From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Hinigaran Arnis de Mano is a system of martial arts founded by Roberto Presas based on his training in Karate, Judo, and Modern Arnis.

Grandmaster Roberto Presas (on the right)

In a recent interview, Roberto Presas recently shared that the term Modern Arnis denotes the Presas family style and was later adopted by Remy Presas (Roberto’s oldest brother) as the name of his system. It was also used by (brother) Ernesto Presas to describe his style of Filipino martial arts; since 1999 Ernesto Presas has called his system Kombatan and Roberto Presas calls his Hinigaran Arnis de Mano.

The system of Hinigaran Arnis de Mano is primarily a "largo" (long) range system known for powerful strikes and is also considered an "old style" system where stance and proper movement are emphasized before developing speed or countless patterns. It continues to be taught to Philippine Law Enforcement agencies as well as civilians.

Similar to most other Filipino martial arts, a student of Hinigaran Arnis de Mano trains with a weapon from day one. Focus is placed on the use of rattan sticks known as “bastons” and include single baston, double baston, and espada y daga (stick and dagger / sword and dagger), as well as bolo, bo staff, nunchauku, and empty hand.

The core of the system is based on six angles of striking, 6 basic blocks, 6 basic disarms, siniwali patterns and anyos (katas). The footwork focuses on a deep forward stance and horse stance and is able to work both on a linear attack as well as circular. More advanced techniques such as locks, take-downs, freestyle, balintawak, and espada y daga are taught to the advanced practitioner over time.

Grandmaster Roberto is currently conducting seminars in the Philippines and working with his American representative Kurtis Goodwin to develop a series of training DVDs to be available to the public as he is currently unable to leave the Philippines. He has also expressed interest in writing a book about the history and art of Hinigaran Arnis de Mano.

The Hinigaran Arnis de Mano Organization is headed by Grandmaster Roberto Presas himself and is being spread through the Philippines and America with the help of his top students and representatives. In 2006 they held the first annual 2 week Winter Camp in Hinigaran, Negros Occidental, Philippines.

• 7th Dan, John B. Daniels (American Rep.)
• 5th Dan, Kurtis Goodwin (American Rep.)
• 4th Dan, Ike de la Cruz (Filipino Rep.)