The heart of Modern Arnis is Tapi-Tapi, which means, "counter for counter." The idea is simple: no matter what your opponent does, be educated and prepared with a counter. When two practitioners work together, the counters continue back and forth until one partner "catches" the other.
The intense mental contest that occurs in this type of training (especially when it is done competitively) creates a dynamic chess-like struggle. It requires a sharp mind and a good knowledge of technique, as well as the precise physical skill and combination of attributes that make the techniques effective. Additionally, it requires the ability to follow the opponent, using whatever energy the opponent gives to use for your own advantage, and also to lead the opponent down a certain path, causing the opponent to choose techniques that you have prepared to counter. These advanced tactics bring efficiency, making victory closer and the opponents’ margin of error slimmer. All of these factors also develop a will to survive and a will to succeed despite the situation.
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