As an Amazon Associate, Modded gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
When you find yourself losing motivation to hit the gym, instead of pushing through, perhaps it’s time to shake things up a bit. There are plenty of fun fitness classes you can take that will boost your focus and introduce you to a whole new level of fitness. They can be a fun and purpose-driven addition to your routine.
One class you can take is Arnis, a Filipino martial arts based on traditional weapons-based fighting. Hollywood choreographers have incorporated it to fight scenes in movies like John Wick and the Bourne series. Aside from being visually dynamic, it is a sport that promotes physical prowess and powerful focus.
What Makes Arnis So Effective?
A national sport of the Philippines, arnis is a self-defense martial arts practice that is rich in cultural heritage. It is also known as Ekskrima or Kali. Here are some of the most unique aspects of the sport:
It Starts with the Weapon, to Master the Self
Many martial arts begin with body awareness and foundational skills before moving on to more advanced skills, such as handling weapons. On the other hand, you immediately start using a rattan stick as an extension of your body in Arnis classes. From there, you learn timing, managing distance with an opponent and the angles your arm and the stick can create.
Once you have mastered moving and defending with the sticks, you can begin learning empty-hand techniques.
The “Flow” — A State of Moving Meditation
Arnis is all about entering the flow state. Teachers, or guro in Filipino, encourage fluid motions and adaptive fighting techniques for their students. Think of a duel more as a conversation rather than a static, blow-by-blow fight. The body is in constant motion, adapting to the opponent’s every movement. This helps cultivate active mindfulness, a hugely useful skill in today’s fast-paced world. Additionally, using two sticks in both hands improves body-mind awareness and coordination.
Forging a Modern Warrior’s Mindset
The sport has physical, mental and spiritual benefits, perfect for men who want to spice up their workout routines. Arnis teaches focus, resilience and adaptability to its students.
Sharpening Your Focus to a Razor’s Edge
It’s no secret that arnis drills are quick and complex. However, instead of being discouraged by that, think of it as a step outside your comfort zone. This challenging aspect demands full presence and attention from you which can help improve your reaction time and cognitive function in other areas of your life. You might get better focus at work, less mental pressure and more determination to tackle hard things.
Cultivating Unbreakable Discipline
The martial art builds discipline in spades. The good news is that you don’t have to do much but go to class and enjoy and give your best effort. Pushing through initial clumsiness and being determined to master moves boosts your sense of self and capability to do hard things. It also teaches you to embrace the process, especially when it’s difficult. This confidence helps in other parts of your life, such as your career and relationships, flourish.
Functional Strength vs. Aesthetic Strength
Arnis builds a different kind of strength for weight lifting. Practicing your drills will help develop functional strength, explosive power, endurance and agility. Think of practice as the way your body learns to work as a coordinated unit. You’d be surprised to see what your body is capable of doing.
The Philosophy of Respect and Humility
Arnis is not an aggressive martial art at all. Instead, it is steeped in traditional and deep cultural values, all built on the foundation of respect. Matches tap sticks instead of a full-blown strike in training, which helps build control and attunement to your partner’s safety. This can help build quiet confidence that you can handle tough situations when they arise.
Finding the Right Guro and Attending the First Class
Look for Filipino Martial Art schools that can name their arnis lineage. This shows that they’re authentic in their passion and knowledge of the sport. Try a class to see if the teaching style fits with you. Do the students train with control in mind? Is the class’s overall atmosphere respectful and focused on learning? Another thing to consider or ask is how the center integrates new students. Is there a separate class for beginners? These are just some of the handy questions you can ask when researching for a learning center.
One the other hand, a good teacher is one who fosters a supportive learning environment and community. They will be patient when it comes to students learning new moves and techniques. Learning, not ego, is the name of the game. Before you start your classes, it would be great to share your goals with your arnis instructor. It can be anything you want to achieve, from fitness and confidence to just having a fun and challenging time.
During your first class, expect a warm-up, followed by a detailed lesson on the 12 angles of attack as well as a partner drill. Don’t worry if you feel awkward or unsure about a move. Everyone started out as beginners — you’ll improve once you start regularly practicing it.
The Essential Arnis Gears
The best thing about arnis is that it requires little equipment and investment at the start. Some of the things you need to keep in mind are:
- Arnis sticks: a simple pair of attack sticks
- Attire: Comfortable, athletic clothes
- Mindset: An open mind that is willing to fail and learn
The First Move is Yours
Arnis is a holistic martial arts practice that boosts your physical and mental well-being. Think of it as an investment toward your confidence, health and sense of community. This is what self-care for men truly means.
Take the first step into what could be a lifelong and treasured hobby by booking a class. You might find a stronger, sharper and more confident version of yourself.
