The name of the Filipino sword and dagger technique is "espada y daga", which is sometimes also practiced with a stick and dagger instead of a sword and dagger combination. It is one of the more advanced techniques taught in escrima, and is very effective once the user is able to close the distance and enter the vulnerable zone of the opponent. At such close range the technique becomes almost unstoppable.
This technique is reserved only for the more advanced students of escrima, and is often taught first with just a stick and an open hand. It requires a mastery of the basic principles of single weapon combat, and it also requires more coordination and concentration. It is a mainstay in most of the major styles of Escrima, such as Kalis Ilustrisimo, Lightning Scientific Arnis, and Modern Arnis. In fact, some styles consider it to be the "crown jewel" of their system.
Though it may be difficult at first, eventually those who master the espada y daga can perform alternating attacks at breathtaking speeds, attacks which can no longer be anticipated by the opponent. Also, the master of espada y daga no longer has to rely on predetermined combinations but can completely improvise, targeting different parts of the opponent's body at his choosing. In this way the opponent is literally "chopped to pieces."
It seems that even though the name of the technique is Spanish (because of the Spanish colonization of the Philippines for more than three-hundred years), the technique itself is pre-hispanic in origin. It is possible that native warrior clans were already using and practicing the espada y daga long before the Spanish ever arrived. They may even have used this technique on the Spanish soldiers they fought with!
Is this technique still useful in the modern age, especially given the popularity of firearms? Add to that the fact that it is impossible to carry bladed weapons in many countries, unless you want to get arrested. Some escrima practitioners insist that the espada y daga techniques can also be translated into empty hand combat. Others also emphasize its usefulness with modern police weapons such as the baton and handcuffs. There are also those who appreciate espada y daga for the aesthetics of it, the graceful and continuous motion that almost resembles the Filipino Martial Art version of a ballet performance.
As always, we emphasize responsibility when using such techniques. These techniques were meant to be deadly, and it was traditionally taught only to those who were mature enough in mind and spirit. Maybe you're the kind of person who is mature enough in his inner character to learn this art.
This technique is reserved only for the more advanced students of escrima, and is often taught first with just a stick and an open hand. It requires a mastery of the basic principles of single weapon combat, and it also requires more coordination and concentration. It is a mainstay in most of the major styles of Escrima, such as Kalis Ilustrisimo, Lightning Scientific Arnis, and Modern Arnis. In fact, some styles consider it to be the "crown jewel" of their system.
Though it may be difficult at first, eventually those who master the espada y daga can perform alternating attacks at breathtaking speeds, attacks which can no longer be anticipated by the opponent. Also, the master of espada y daga no longer has to rely on predetermined combinations but can completely improvise, targeting different parts of the opponent's body at his choosing. In this way the opponent is literally "chopped to pieces."
It seems that even though the name of the technique is Spanish (because of the Spanish colonization of the Philippines for more than three-hundred years), the technique itself is pre-hispanic in origin. It is possible that native warrior clans were already using and practicing the espada y daga long before the Spanish ever arrived. They may even have used this technique on the Spanish soldiers they fought with!
Is this technique still useful in the modern age, especially given the popularity of firearms? Add to that the fact that it is impossible to carry bladed weapons in many countries, unless you want to get arrested. Some escrima practitioners insist that the espada y daga techniques can also be translated into empty hand combat. Others also emphasize its usefulness with modern police weapons such as the baton and handcuffs. There are also those who appreciate espada y daga for the aesthetics of it, the graceful and continuous motion that almost resembles the Filipino Martial Art version of a ballet performance.
As always, we emphasize responsibility when using such techniques. These techniques were meant to be deadly, and it was traditionally taught only to those who were mature enough in mind and spirit. Maybe you're the kind of person who is mature enough in his inner character to learn this art.
About the Author:
The author is certified martial arts instructor who has also authored other essays here and this one.
No comments:
Post a Comment