List of Key Eskrima, Kali & Arnis Commands, Words & Terms

Here are a variety of the basic words and commands used in Arnis, Eskrima and Kali. This martial arts style often uses the Philippines language of Tagalog and some Spanish.

To learn techniques (i.e. strikes, blocks and disarms), please visit the main Eskrima, Kali & Arnis section. For other martial arts words & commands, please visit the main Martial Arts Terminology section.

Eskrima, Kali & Arnis Numbers - How to Count

• One - Isa
• Two - Dalawa
• Three - Tatlo
• Four - Apat
• Five - Lima
• Six - Anim
• Seven - Pito
• Eight - Walo
• Nine - Siyam
• Ten - Sampu
• For more numbers, please visit the main Eskrima Numbers section.

Eskrima, Kali & Arnis Words & Commands - Terminology

• Dagger - Daga
• Distance (Long Range) - Largo
• Distance (Medium Range) - Medio
• Distance (Short Range) - Corto
• Goodbye - Paalam
• Grappling or Wrestling - Dumog
• Handle/grip of weapon - Puño
• Hello - Mabuhay (or) Kumusta
• How are you? - Kumusta?
• Instructor - Guro
• Machete - Bolo
• Poke - Tusok
• Respect - Pugay (form of salutation/greeting between Kali practitioners)
• Stab or Thrust - Saksak
• Stick (Single) - Solo Baston
• Stick (Double) - Doble Baston
• Stick Weapon - Yantok
• Sword - Espada
• Sword and Dagger - Espada y Daga
• Thank You - Salamat
• Unarmed Combat - Mano Y Mano
• You Are Welcome - Walang Anuman
• Weaving (Weapon Movement) - Sinawali

References

1. Omniglot, Useful Tagalog Phrases, http://www.omniglot.com/language/phrases/tagalog.php, Added - 01/03/14
2. Blade Apprentice, http://bladeapprentice.com, Added 1/14/14