F.A.Q.
- Can I achieve rank from Clear Lake Modern Arnis?
I am an IMAF, Inc. certified instructor. You will be able to test for rank up to Probationary Black Belt (Lakan) provided:
- You are an active member of the IMAF
- You have mastered the techniques assigned for the test level
- You have satisfied the minimum calendar requirement according to the IMAF standard.
- How long does it take to attain a black belt in Modern Arnis?
IMAF requires a minimum number of classes and time between each test. In general it will take a minimum of 5 years to acquire a black belt (Lakan Isa, probationary black belt).
Please reference http://modernarnis.net for full curriculum requirements. - What is a good age to start Modern Arnis?
I recommend starting Modern Arnis training no younger than 12. Children under the age of 12 may not have the required motor skills to control the sticks which would increase the probability of accidents.
Arnis is not a competitive martial art and therefore has no age limit. No matter your age, if you are 12 or older, you can start Modern Arnis as long as you are in relatively good health and physical condition.
- Do you honour black belts from other martial art styles?
If you do not have prior training with Modern Arnis, you will have to start as a White Belt. Your prior training will help you to learn Arnis faster.
- Do you honour black belts from other Modern Arnis schools?
Since Clear Lake Modern Arnis is an IMAF affilated class, we honour all ranks awarded by Professor Remy Presas and ranks awarded by currently affiliated IMAF schools.
- Do I need to purchase equipment or a uniform for the training?
To begin, you will need a minimum of two Rattan sticks (24-28 inches in length, width determined by hand size) and eventually one training knife. We periodically do spar, so you should purchase sparring gloves and a protective cup for male students or protective bra for female students to participate in sparring. Sparring is not required, but is encouraged.
The official Modern Arnis uniform is a black T-shirt and black pants with two red stripes on the side of both legs. Clear Lake Modern Arnis does not require you to wear a formal uniform until you become an IMAF member. We do require you to wear a shirt with sleeves and pants (no shorts). Shoes are optional, but the floors are wooden.
- How will Modern Arnis affect my current or previous martial arts training?
Modern Arnis is a complete martial art system. If you have prior training in other forms of martial arts, Modern Arnis will blend well and enhance the skills you already have via footwork, weapon and hand drills.
- What books would be a helpful reference?
Personally, I recommend the book Modern Arnis: Filipino Art of Stick Fighting, ISBN 089750089X, published by Ohara Publications.
The IMAF website also offers a wide variety of books and DVDs at: http://modernarnis.net
- Is the training physically demanding?
All martial arts systems require some physical exertion. You control how much effort to put into your Modern Arnis training. You will not be competing with anyone else in class; you can train at your own speed and level. Through training, you endurance will improve.
- Do you have a general training plan/curriculum?
The IMAF has curriculum requirements from Yellow belt to Black belt. In addition to the IMAF curriculum, I supplement the class with strength, coordination, and footwork drills, as well as occasional knife-tapping drills.
