Guerrero Arnis de Mano (GADM) is the Arnis, Kali, Eskrima system that is founded by Guro Guerrero. What sets Guerrero Arnis de Mano apart is it's Multi-Style System, Multi-Weapon System and Multi-range System referred to as "the tripartite"
While others can be considered as systems base on their fighting range (eg. Long range systems) or the way they handle weapons (eg. slash systems, witik systems, abanico systems), Guerrero Arnis de Mano is "counter system" utilizing different styles, range and weapon as counter to different styles, range and weapons.
The tripartite concept is built into the training syllabus that is used by each student as he goes along to learn the art of Arnis, Kali, Eskrima. The syllabus is progressive, building from one skill set to the other.
What makes a complete Arnis, Kali, Eskrima system?
A system is complete when it has the following aspects:
A. System of Weaponry
B. System of Empty Hand combat
C. System of preparation
D. Strategy and Tactics
Guerrero Arnis de Mano is a system that implements the above through it's 5 pillars of Arnis, namely:
A. Panandata
B. Panuntukan
C. Panandyakan
D. Pagbuno
E. Paghahanda
Guerrero Arnis de Mano Training Objectives, Mindset and Application
The Objective: Develop Reaction, Reflex and Randomness
Guerrero Arnis focuses on the development of Reaction, Reflex and Randomness - code name 3R.
The 3R are developed through a systematic training methodology that is incorporated in the 5th Pillar of Arnis - Paghahanda.
Each practitioner needs to develop the 3R, lacking one will make the practitioner ineffective in combat, sparring and self-Defence scenarios as each one is dependent to the other.
One can have a good reflex and reaction, but if it is sequential or numerada (numbers or in sequence) in nature then it may not be useful in a combat scenario as combat is very random in nature. On the other hand, you can be good in reaction and randomness being able to block the strike but don't have good reflex to execute a counter Attack, then it is also pointless has the opponent will just keep on striking you.
The Mindset: multi-style, multi-weapon, multi-range
The capability to utilise different styles, different weapons and different ranges as and when needed is the very core of Guerrero Arnis de Mano.
As opposed to other systems that focuses only on specific style, weapon and range, Guerrero Arnis de Mano treats each style, weapon, and range with equal importance and applicability. The key is to be able to react and apply the techniques on a situational basis regardless of style, weapon used and range.
The Application: armed and unarmed combat and self-Defence capability
Functional techniques is the applicability of techniques on controlled (such as gym training and tournament environments) as well as live situational scenarios (such as street fight, combat and self-Defence). In simple words, what you learn at the gym should be applicable or useable outside of the gym.
Another aspect of functional techniques is referred to as "convertability" - the ability to convert or adapt or translate techniques from one type of weapon to another. Can a double weapon technique be applied to empty hand? If so, how can it be applied?
In the real world, you may not have the luxury of choosing the range or distance of the fight, you may be good at Long range technique however are inside an elevator when a hold-up situation occurred, you will be needing close range techniques.
In the real world, you will not be carrying weapons at all times, maybe due to inconvenience or regulations, however, having self-Defence tools better than not having at all. Do you have a pen? Can you use that as a self-Defence tool? If so, how will you use it?
Having the ability to utilise what you have (or don't have) to your advantage as well as being able to apply the techniques in real world could spell the rate of survival.
Guerrero Arnis de Mano Training Methodology
To develop techniques and capabilities, the following tried and tested approach is implemented:
A. Techniques Learning
a. Abecedario (form)
The basics or ABC's of the technique, the technique is broken own into simplified steps and concept for a Guerrero to learn and absorb.
b. Contrada (simulation)
Once a Guerrero is able to apprehend a technique and is able to execute the technique with some level of confidence he is then exposed to a simulation scenario on which the Guerrero is fed an angle of Attack. He then reacts on the feeding and executes the technique and counterattacks (thus the term Contrada).
c. Sumbrada (give and take)
also known as Bigay-Tama, is the exchange between 2 practitioners (Guerreros) whereby an Attack (give) is blocked (take) and countered (Attack) then that counter is also counter. This enables the practitioner to be exposed in realtime exchange of strike, block and counter sequence.
B. Techniques Application
a. Numerada (numbered or sequenced)
To facilitate learning, numbering system is introduced, such as Strikes 1-12, Blocks 1-12, Counters 1-12.
The techniques are executed as a sequence from one number to the next. This organises a Guerrero's learning to focus first on the technique and improve on it developing reaction and reflex.
Each technique and drill are introduced in a sequential manner (numerada) with the goal of making it random.
b. Laro (Random)
Once a Guerrero is comfortable with the techniques in Numerada mode. He is then exposed to the random mode whereby attack can come from different angles, he then needs to react and deliver a proper counter regardless of which angle the attack came from (the basis of randomness).
Sparring is another effective facility to practice randomness as both Guerrero's tries to attack strategically as well as defend themselves. Sparring can be in form of light/controlled sparring and/or full contact protected sparring.
C. Simulations and Drills
Guerrero Arnis de Mano deploys different kinds of drills to further develop and improve the 3R (reaction, reflex and randomness). This can be in the form of:
A. Sinawali
B. Sumbrada
C. Contrada
D. Hubud, tapi-tapi
E. Sparring or Duelo
Levels and Ranking
By tradition, Arnis does not have belting system, but a ranking system. A Guerrero (a student or Arnis practitioner) is ranked by his knowledge of the art and skills as displayed in his/her reaction, reflex and randomness. Only when passing the ranking or testing that he/she is promoted to the next level.
The 3 levels are:
a. Baguhan - beginners level
b. Bihasa - intermediate level
c. Mandirigma - accomplished and advance level