Utilizing Pool Noodles as Padded Sticks in Arnis Sparring Among College Students: Basis for Equipment Innovation

Sparring in Arnis, a weapon-based Filipino martial art, is rarely incorporated into college Physical Education (PE) programs. Several factors contribute to this situation, including the limited availability and high cost of protective equipment and the risk of blunt and musculoskeletal injuries. Although padded sticks were developed in the 1980s for freestyle sparring, their use still requires protective gear, making them expensive, less accessible, and impractical for ordinary PE students. The researcher explored the use of polyethylene foam float sticks, commonly known as "pool noodles," as an alternative training tool to make Arnis sparring safer, more enjoyable, and more accessible to students. This study aimed to determine the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of using pool noodles in Arnis sparring and to provide a basis for equipment innovation. Fifty students who participated in basic Arnis skills and sparring activities served as respondents. An open-ended questionnaire was employed to gather participants' narrative responses, which were analyzed thematically. The findings identified several advantages and disadvantages associated with pool noodles. The dominant theme was their contribution to student safety and enjoyment during sparring activities. However, participants identified limitations, particularly the excessive softness and flexibility of the material, which may reduce its effectiveness and realism during sparring. Despite these limitations, pool noodles demonstrate potential as an introductory training tool. The findings may serve as a basis for developing an improved Arnis sparring stick that retains the safety, affordability, and user-friendly characteristics of pool noodles while incorporating the firmness, handling, and performance characteristics of traditional rattan sticks.