What’s in a Logo? The Meaning Behind Modern Arnis & World Modern Arnis Symbols
Over the years, I’ve had a lot of conversations with people about our logos—both the Modern Arnis emblem and the World Modern Arnis logo—and I’m always surprised by how many folks don’t know what they actually mean. So, I figured it’s time to break it down and share the story behind the symbols we wear with pride.
Modern Arnis Logo
The Modern Arnis emblem is packed with meaning. The sun, along with the red and blue, comes straight from the Filipino flag, honoring the art’s cultural roots. That connection to the Philippines is something we always strive to respect and preserve.
The pattern of arms, sticks, and swords isn’t just a cool design—it represents the sinawali or “weaving” flow of movement we practice. It’s also a visual of our philosophy: structure, motion, and unity. The interlocking arms stand for the unity among practitioners, and the square formed within the circle reflects the two lines of attack: linear and circular.
World Modern Arnis Logo
The sun here also pays tribute to the Filipino flag and to Professor Remy Presas, the founder of Modern Arnis. The eight rays of the sun represent the eight angles of attack we teach.
The black in the logo is a sign of mourning and respect for the Presas brothers—Remy, Ernesto, and Roberto—whose contributions shaped the art as we know it.
The triangle holds even more meaning. It represents our 3 x 3 Matrix:
- The Presas brothers: Remy, Ernesto, and Roberto
- The three aspects: Martial Art, Martial Sport, and Martial Combat
- The three pillars: Fitness, Form, and Function
The sword in the center? That’s all about the warrior spirit—and it also acknowledges the non-Filipino influences that have helped Modern Arnis evolve.
I hope this gives you a better sense of what our logos stand for—and why we wear them with pride. If you have a logo of your own, I’d love to hear the story behind it. Whether it’s packed with symbolism or just an awesome design, there’s always something to be said about how we choose to represent ourselves and our journey.
Respectfully,
Datu Tim Hartman
Grand Master of Presas Arnis
CEO, World Modern Arnis
“The FMA Ambassador”
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