Only in the Philippines!

The declaration and aproval of Republic Act 9850, or "An Act Declaring Arnis as the National Martial Arts and Sports of the Philippines."

It is now official that Arnis, a traditional form of martial art, as the country's national martial arts and sports.

The law states that, starting this year, arnis competitions shall be included in the Palarong Pambansa or the national multi- sport event. The law also requires arnis to be a mandatory course or subject in all schools in the country. Prior to the bill, arnis is only offered in a few schools as an elective physical education subject.


Arnis is a complete martial art system, encompassing weapons training and empty-hand self-defense.