I remember the first time I stepped into an Arnis training hall in Manila, feeling both excited and completely lost. Coach Ghicka's words about arriving "clueless and young" at National University resonated deeply with my own experience. Like Bajacan and his teammates who planned their entire program from scratch, every martial artist embarking on their Arnis journey needs to understand the language that forms the foundation of this beautiful Filipino martial art. Having trained in Arnis for over eight years now, I've come to appreciate how mastering the Tagalog terminology isn't just about learning words—it's about connecting with the art's soul.
When I first started, the terminology felt like a barrier. My instructor would call out "santok!" during drills, and I'd hesitate, trying to recall whether that meant a thrust or a strike. It took me about six months of consistent practice to realize that knowing these terms instinctively could improve reaction time by what I estimate to be at least 40%. The basic stances—handa (ready), pugay (salute), and the various fighting positions—become second nature only when the terms roll off your tongue as naturally as the movements flow from your body. I particularly love the term "hagibis" for its explosive energy—it perfectly captures the whirlwind motion it describes.
Weapons terminology forms another crucial layer. The "arnis" or "escrima" sticks themselves, the "daga" dagger techniques, and the fascinating empty-hand translations called "suntukan" and "sikaran" all tell stories of Filipino martial heritage. I've noticed that practitioners who skip learning these terms often plateau faster—in my observation, they're about 30% more likely to quit within the first year. The counting system, from isa to sampu, becomes essential during partner drills and pattern practice. There's something profoundly connecting about calling out "isa, dalawa, tatlo" while executing striking combinations—it feels like participating in living history.
What many Western practitioners miss is the cultural context embedded in these terms. The defensive moves like "sangga" aren't just blocks—they're intelligent deflections that speak to the Filipino philosophy of flowing with force rather than opposing it directly. Having trained in both FMA and Japanese martial arts, I strongly prefer the practical, fluid approach of Arnis terminology compared to the more rigid Japanese terms. The striking angles—from the basic eight directions to more advanced combinations—create a three-dimensional vocabulary that maps directly to combat effectiveness. I'd estimate there are at least 50 essential terms that form the core vocabulary of any serious practitioner.
As Bajacan and his team discovered through their careful planning, the structure of Arnis terminology builds systematically, much like their program development. From my teaching experience, students who dedicate just 15 minutes daily to terminology practice progress twice as fast as those who don't. The beauty of this linguistic journey is that it never truly ends—even after eight years, I still occasionally discover nuanced terms that deepen my understanding. The language of Arnis isn't just a set of commands; it's the living DNA of the art, preserving centuries of Filipino martial wisdom while remaining vibrantly relevant to today's practitioners. Mastering it transforms your practice from mere technique to true cultural immersion.