suspended.
Step 4) Make sure the arnis stick is hanging well-balanced. The stick should be hanging horizontally in mid-air.
Step 5) Grab another arnis stick, and hit either one of the ends of the hanging stick, and do your best to counter the on-coming strikes of the spinning stick.
I picked this up in the Philippines a while back, but I always underestimated it's value. To be perfectly honest, it looks ridiculous to the average martial artist. But, many Filipino masters have used this method and it has proven successful for many of them. The late Edgar Sulite used this method of training as a child. Many Filipino masters who developed their own systems had a lack of time and this proved as an effective training tool for many of them.
Of course, this will not replace training with a partner. You need both to be an accomplished fighter. However, I can say in full confidence that this simple method has improved my speed, reflex, and footwork. Remember to use proper fighting form at all times. Don't hit the stick like you're swatting a fly...hit it with the proper body mechanics. This isn't a power drill...this is a reflex-honing drill. Don't hit it too hard...hit it with just the right amount of contact. Train distance and the angles of attack. Also, as in all Filipino arnis drills, don't just stand there and whack the stick..MOVE MOVE MOVE! Footwork is key when using this method.
God Bless....Kick Ass,
Mike
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