Quick Answer
A beginner's first Arnis class at DKing Combat in Al Quoz, Dubai focuses on basic grip, stance, and fundamental striking angles, not sparring or advanced disarms. No prior martial arts or weapon experience is needed. Group classes run every Sunday, capped at 10 students, so every beginner gets real individual correction from day one.
Why beginners assume this will feel intimidating, and why it usually doesn't
A lot of people picture their first stick-fighting class as something aggressive or overwhelming, two people swinging rattan sticks at speed. That's not where training starts, and it shouldn't be. Like any serious martial art, Arnis builds from fundamentals first, and a well-structured first class is far calmer and more methodical than most beginners expect.
What actually happens in a first Arnis class
Getting comfortable holding the stick. Before any striking happens, you'll learn proper grip and how to hold your stance in a way that keeps you balanced and ready to move, not rigid or overextended.
The basic angles of attack. Arnis is built around a structured system of striking angles, and beginners typically start by learning the first few in isolation, slow, controlled, and repeated until the movement feels natural rather than forced.
Footwork before speed. Just like the striking itself, footwork is introduced gradually. You'll learn how to move your feet in coordination with a strike long before anything resembles live exchange.
Partner drilling at a controlled pace. Once the fundamentals feel steady, beginners are paired for basic, cooperative partner drills, both people know what's coming, and the pace stays slow enough to focus on correct technique rather than speed or power.
No pressure to spar on day one, or even week one. Sparring and faster-paced exchanges come later, once fundamentals are genuinely solid. Nobody is rushed into anything they're not ready for.
What you should bring, and what you don't need
You don't need your own equipment to start, sticks are provided during class. Comfortable training clothes and closed shoes are all that's required. If you decide to continue training regularly, some students eventually invest in their own pair of sticks, but that's a decision for later, not day one.
Who typically joins as a beginner
Complete beginners with zero martial arts background make up a large portion of every group. Some students come from other martial arts backgrounds looking to add weapon awareness to their existing skill set, and some come specifically because they're drawn to the cultural and historical depth of Filipino Martial Arts. All of these students train in the same beginner-friendly structure.
If you're curious about where Arnis actually comes from before you start, What Is Arnis? History and Why It Still Matters covers the full background.
How training progresses from here
After the fundamentals are solid, students progress into more advanced striking combinations, disarms, and eventually more dynamic partner work, all introduced at a pace matched to the individual, not a fixed group timeline. Arnis at DKing Combat is also taught as part of the full combat system, so the footwork, timing, and awareness built here carry directly into other disciplines too.
How to join
Group Arnis classes run every Sunday, with full-day access to Max Burn Gym included, capped at 10 students. Full pricing and class details are on our Arnis Classes in Dubai page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need experience to start Arnis classes?
No. Most students begin with zero stick or martial arts experience. The first class focuses on grip, stance, and basic striking angles at a controlled, beginner-friendly pace.
Will I have to spar on my first day?
No. Sparring and faster-paced exchanges come much later, once fundamentals are solid. Early training is slow, cooperative, and focused entirely on correct technique.
Do I need to bring my own equipment?
No. Sticks are provided during class. Comfortable training clothes and closed shoes are all you need to start.
How often do Arnis classes run?
Group classes run every Sunday, capped at 10 students, with full-day access to Max Burn Gym included.
How do I sign up for a beginner Arnis class?
See full class details and pricing on our Arnis Classes in Dubai page, or apply through dkingcombat.com/apply.
📍 DKing Combat System, Max Burn Gym, Al Quoz 3, Street 4, Warehouse #10, Dubai, UAE 📞 +971 50 754 6104 🌐 dkingcombat.com ✅ Apply here: 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.