Learning Arnis and Boxing: Lessons I Learned as a Beginner

I am a person who has never been active in my 34 years of existence. By “not active,” I mean I haven’t participated in outdoor activities or found a sport to play in general. Of course, I have my reasons, primarily because I am introverted by nature. I always thought that people who love sports inhabited a different world, one that I didn’t fit into.

To be fair, I tried joining some groups back in school; I even attempted Taekwondo in my sophomore year and played badminton in college, but I always ended up feeling out of place. However, this doesn’t mean that sports are bad for me; it just shows that we have different worlds where we find joy and a sense of belonging.

How it all started!

Last year, around October 2024, I was walking the streets in Al Rigga when I met two kabayan (a term for Filipinos living abroad) who were practicing Arnis. It caught my attention because the use of sticks in Arnis is fascinating, unique, and distinctly Filipino. When living abroad, you become more appreciative of your culture, as it sets you apart. I asked them if they were accepting new members and whether they welcomed beginners. Luckily, they confirmed that they were looking for people to join the team, and that was how it all began. I bought my first Arnis sticks and even purchased new clothes for training.

Conquering oneself:

On my first day, I must admit it was challenging—Arnis is difficult, requiring focus and dedication to master the use of the sticks. There are many things to consider when starting out, but as they say, the journey of a thousand steps begins with the first one. My first step was to learn the 13 manners of Arnis, which are basically the different attacks using the sticks and the proper stances.

It was hard for me because I felt weak, but something inside urged me not to give up. I understood that I needed time to learn; like anything else in life, mastery requires patience and commitment. It’s similar to becoming a teacher, which demands years of education and preparation before you can become a licensed professional.

The first month was the hardest, filled with adjustments. The first battle I had to face was waking up early on weekends to practice. This was particularly challenging for someone like me, who is naturally nocturnal, but I overcame it. This was the first lesson I learned from Arnis: your greatest enemy is often yourself, and if you don’t conquer your inner struggles, you may lose before you even start.

Conquering the others:

As my journey continued, subsequent months became more manageable. The second battle I faced was practicing in front of others. While the first battle was about overcoming inner thoughts, the second was about dealing with the impact of others on my self-worth. It can be daunting to be surrounded by more skilled individuals who excel at what they do. Honestly, I’ve felt ashamed and questioned whether I belonged to the group. External pressures can affect your mindset before you’ve even begun.

However, life has a way of offering us new perspectives. Just when I thought everyone else was perfect, I realized that everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Strength manifests in various forms—not just physical power, but also kindness, talent, intelligence, and empathy. While I may be the weakest in terms of physical skill, I believe I possess a strong will. Being surrounded by talented people and overcoming insecurities is a form of strength in itself. My unique vision of life also empowers me, making me strong in ways that transcend physical ability.

Understanding Self-discipline and Respect:

Another significant lesson I learned is the importance of discipline and respect in martial arts. Those who practice Arnis are dedicated and have sacrificed much to reach their level, and the rewards of this commitment are fulfilling. Being involved in this self-defense art has deepened my understanding of self-discipline and respect. This lesson is something I have learned best through personal experience. Lastly, truly great individuals do not bully the weak; instead, they strive to help them. I feel strong because I have never been made to feel weak, and the support I’ve received from others has made all the difference in my journey.