What Is Garimot Arnis Training at FKA?
Florida Karate Academy proudly incorporates Garimot Arnis Training (GAT) as a key element of advanced self-defense and weapons curriculum. Sensei Dave Roth is a certified Guro (teacher) in GAT, trained directly under founder Gat Puno Abundio S. Baet (who visits annually to teach seminars at our Vero Beach dojo).
GAT is a Filipino martial art with deep family lineage (over 300 years in the Baet family), focusing on:
Seamless flow between empty-hand techniques, stick (single/double), knife, espada y daga concepts, and other weapons.
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Practical, street-effective defense emphasizing angles, rhythm, timing, disarms, locks, and transitions.
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Integration of northern Luzon Filipino styles for adaptability across ranges.
All advanced FKA students learn GAT as part of comprehensive self-defense training. It complements Okinawan karate striking, jujitsu grappling, and kobudo weapons, creating versatile martial artists with balanced skill sets.
Our Garimot Arnis Curriculum
Classes are geared toward intermediate/advanced levels (with basics accessible via family or weapons programs) and feature:
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Single/Double Stick Techniques: Cinco Teros (Five Strikes) style – footwork, stances, strikes, counters, and fighting theory.
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Knife & Edged Weapon Defense: Disarms, locks, chokes, and tying methods; training blades for safe practice.
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Empty-Hand Translations: Flow from weapon to hand techniques, joint locks, and grappling integrations.
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Integrated Flow Drills: Weapon transitions (e.g., stick to knife to empty-hand), multiple attacker scenarios, and real-world applications.
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Philosophy & Discipline: Respect, awareness, adaptability, and humility – core to Filipino martial traditions.
Training is controlled and progressive, suitable for families (parents/kids advancing together with discounts), beginners transitioning from karate, and those preferring practical defense over sport focus.
Benefits
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Sharpens reflexes, timing, and hand-eye coordination.
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Builds practical self-defense against armed threats.
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Enhances overall martial flow and weapon awareness.
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Offers cultural depth from authentic Filipino lineage.
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Prepares for AAU competitive weapons divisions (national/world events).
Guided by Guro Dave Roth & Gat Puno Abundio S. Baet
Sensei Roth's GAT credentials include:
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Guro in Garimot Arnis Training (certified teacher under Gat Puno Abundio S. Baet).
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Extensive cross-training (e.g., 4th-degree Okinawan Kobudo, multiple black belts).
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Annual seminars hosted at FKA with the GAT founder himself.
This direct lineage ensures authentic instruction – from foundational drills to advanced applications – while producing champions and a supportive community (over 5000 students trained, most FKA champions in the area).
Perfect for Advanced Students, Families, and Self-Defense Focus
Arnis training appeals to:
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Intermediate/advanced students deepening self-defense skills.
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Families progressing together (any age, with family discounts).
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Students that seek training in practical weapons.
Unlike many FMA schools, FKA integrates GAT seamlessly with karate, jujitsu, and kobudo; offers true family co-training; starts kids young (Pre-K path); and maintains a family-first philosophy in Vero Beach (top-20 club for 20+ years).