Flagstaff, AZ USA
What does it take to win in the official sport of the Philippines? When it comes to Arnis, the answer is more than just speed or power—it’s about precision, control, and cultural pride. Declared the national martial art and sport of the Philippines under Republic Act No. 9850, Arnis has grown into a highly organized competitive discipline, both locally and internationally.
Whether you’re an aspiring athlete, a curious parent, or a fan of Filipino martial arts (FMA), knowing the Arnis competition rules helps make sense of what you’re watching—and how it’s judged. Let’s break down the two major competition formats, their scoring systems, legal equipment, and what makes a clean win in the art of the stick.
There are two primary rule sets you’ll find in modern Arnis competitions:
WEKAF Format – Developed by the World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation, this style emphasizes full-contact matches using protective armor and padded sticks.
NARAPHIL Format – The version promoted by the National Arnis Association of the Philippines, featuring minimal gear, light contact, and point-based sparring.
Both formats are legally recognized, and each reflects a different aspect of Arnis: the warrior spirit in armor, and the precision of traditional stickwork without it.
The WEKAF system is probably the most dramatic for spectators. Competitors wear full body armor, including:
A helmet with metal face shield
Chest protector
Arm and shin guards
Gloves
Fights are fast and loud. The sound of rattan striking armor is constant.
Judges click a mechanical counter each time a clean strike lands.
Points are accumulated, not awarded per move.
Strikes must be clear and decisive.
No grappling, thrusting, or excessive force allowed.
Typically 3 rounds, 1–2 minutes each.
Events include:
Solo Baston (single stick)
Doble Baston (double stick)
Espada y Daga (stick and dagger simulation)
The fighter with the highest score at the end of the match wins. Knockouts are rare—but not impossible.
✅ Pro Tip: Armor is designed to prevent injury but doesn’t eliminate pain. Control still matters.
The NARAPHIL format is a nod to the traditional Arnis roots—less armor, more finesse. Matches are often held in school or cultural settings and emphasize discipline, timing, and precision over brute force.
Lightweight uniform
Rattan stick (no padding)
Groin protector, mouthguard
Optional gloves or headgear depending on age bracket
1 point: Clean hit to the body or limbs
2 points: Strike to the head or a high-level counter
No points for blocked or glancing blows
Judges score with flags or cards
Matches usually run 1–2 rounds with a point cap. Control, posture, and awareness are crucial.
Arnis isn’t just about sparring. Many tournaments include Anyo divisions—pre-arranged forms demonstrating technique, balance, and flair. Think of it like kata in karate or poomsae in taekwondo.
Accuracy of movements
Power and fluidity
Expression of the system’s principles
Optional weapon use (sticks, daggers, or even empty hand)
Both solo and synchronized performances exist, often backed by cultural music or drum rhythms.
🎖️ Fun Fact: The Philippines Department of Education incorporated Anyo performance into its P.E. curriculum following Republic Act 9850.
Arnis values control. Whether in armor or not, these illegal moves can get you penalized or disqualified:
Thrusting the tip of the stick
Striking below the belt
Holding or grappling
Disarming, unless explicitly allowed
Excessive force beyond the accepted limit
Most competitions will issue a warning first, followed by point deduction, and eventually disqualification if repeated.
An official Arnis bout typically includes:
1 Referee (inside the ring)
2–3 Judges (scoring from outside)
Timekeeper
Scorekeeper
All decisions must be consistent with the guidelines of the format being followed. Disputes can go to a review board in major tournaments.
Arnis tournaments separate competitors by:
Age brackets
Weight divisions
Gender
Weapon category (solo, double, espada y daga)
This ensures fair and balanced matchups—especially in youth and school competitions.
These rules aren’t just arbitrary sport constructs—they reflect the ethos of Arnis. Historically, Filipino warriors trained for survival, not medals. But modern Arnis preserves that heritage while offering athletes a safe, structured, and competitive way to grow.
Even Republic Act 9850 emphasized Arnis as a vehicle for Filipino values, including discipline, honor, and respect for elders and teachers.
⚖️ “RA 9850 doesn’t just make Arnis a sport—it affirms it as a national legacy.” — Philippine National Commission for Culture and the Arts
Knowing the rules helps us appreciate what makes Arnis both beautiful and brutal. Whether it’s the armor-clad clashes of WEKAF or the graceful control of NARAPHIL’s point sparring, Arnis competitions are a living expression of Filipino history, identity, and martial excellence.
If you’re watching a match or training for one, don’t just count the hits—understand the why behind them.
Republic Act No. 9850 – Declaring Arnis as the National Martial Art and Sport
World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (WEKAF)
National Arnis Association of the Philippines (NARAPHIL)
Philippine Sports Commission Guidelines on Arnis
DepEd Curriculum on Arnis (PE Modules)
The two main formats are WEKAF (armor-based, full contact) and NARAPHIL (point-based, light contact). Each has different scoring systems and safety equipment requirements.
Scoring in WEKAF is based on accumulated clean strikes, tracked with mechanical counters. NARAPHIL uses a point-per-move system judged with flags or scorecards.
WEKAF competitors wear full-body armor including padded helmets with face grills, chest protectors, and forearm guards. NARAPHIL requires minimal gear, typically a stick, uniform, and safety guards.
Illegal actions include thrusting, grappling, disarming (in some formats), and excessive force. These can lead to point deductions or disqualification.
Yes, following Republic Act 9850, Arnis was integrated into the Department of Education’s Physical Education curriculum to promote Filipino martial heritage.
