Arnis De Mano

Arnis de Mano is a vigorous sport which requires and develops stamina, quick reactions, speed, accuracy, and excellent coordination. Arnis de Mano serves as an umbrella title for the seven major combative arts of the Philippines:

Laban Baston (Stick Fighting) - (single and double stick)
Laban Tabak (Sword Fighting) [including espada y daga]
Laban Daga (Knife Fighting) (including Balisong Manipulation Theory)
Laban Kamay (Hand to Hand Fighting) (Mano-mano)
Laban Sipa (Foot Fighting) (Sikaran)
Laban Buno (Grappling Arts) (ground fighting)
Garimot Hilot (Healing Arts) (accupressure massage)
Arnis is very much a mental game as well as physical. The cerebral aspects of the sport are highlighted as one attempts to quickly analyze the adversary's style while devising a means by which to counter it. In addition to analytical thinking, Arnis requires decisive thinking and the courage to assume the offensive when the opportunity presents itself. Good sportsmanship is an integral part of the Arnis tradition. Arnis was for many years considered a sport for gentlemen only and participants were expected to conduct themselves accordingly. Much of this "flavor" still exists today. Arnis de mano has been proven in combat throughout the many wars in Philippine history and is held in high regard by law enforcement officers around the world. The serious student will find the knowledge and skill gained through consistent and dedicated practice an invaluable addition to an existing martial arts repertoire.


Garimot System History

The Garimot system traces its family heritage back to the early 17th century. Its tree is rife with undefeated warriors of proven stature and unparalleled skill.
Gat Puno Abon "Garimot" Baet is the latest member of the family to embrace his family art as a whole. He is also the first to categorically organize and promote the system outside his family by means of books, magazine articles and public demonstrations/seminars. He began serious training at the age of 6 under the strict instruction of his father Felipe "Garimot" Baet. He would eventually train with many other masters, most of whom were previously defeated by his father or grandfather, in an effort to learn as many different styles as possible.

The family secrets, however, were never shared. At the age of 12, Gat Puno Abon, was called upon to demonstrate his skill before a national Philippine audience. He would begin his 7 year championship reign in the Laguna provinces at the age of 16. These unpadded stick fights were often brutal and invariably bloody. However, defeat would never be known to him. As his fame grew throughout the Laguna provinces, he began to amass a large student following under the banner of the Paete Arnis Club. In 1986, Gat Puno Abon accepted on opportunity to relocate to the United states. In 1989, he established the Philippine Martial Arts, Garimot system U.S.A. International. Now a U.S. citizen, Gat Puno Abon has dedicated his life to the promotion of the Philippine Arts and the rich history which surrounds it.


Garimot System Characteristics

One of the most unique aspects of the Garimot system is the practice of Moro-Moro training. The Larong Moro-Moro is a socio-religious dance play which dramatizes the triumph of the Christians over the Muslim Moors. In the late 1600's, under the rule of Spain, the practice of martial arts was banned in the Philippines. In order to preserve their culture and martial forms, the Arnisadores created the dances that demonstrated the movements used in combat. The Garimot system has preserved this rare art in its true form and incorporated it as a part of basic training. Although the Garimot system includes highly effective and diverse medium and short range combat strategies, its use of "Largo Mano" (Long Hand) in the long range arena stands alone. The study includes a meticulous analysis of angles, body positioning, and distancing. The result is a greater awareness of the defensive and offensive posture of both combatants. Its mastery is critical to success in stick and sword (or bolo) fighting.