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General overview of grades

This ladder is not yet attributed to a specific organisation. Federations differ in belt colours and time requirements.

Modern Arnis, created by Grandmaster Remy Presas in the Philippines in 1957, systematized traditional Filipino stick fighting. The 6-level structure (Muti-Muti white to Lakan Lima 5th Dan) evaluates 12 striking angles with Single/Double Baston, Tapi-Tapi disarming, empty-hand trapping, and joint locks.

1st Level – White Belt (Muti-Muti)

Muti-MutiRank #1

Typical gap since previous grade: 3 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Basic 12 striking angles with rattan stick, Block-Check-Counter, & Sinawali drills.

Symbolism & Meaning

Modern Filipino system founded by Remy Presas in 1957 for safe instruction.

2nd Level – Green Belt (Lunti)

Typical gap since previous grade: 9 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Doble Baston double stick combat, Disarming patterns, and Punyo butt strikes.

Symbolism & Meaning

Deepening fluidity and two-handed mutual protection.

3rd Level – Blue Belt (Bungat)

Typical gap since previous grade: 12 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Tapi-Tapi trapping concept, knife disarming, and Mano Mano unarmed self-defense.

Symbolism & Meaning

Tapi-Tapi = Heart of Modern Arnis focusing on continuous trapping and disarming.

4th Level – Brown Belt (Kayumanggi)

KayumanggiRank #4

Typical gap since previous grade: 18 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Espada y Daga sword & dagger combat, joint locks, and free speed sparring.

Symbolism & Meaning

Pre-master rank requiring flawless 12 angles mastery with/without weapons.

5th Level – Lakan Isa (1st Degree Black Belt)

Lakan IsaRank #5

Typical gap since previous grade: 24 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Full master degree Lakan (male) / Dayang (female). Teaching & dojo management.

Symbolism & Meaning

Lakan Isa = Official certified instructor of Filipino Modern Arnis.

6th Level – Lakan Lima (Master of Tapi-Tapi)

Lakan LimaRank #6

Typical gap since previous grade: 60 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Senior Master of Tapi-Tapi title. Instructor training and system development.

Symbolism & Meaning

Lakan Lima = Directly verified successor of Grandmaster Remy Presas's legacy.