Quick Answer
DKing Combat System offers authentic Arnis, also known as Eskrima or Kali, training in Al Quoz, Dubai, taught by Senior Guro Joseph Grucio, a recognised Filipino Martial Arts instructor in the UAE since 2016. Group classes are AED 150 per person, capped at 10 students, and include full-day access to Max Burn Gym. Private lessons run AED 4,000 for 10 sessions. Group classes are currently paused for July, with an updated schedule to follow.
What is Arnis, and why does it matter as part of self-defense training?
Arnis is the national martial art and sport of the Philippines, formally recognised under Republic Act No. 9850. It's a practical combat system built around weapon proficiency, primarily stick and blade work, alongside empty-hand self-defense, footwork, timing, and reflex training. What makes Arnis genuinely valuable inside a broader self-defense system is the weapon awareness piece specifically. Most combat training focuses on unarmed scenarios, but real-world confrontations can involve improvised or actual weapons, and Arnis is one of the few disciplines built directly around that reality.
This is exactly why Arnis is part of the full DKing Combat System alongside Krav Maga, Boxing, Muay Thai, and BJJ, it fills a gap those disciplines don't cover on their own.
Who teaches Arnis at DKing Combat?
Every Arnis class is taught by Senior Guro Joseph Grucio, who has been actively promoting Filipino Martial Arts in the UAE since 2016. His credentials include:
- Senior Guro, Classical Arnis Grucio Escrima (CAGE)
- 5th Degree Black Belt (5th Dan Senior Guro), Warriors Lightning Scientific Arnis International (WLSAI)
- UAE Chapter Instructor Representative, WLSAI
- Representative, Laraw Kali Pamuok (LKP)
- 3rd Dan Black Belt, Shito-Ryu Shukokai Karate
This is one of the few Arnis programs in Dubai taught by an instructor with this level of documented lineage and standing within the Filipino Martial Arts community specifically, rather than a general martial artist adding stick work to a broader curriculum.
What does a group Arnis class actually involve?
Group classes are built to develop strong fundamentals before progressing into more advanced technique work, covering stick and weapon handling, footwork, timing, and empty-hand applications drawn from the same principles. Classes are priced at AED 150 per person, and every session includes full-day access to Max Burn Gym facilities on the same day, so you can train before or after your Arnis session. Class size is capped at a maximum of 10 students, keeping the coaching genuinely personal rather than a large group watching from the back.
Are private Arnis lessons available?
Yes. Students who want faster progress or more personalised instruction can book a package of 10 private sessions for AED 4,000 with Senior Guro Joseph Grucio directly. Private lessons suit a few groups specifically: beginners who want to move faster than a group pace allows, students focused specifically on self-defense application, martial artists from other disciplines looking to add weapon skills to their existing base, and instructors working on their own development.
Is Arnis suitable for beginners?
Yes. No prior martial arts or weapons experience is required. The class structure is designed to be beginner-friendly while still offering genuine depth for experienced martial artists and security professionals looking to sharpen practical, weapon-aware self-defense skills.
Where and when are classes held?
Training takes place at Max Burn Gym, Al Quoz, Dubai. The regular group class has traditionally run Sunday at 9:00 AM, though the schedule is currently under review and may shift to Saturday. Group Arnis classes are temporarily paused for the month of July, and the confirmed restart date and updated schedule will be announced on our website and social channels.
If you want to be notified the moment the schedule is confirmed, or want to start with private sessions in the meantime, message us directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Arnis, and how is it different from Eskrima or Kali?
Arnis, Eskrima, and Kali refer to the same family of Filipino Martial Arts, with naming differences largely regional. Arnis is officially recognised as the national martial art and sport of the Philippines under Republic Act No. 9850.
Who teaches Arnis at DKing Combat System?
Senior Guro Joseph Grucio, a 5th Dan Senior Guro with Warriors Lightning Scientific Arnis International (WLSAI) and Senior Guro of Classical Arnis Grucio Escrima (CAGE), has taught Filipino Martial Arts in the UAE since 2016.
How much do Arnis classes cost in Dubai at DKing Combat?
Group classes are AED 150 per person, including full-day Max Burn Gym access. Private lessons are available as a package of 10 sessions for AED 4,000.
Are Arnis classes currently running?
Group classes are temporarily paused for July. The updated schedule, including the confirmed day and restart date, will be published on our website and social media once finalised. Private sessions can typically still be arranged, contact us to confirm availability.
Do I need previous martial arts experience for Arnis?
No. Classes are structured to be beginner-friendly while offering real depth for experienced martial artists, security professionals, and anyone wanting practical weapon-aware self-defense skills.
📍 DKing Combat System, Max Burn Gym, Al Quoz 3, Street 4, Warehouse #10, Dubai, UAE 📞 DKing Saad: +971 50 754 6104 🌐 dkingcombat.com ✅ Apply or ask about Arnis availability: dkingcombat.com/apply
DKing Saad (Saad Iqbal) has coached martial arts and real-world self-defense for more than 20 years and is the founder of the DKing Combat System in Al Quoz, Dubai. More about Saad.