Editing Arnis (section)

===Strikes===
Many Filipino systems focus on defending against and/or reacting to ''angles of attack'' rather than particular strikes. The theory behind this is that virtually all types of hand-to-hand attacks (barehanded or with a weapon) hit or reach a combatant via these angles of attack and the reasoning is that it is more efficient to learn to defend against different angles of attack rather than learn to defend against particular styles, particular techniques or particular weapons. For instance, the technique for defending against an attack angle that comes overhead from the right is very similar whether the attacker uses bare fists, a knife, a sword or a spear.

Older styles gave each angle a name, but more recent systems tend to simply number them. Many systems have twelve standard angles, though some have as few as 5, and others as many as 72. Although the exact angles, the order they are numbered in (numerado), and the way the player executes moves vary from system to system, most are based upon Filipino cosmology. These standard angles describe exercises. To aid memorization, player often practise a standard series of strikes from these angles, called an '''abecedario''' (Spanish for "alphabet"). These are beginner strikes or the "ABC's" of Arnis.

While most systems do incorporate a numbering system for the ''angles of attack'', not all use the same numbering system, so always get clarification before training in a new system or style. Additionally, while the angles are numbered for ease of discussion, the numbers do not generally define how the attack is thrown. That is to say, usually (excluding thrusts) a #1 angle, means an attack that starts on the right side of the practitioner and comes down at about a 45° from right to left. But, it does not matter whether this is done with the right or left hand (forehand or backhand) or if the hit continues through the target or returns back along the same line.

Some angles of attack and some strikes have characteristic names:
* '''San Miguel''' – a [[forehand]] strike with the right hand, moving from the striker's right shoulder toward their left hip. It is named after [[Saint Michael|Saint Michael the Archangel]], who is often shown in traditional icons as holding a flaming, divine sword at this angle. This is the most natural strike for most untrained people. It is commonly referred to as "angle #1" in systems where striking angles are numbered for training purposes, because it is presumed the most probable angle of attack.
* '''Sinawalì''' – the double-stick weaving movement most associated with Arnis, it is named for woven coconut or palm leaves called ''sawalì'' that are used as walls of [[nipa hut]]s. It is commonly seen in double-stick continuous attack-parry partner demonstrations.
* '''Redonda''' – a continuous, circular downward-striking, double-stick twirling technique. It whips in a circle to return to its point of origin. This is especially useful when using sticks rather than swords; it enables extremely fast strikes, but needs constant practice.
* '''Lobtik or Laptik''' – a through hit (forehand or backhand) where the weapon/stick swings through the target, coming from one side of the practitioners body and ending on the other side. Note: many systems do not allow the elbow to cross center (centerline) even though the stick or weapon is. 
* '''Witik''' – a returning hit (forehand or backhand) in which the strike "bounces" off the target and comes back or returns to the same side as it started.
* '''Abanico''' – from the Spanish for "fan", it is done by flicking the wrist 180° in a fan-shaped motion. This kind of strike can be very quick and arrive from unexpected angles. This motion is often done in secession hitting targets from opposite sides creating a nearly 360° arc. And can be done in front of the practitioner or over the head. 
* '''Pilantík''' – executed by whipping the stick around the wrist over the head in a motion similar to the ''abanico'', but in alternating 360° strikes. It is most useful when fighters are in grappling range and cannot create enough space for normal strikes.
* '''Hakbáng''' – From the Filipino for "step" or "pace", it is a general term for footwork. For example, ''hakbáng paiwás'' is pivoting footwork, while ''hakbáng tátsulók'' is triangular footwork.
* '''Puño''' – Spanish for "fist", "hilt", or "handle". It uses the butt of a weapon, and often targets a nerve point or soft spot on the opponent. In skilled hands, the ''puño'' strike can be used to break bones.

Many Arnis techniques have Spanish names, because Spanish was the [[lingua franca]] spoken during colonial times among the natives, who spoke over [[Languages of the Philippines|170 languages]] across 7,600 islands.

Arnis techniques are generally based on the assumption that both student and opponent are very highly trained and well prepared. Thus, Arnis tends to favour extreme caution, always considering the possibility of a failed technique or an unexpected knife. On the other hand, the practitioner is assumed to be capable of quick, precise strikes.

The general principle is that an opponent's ability to attack should be destroyed rather than trying to injure and convince them to stop. Many strikes are therefore aimed at the hands and arms, hoping to break the hand holding the weapon, or cut the nerves and tendons controlling it (the concept of "defanging the snake"). Strike to the eyes and legs are also important. This is summed up in a popular mnemonic: "Stick seeks bone, blade seeks flesh".