What Is Pro Arnis?
Pro Arnis, short for Professional Arnis, is a modern and complete Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) system. It was designed with one goal in mind: to make a practitioner truly functional in the real world, across multiple ranges and against armed or unarmed threats. Drawing from traditional Kombatan Arnis, Pro Arnis takes it further by integrating progressive tactics, structured drills, and combat-ready flows.
Students can train in Flagstaff, Arizona or participate remotely via live Zoom sessions—making it one of the most accessible and adaptive systems of its kind.
Whether you’re here to defend yourself, grow as a leader, or test your skill in combat—Pro Arnis has a clear path for you.
The Three Focused Outcomes of Pro Arnis
Pro Arnis is designed to build professional-level martial artists by focusing on three core outcomes:
Protection
The foundation of Pro Arnis. Students gain skills to protect themselves and others through practical self-defense, weapon fluency, and situational readiness. Most students can achieve basic defense against a common unarmed attacker within three months.Coaching
For those who wish to teach, lead, or adapt martial arts to serve others. Pro Arnis provides certified coaching tracks and curriculum design training to support instruction across diverse populations.Competition
Students can engage in fencing and structured sparring using Pro Arnis weapons. This hones timing, precision, and decision-making—and serves as both a test of skill and a rewarding recreational pursuit.
Structured Curriculum from White to Black
Professional Arnis includes 5 pre-black ranks and 3 black belt levels. Each stage builds toward mastery:
Pre-Black (White to Brown):
White to Yellow: Foundations, Sinawali, 12-strike patterns, first disarms
Green: Largo flow, stick control, advanced twirls, foundational dagger work
Blue: Classical patterns, fencing begins, power striking
Brown: Coach certification, Doble Baston, Espada y Daga formal sets
Black Belt Levels:
Black 1: Comprehensive expertise across all weapon types; takedowns; advanced disarms; beginning firearm controls
Black 2 (Expert): Tactical switching under resistance; expert fencing and counter-resistance; real-time adaptation
Every belt includes formal testing and experiential hours.
Skill Groups and Weapon Proficiency
Pro Arnis organizes development into Seven Skill Groups:
Footwork
Delivering Force
Blocking
Disarming
Releasing Holds
Trapping
Takedowns
Students become proficient with:
Baston (Stick): Single and double (Sinawali)
Daga (Dagger): Offensive and defensive sets
Espada y Daga: Coordinated sword and dagger
Empty Hand Applications: Derived from weapon principles
Firearm Control: Starting at Black 1, students learn real disarms and redirections
Real-World Self-Defense, Not Sport
Pro Arnis prepares you to defend against real threats, not just sparring partners.
Techniques are pressure-tested in scenario drills including:
Armed vs unarmed defense
Multiple attacker scenarios
Escapes, immobilizations, and neutralizations
Positionally compromised combat (e.g. seated, grounded, confined space)
This isn’t fantasy combat. It’s functional self-defense.
How Pro Arnis Is Taught: Local and Zoom Options
Train Locally: Classes are available in Flagstaff, AZ at partnered martial arts facilities. Training includes:
Structured curriculum progression
Partner drills and live coaching
Sparring and scenario testing
Train via Zoom: Live online training mirrors in-person lessons with modifications for solo drills and feedback. Perfect for:
Remote learners
Busy professionals
Those without a local martial arts option
🌐 Want to Train Online?
We offer complete virtual training through our dedicated site, Water Mountain Virtual. Whether you’re learning from across the country or fitting lessons into a busy schedule, you’ll get structured curriculum, online instruction, and real feedback—no experience required.
Not Everyone Wants to Go Pro—And That’s Okay
While Pro Arnis is designed to develop professional-grade martial artists, it also includes a built-in exit point after three months. By then, most students can deliver a strong defense against a common unarmed attacker.
That means you can train Pro Arnis:
To become highly skilled
To improve your fitness
Or just to enjoy yourself while learning powerful techniques
Want to Go Deeper?
If you’re someone who values structure, practicality, and deep expertise, explore the system in full:
📄 View the Full Professional Arnis White Paper
This document provides the technical depth and complete curriculum progression.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Pro Arnis?
- Pro Arnis is a modern Filipino Martial Arts system that emphasizes self-defense, coaching, and competition. It is short for Professional Arnis.
- Can I learn Pro Arnis online?
- Yes. Pro Arnis offers complete online training through live Zoom sessions and structured courses via Water Mountain Virtual.
- Is Pro Arnis good for beginners?
- Absolutely. Pro Arnis has a built-in three-month program that enables most beginners to confidently defend against common unarmed attacks.
- What weapons are used in Pro Arnis?
- Pro Arnis includes training in baston (stick), daga (dagger), espada y daga (sword and dagger), and empty-hand techniques. Firearm control is introduced at advanced levels.
- What makes Pro Arnis different from other martial arts?
- Pro Arnis integrates technical drills, tactical adaptation, and realistic self-defense scenarios. It also includes certified coaching and fencing-based competition.
