CASASAI (Combative and Sportive Arnis System Association Incorporated) is an organization that promotes CASAS. CASAS stands for Combative and Sportive Arnis System. Arnis, Eskrima or Kali as some other modern practitioners call it, is often misunderstood by non-practitioners of the Filipino Martial arts. They thought that Arnis training is only confined to the use of sticks. On the contrary, Arnis is a complete system of Martial Arts. Arnis System is unusual because the practitioner begins by learning armed combat and progresses to unarmed fighting skills that include boxing, kicking, grappling and trapping. CASAS is actually a system of Arnis training which utilizes modern and scientific approach in training students to acquire self-defense techniques and skills in Arnis for self- defense and sport competitions. What makes CASAS unique? It begins training the practitioner with the use of two sticks. It teaches twenty-four variations of sinawali movements designed by Guro Mel O. Balberde to enhance good coordination using both hands.
CASAS recognizes that Arnis sport is a good avenue which a practitioner can express his learned skills in Arnis. Though it is different in a real combat, it encourages students to become self-disciplined, their skills sharpened, and also promotes unity through the spirit of sportsmanship. It is in this notion that CASAS is beneficial in promoting Arnis sports which were already established by other organizations like the Arnis Philippines Inc., International Modern Arnis Federation, and other local or international Arnis organizations.
Philosophy
The natural universe is an expression of profound love and beauty. In Arnis, both the origin and center of universal love is God. The flexibility of rattan and bamboo sticks symbolizes the unselfish love which is willing to sacrifice pride and honor in order to unite all the creation. The solid stick and bladed weapons represent strong determination to uphold righteousness for the attainment of peace. Thus, the principle of Love is the guiding principle of Combative and Sportive Arnis System or CASAS.
The Tenets of CASAS
- An arnisador is a man who walks in humility.
- An arnisador is a man who bears true love.
- An arnisador is a man of integrity.
- An arnisador is a knight who upholds truth and justice.
- An arnisador is an ambassador of peace.
