Long Stick Fighting Method

Largo Olisi System- The Long Stick Fighting Method By Master Marc Lawrence 2015

Table of Contents Introduction by Author Sections 1. Introduction to Basic FMA Weapons 2. Overview of the Long Stick 3. Four Simple Rules When Fighting with Weapons 4. Parts of the Stick 5. Methods of Gripping and Types of Grips 6. Understanding the Mechanics of a Strike 7. The Four Ranges when Fighting 8. The Ten Weapons of the Human Body 9. Where to Watch with Eyes when Fighting 10. Body Positions Instead of Stances 11. The Concept of the Five Geometric Lines of Human Body 12. The Base of the Framework of the Human Body 13. The Body and its Zones of Targets 14. Application of Fighting Geometry Concepts 15. Footwork for Fighting 16. Zones of Offensive and Defensive Actions 17. The Three Rhythms of Weapons and Fighting 18. The Four Types of Pressure in Fight 19. Developing your Peripheral Vision or How to See in Fight 20. One Handed Stick Fighting Methods 21. Introduction to Thrusting Methods 22. Two Handed Striking Methods 23. Retaining Your Weapon in a Fight 24. Blocking Methods the Three Guards 25. Strike Block Methods 26. Sweep Block Methods 27. Rigid Block Methods 28. Slapping Blocks and Parrying Methods 29. Disarming and Disarming Methods 30. Stick Grappling and Stick Throws 31. Long Stick Fighting Verses Hand to Hand Attacks 32. Fighting From The Ground 33. Street Attack Situations, Applications and Closing Thoughts 34. A Warriors Code 35. References

Introduction The fighting system contained in this manual is designed to be a stand-alone fighting system. It is part of a multi-system created by me and my life experiences. Our system is called Modified Pangamut which means simple Modified or Modernized Skilled Hands. This is has the meaning as Kung Fu in Chinese which is how you do something not what you do. The concepts I have written here are modernized methods that are effective all of these situations. They have been used by students and myself in real life situation and have kept them safe. The Largo Olisi- Long Stick method was designed to keep a person with limited resources and time a way to be able to fight and preserve themselves. This system taught here is not only a Filipino Martial Arts system but one that is can be used by any martial arts system! It is used today by Karate and Kung Fu schools and it taught as one their weapons systems. The long stick can be changed out with a wooden cane which by definition is a medical devise. The stick when fighting does not need to be rattan it can be any hard wood that is not brittle. I recommend that is you carry a walking stick that you put a small rubber tip on it so that others see it as walking stick not as club. Study the material in this manual as if your life will depend on it as it may someday. I hope that those who training in my system of fighting never have to apply the skill outside of training. Good luck and stay safe out there. Marc Lawrence Mataw Guro ( Master Teacher) South Bay Filipino Martial Arts Club Torrance, CA

1. Introduction to Basic FMA Weapons- Use & Strikes for Sticks, Bolo and Knives and other Weapons In the basic level FMA training weapons consist of three types, sticks, sword/bolo and knife. Everybody is introduced to the stick; the stick is an impact weapon primarily and can be used as thrusting weapon. Impact strikes are broken into horizontal, vertical, forehand and backhand strikes. As a thrusting weapon it is used in a forward thrusting motion or rearward motion. Horizontal, Vertical, Forehand and Backhand strikes can be the linear or curving type strikes. The strikes can be full, half or partial, other broken rhythm types of strikes. The length of the stick dictates the reach of the weapon and the amount of maneuverability you have around obstacles. It is recommended that all students should practice in variety of areas such as the typical open park area, around trees, in halls or tunnels, around parked cars and alleys. If possible with safety equipment have a student be in the middle of a crowd in a gang style attack. The thickness of the stick does affect the amount of transferred energy; an example of this is the thicker the stick the heavier the impact, the skinny the stick the whippier the stick. The hardness of the stick adds to the force of the impact due to the weight of the stick. Bolos were an agricultural tool used for cutting cane and other jungle/forest products. They typically do not have hand guard like the true shorts swords of the Philippines. The center of gravity of the blade is forward and low designed to make deep cuts with minimal effort. These blades are effective fighting weapons as well. Using them requires practice in blocking and cutting. Any contact with a blade is bad as it leads to a cut. Typical Bolos have curve handles allowing the user to retain their tool when slippery. As these are carried in rural areas they are work tool like a shovel. The individuals carrying them become quite proficient due to the daily use of it.

Collection of Bolos from the Philippines Knifes are a common tool and weapon found everywhere. They are a medium to close range weapon. They can be used in combination with kicks and punches. There are single and double edge knifes each having its advantages and disadvantages in fighting with hand to hand. A classic hunting knife is good all around tool and fighting knife. It can slash as well as thrust. It can be used in combination of thrust – slash-thrust causing multiple wounds and is difficult to defend against. There are others that are not typically included in most school’s training such as the Balisong- Butterfly knife, Bagakey- wood double end darts, Sumpat-Blow Gun, Pana-Sling shot dart shooter, Staff- carrying pole and Spear.

2. Overview of the Long Stick In Filipino Martial Arts the most common sticks used today are 28-29 inches long. A long stick is 36-42 inches long and about 1- 1 ¼ inch in diameter. The long stick is a utilitarian tool as it is a weapon and walking stick. It is used a walking stick by the old men and is used to keep stray dogs away. But as weapon goes it does many things that a 28-inch stick cannot do. This size used to be favored by the only style Largo Mano or Long Hand style fighters of the Philippines. The system laid out here is a one that in my travels is a number methods that I have collected and then forged into an effective fighting system used and taught in our system of Filipino Martial Art called Modified Pangamut. This is cousin system to our main fighting system.

To understand long stick the fighter must understand that is same length as European sword, it is short for Jo- staff; it is the same length as a modern rifle with bayonet, and short for spear but it can do all of these things well when used by a trained fighter.

A Rapier compared to Long Sticks The long stick is a Largo or long range impact and thrusting weapon. It is slower in speed than a 28-inch or 18-inch stick, it does require room to maneuver for certain moves. This weapon can block, parry, hook, lock, strike and thrust when used correctly. These methods are from Spear, Staff and Saber fighting.

3. The Four Simple Rules of Fighting with Weapons There are some simple rules when fighting that goes to reduction or the prevention of injury. These are simply this Rule#1 keep your eyes open when fighting and defending! Rule#2 is get out of the way of your opponent’s attack! Rule#3 is if you cannot get out of the way you must block! Rule #4 is your armor takes the blow, this only applies if you are wearing armor if not it does not apply.

Eyes wide open read to fight!

4. Parts of the Stick The first part to explain is the parts of a stick for fighting, these are: the tip, the blade portion, the handle or grip area for one hand and two handed fighting methods and the butt. The parts make up stick’s fighting surfaces. The stick grip for one handed striking grip is gripping about one hand width from the butt of the stick also called the Punya.

Parts of the stick: Tip, Blade Handle, Butt

5. Methods of Gripping the Stick, Application of Grips and Sizing Grips- The grip on the stick is critical in retaining your stick when fighting. Too big or too small will cause many problems in your arm! Your proper grip size is measured from the middle of your palm to the tip of your third finger. Use a paper tape measure to make the measurement. Wrap this tape measure around your stick once; it should be the same if too small, use bicycle handle bar foam, sports grip tape, or even pipe insulation foam tape to increase the diameter. If you stick is too large get a smaller one. It is better just to buy the correct diameter stick. I like to use an overlapping thumb grip; it is natural and common grip. There is also straight thumb, side thumb and reverse overlapping grip. Each grip has specific application to provide the maximum effect.

Overlapping- To find your basic grip position, put the stick in your left hand with the butt even with the bottom of your hand, close all four of your fingers, then wrap your four right fingers and overlap your thumb. This is natural grip or over lapping thumb. Some systems believe that you should only have two fingers of stick length showing as you could possibly be disarmed if you have more sticking out. As the butt of the stick is used to hook and strike you need to have some.

Example of an Over-Lapping Grip Straight Thumb- The basic straight thumb is done by putting the stick in your left hand with the butt even with the bottom of your hand, close all four of your fingers, then wrap your four right fingers and put your thumb straight up. This grip is used in Espada Y Daga for the knife grip. This grip is also called a foil grip.

An example of Straight Thumb Grip

Side Thumb- The basic side thumb is done by putting the stick in your left hand with the butt even with the bottom of your hand, close all four of your fingers, then wrap your four right fingers and put your thumb bent against the outside stick. This grip is used for a rapid reverse technique of the stick or knife.

An example of side thumb Additional Note: Side thumb is also called monkey grip in Chinese Martial Arts and it allows for the fighter when gripping in this manner at leading end to thrust or whip with a back-hand strike.

Reverse Grip- The basic reverse grip is done by putting the stick in your left hand with the butt even with the top of your hand, close all four of your fingers, then wrap your four right fingers and overlap your thumb. The reverse grip is used when you would strike some with a Punya/butt strike, it is also used when you are knife fighting and throwing a punch with the knife to cut them with a jab. This grip is also called an Ice-Pick grip.

An example of reverse grip

The stick grip for two handed thrusting, blocking and butt striking is about 1 ½ -2 hand widths from each end one at the Punya (butt) and one at the Punta (Point) end. If the stick is used as walking stick may have a grip surface on one end and rubber tip on the other end.

Two handed overlapping grip used in close quarter to slam and thrust

6. Understanding the Mechanics of a Strike The reach of a long stick is the length of your arm plus the length of the stick, plus or minus the amount your body can shift in and out of striking distance. This is also your sphere of influence that you can control and protect. The strikes can be full beat or full swing, half beat or half swing or quarter beat or quarter swing strikes. Thrust can be done the same with a full thrust, half thrust or quart thrust all depending upon your fighting range and target of opportunity.

7. The Four Ranges of a Fight There are four ranges a fighter must be familiar with. These ranges are long range, medium range, close range, fight or wrestle range. Long range is also known as Largo and is when you can hit the weapon hand or any protruding limb. This is when you can apply the method of de-fanging the snake. That means striking and injuring the weapon hand to disarm your attacker. If they cannot hold a weapon due to a broken or cut hand they are not as much of threat as they were. Usually when you break and man’s hand in fight they quit the fighting. I know as I have done this to opponents and they have left seeking medical attention. You can slash and stab the hand at this range.

An example of Largo (long) range targets, long stick verse standard stick reach when fighting

Medium Range The Meda or Medium range is when you can you can strike by slashing or stabbing your attacker’s mid limbs and body as well as check/control their attacking weapon hand. This range is much faster and has more inherent danger to it as you can be kicked by your attacker or punched at.

Medium (Meda) range example showing Block and counter with a long stick verses standard Arnis stick Close Range Korto or close range is when you can punch your attacker and they can punch you too! You can strike with the butt or Punya of your weapon. You can stab with a secondary weapon or stab through your attacker in this range.

Close range fighting using block and counter with neck hooking method Fight or Wrestle Range The Fight or wrestle range is when you can punch kick knee elbow hook lock and throw your attacker and they can done the same to you. Your long stick- weapon can be used for stick grappling; control locks and throws in this range. The standard 28 inch weapon is better if you are going to having wrestle on the ground doing locks and control methods like police have to do. But for stand up locks and throws the long stick is better weapon!

Long stick stand-up grappling: lock and throw method known as the water pump 1. The Ten Weapons of the Human Body When fighting you should never stay squared up with anybody as they have the 10 weapons of the body facing you as well as what they are holding in their hand.

The Ten Weapons of the Human Body Your weapon side should be leading the fight and you do not have shield, when in a weapon fight lead with your weapon not with your hand unless you wish to be hit, cut or stabbed! This means you should be angling off as you strike or block to give yourself an area/target of opportunity. So you may ask “what are the 10 weapons of the body”? These are your left & right fists, left and right elbows, left and right feet, left and right knees, your hips and your head. All of these are weapons in a fight. Remember that if they can get in next to you can be punched, kicked, elbowed, knee-ed, hip-checked and head butted plus be hit by the weapon. 10. Where to Watch- Using Your Eyes Where do you watch when fighting? This is simple yet important question that most cannot answer as they have never fought with weapons. If a person is a boxer watch their chest for the movement to spring from. If the person is a Kicker like Taekwondo then watch their hips.

Blocking and watching against kicks If they are a single knife fighter watch the knife hand and the chest. If they are fight like grappler watch their head and shoulders as their wish to close the gap with you and move in to take you down to ground to wrestle with you. If they fight with weapons and their hands and feet watch in the middle of the body.

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Watching their hand and body while controlling the forward attack

10. Body positions instead of stances found in fighting When you fight you use what I like to call body positions instead of stances and there are no stationary fights. There can be 10 basic body positions used in a fight, these start with a neutral position #1, a forward position #2, deep forward position #3, right diagonal position #4, left diagonal position #5, right lateral position #6, left lateral position #7, right reverse diagonal position #8, left reverse diagonal position #9, and reverse fighting position #10.

Right forward stance with offensive mid-guard Remember to always have your weapon in front of you as you do not have shield!

Deep forward with mid offensive guard

11. The Concept of the five lines of the human body There are five lines in the human body based upon how we move and fight. Every fighting system has one they favor and then blend with the ranges they specialize in. These are explained simply from Left to Right as flows: Left outside line consists of the outer aspect of the left of the left arm and leg, There is the left inside line consist of the inside aspect of the left arm or leg. There is the center line that consists of the center of the body

from the top of the head to the groin area. The right inside line consists of the inside aspect of the right arm and or leg. The right outside line consists of the outside aspect of the right arm and right leg.

The Five Lines of the Human Body When we fight as humans do, there is a study of it and it is called Hoplology. This study of how humans fight, it was coined by Sir Richard Burton in his travels around the world as explorer from England in the 19th century. In the 1970s Donald Draeger started a Hoplology Society for the study of how humans fight. I believe that Filipino Martial Artists are Hoplologist, ones who study how humans fight. This was because they have had to face so many types of raiders that it requires a different type of thinking. This comes from not just the island adaptation but also the influences upon it; partially strong is the Spanish Influence.

When people fight, they are meeting and performing a type of communication. This I learned from training with Sifu Leo Fong and he talks about it extensively in his book.(1) This type of communication is done without words. Remember that 80% of communication is body language. This type of communication has its own set of rules just like spoken communication. Failure to follow these rules will lead to defeat when fighting. All hand to hand fighting and weapon on weapon fighting is based upon what is observed to be the geometry of fighting. This geometry shifts as the fighters shift and move on their approach, in their body positions and in their engagement when fighting. Let me start with the beginning, humans being are built to move and work on certain mechanical principles. When you understand how the body works and moves you can understand how it fights. I will try to explain this as simply as I can. First remember we are bipedal creatures, which is 10 dollar ten for meaning we walk on two legs. To do this we points of contact and those points make our base up.

12. The Base of the Frame The frame we use for our base is based upon a triangle. This triangle can have its base

widened and its apex lowered by simply opening the stance and bending the knees.(2) Surprisingly if the chin is tucked and the hands are brought in, the stability will increase. But is the same note if the base is too far apart then the mobility goes away. The best width for mobility I have found is about the width of your shoulders. If you wear heavy gear like soldier, police or firefighter does or then you will have to walk with a low semi-squat walk because your center of gravity is off. One style of fighting is all about getting you to the ground and their solution is be nothing but base but it does lack in mobility and requires very dangerous close contact especially with weapons involved. It is a terrible method if there is more than one attacker because of its lack of mobility. Or if a small knife is on your opponent as this is high probability that you will be stabbed!!

Your base can be affected by the weapon you are using. So if you swing a long weapon like a staff or spear you are dealing with torque and leverage issues, the leverage is caused by the weapon’s length and the torque is due to the force caused by the mass times the acceleration. (F= MxA)= (F.M.A.). To compensate for this you must step as you strike to reset your base.

Note the differences in their base due the type of weapon they are using

13. The Body Zones & Reach The body is made up of zones that you can reach when fighting, there are in simple terms three zones to the main part of the body. These are simple as follows High line, Mid-line and Low line areas just because you defend one area well does not mean you defend all of them well with the same method.

There are three zones the top, middle and bottom as illustrated above

The arms and legs are divided in to five sections based upon their range of motion. There are in simple terms from right to left: right outside, right inside, center line, left inside and left outside. If you are student of De

Cadenas or Wing Chung you understand this and practice these concepts. It is the same zones for the arms as it is the legs. The body zones are affected by reach. Reach or your arms and legs, your opponent’s arms and legs as well as the reach of the weapons they are holding. An example if you are holding a 4 inch knife and your opponent has a 29 inch bolo as long as all things being equal your opponent will be able to get you first if you stay lined up. This is commonly seen in boxing. Being directly lined up is the most dangerous place to stay. This is due to the body and its weapons. We have built into us 10 weapons plus whatever we are holding.

A quick refresher on ten weapons are as follows: The head,2 hands, 2 elbows, hips, 2 knees, and 2 feet.

The ten weapons of the human body know them and use them! When someone stands in front of you they have reach and range of motion which is extended with the length of their weapon, in this case a stick, but it could be a knife, sword, a whip, or a spear, staff, etc. Remember that reach of the range is shortened without a weapon. This

concept was well noted by the Spanish in the 1500 as well as by the Italian masters as well.

This good example of reach in relation to foot work and body angles!

To simply understand this concept as with all striking arts you have an arc, a half circle that is in front of you and to your sides, this arc shift as you do that is how it becomes the circle. This arc is made by reach of your hands and feet. This arc is shorted if stand with your feet side by side. The longest width is done with you feet at the lowest target point like kicking someone in the ankle. Understanding the arc will allow you to understand when you are in range to get your opponent or when you are in their range to be got by them! This arc moves with you and your opponent and can collapse or expand as you both move in your ranges. These ranges are simply put long range, medium range, close range, and ground wrestling range.

Now to continue in this line of thinking you have two arcs each arc makes up one room, there is a hall that connects the two rooms and there is a door in middle. This door can be closed and locked, but the door can be broken open as well. This door only exists in concept and action but anyone who has ever fought knows what I am saying. When you fight on the offensive you go down this hall open the door walk around their room, then you close the door and if you are smart you lock the door. They will come after you but now it is on your terms and in your position to defend.

Fighting geometry lines on ground

14. Fighting Geometry Concepts

When you are facing each other you have two arcs, but when one person advances just one step the arcs now touch, this means that by just shifting you body you can move in and out of range without being stuck! This is seen with the use of Elastiko methods. Also seen in good boxing with weaving methods. Angles of Attack and Defense The Spanish influence is shown in the stances, terms, footwork and tactics. One of the greatest influences came from the sword fighting system called La Destreza aka the Spanish circle.

The Spanish circle used in sword fighting illustrated

This was a very complicated item but was later simplified as explained by Frederico Ghisliero who borrowed from Caranza. Typically in Filipino Martial Arts we talk in terms of an X or in Vs. I explained this concept is my book The Basics of FMA by Marc Lawrence. As you look at the diagram in the picture, you will see the Xs and the V used in FMA. You will also see two blue half circles these represent the area in which each fighter can protect either side and in front without moving or making contact (stick, knife or kick and punch) with each other. The small blue line represents where each fighter puts their lead foot.

Example of fighting geometry (What cannot be drawn in the air but does exits are the circles of area that each fight protects in front as well as to the side of their bodies). As the fact that we lead with our weapon side forward this is the same as the Spanish did in 1500 as described in the De La Filosofia de las Armes 1583 by Jeronimo de Caranza(4). (You can find translations of this complete with

diagrams on the web). This comes directly from the Destreza as you are offering the smallest profile. The two peach colored parallel lines represent the zone or hallway that exits when two fighter face each other. This is zone in which you can be hit and in which you can hit back. The two peach-colored circle represent where two fights clash weapons and or strike each other by just advancing by sliding your foot forward one-foot length on leaning forward on deep forward stance. The blue lines that cross in the middle what I can only call what my student names the kill zone. This is place where every weapon you have in now facing every weapon that you opponent has. This is the most dangerous place to be! The blue diamond represents the stepping/angling off that is done in FMA to hit someone but not get hit. This allows for you to remove yourself from the line of attack. The two points of the diamond are your pivot points, where you pivot and turn to reset as they go by. Down this enter diagram now shifts each time you and you opponent face each other again. The same geometry happens every time. As you repeatedly do this you are actually traversing the edges of a much larger circle that exits all around you and the other fighter. The body itself is divided into zones or as some people call it angles of attack and defense, I think of it like basketball that there are on the court zones of attack and defense. These zones are based upon targets that make up the weakness of the body. Manong Dan Inosanto explained this in his book back in the 70s. As Filipino Martial Artist study their art the find that there are things that are the same and things that are not as the Spanish as well as others. This article is meant to have the reader stop and see what really is happening in fight. I firmly believe that any fighter with a good skill set and the full understanding of what I have written could hold his or her own against anyone.

15. Footwork for fighting Outside line method Basic foot work is simple as it is based upon the concept of the shape of the V. In order to understand it, imagine the person is coming at you as straight line like an arrow pointing at you. Instead of staying directly line up you must move out of the way and out of line of their attack. Your feet are about 1 shoulder width apart. You are leading with your weapon. To move out of the way but toward their weapon using blocking, slapping or parrying it out the way while moving past them and behind their weapon. Now if you pivot on your lead foot and put your rear foot 90 degrees you while you move you will them be facing their exposed side. You feet should have moved step 1 right, step 2 left and pivot putting your right foot behind while your left foot is in lead. Strike while returning back to a right foot lead. Now you will apply your counter attack. This is using the principle of the outside line explain in the section on fighting geometry. This method works well with forehand strikes and thrusts from the right side. The same method only the opposite side may be used on a backhand strike or a thrust from the left side. You would block, slap or parry the weapon out of your way while you move towards their left side. Your foot work should be step1 right step 2 left step3 right- pivot while step 4 left is behind step right. This will put you 90 degrees off and behind their weapon.

Center Line Method You may press a forward attack using simple everyday motion of walking forward while swinging your weapon. You must use a full or half beat strike with follow-through and time them to your stride of walking. This is to allows you to stay behind you weapon while striking. As you walk you will maintain a natural stride and give steady forward pressure striking and pushing them back. This is using the center line for an attack or as a

counter attack. The trick to making this work is striking where they are not blocking. Inside Line Method The Inside Line Methods are the hardest to learn and master as they require you have great reaction timing and be able to control the your opponent quickly some times in a preemptive strike manner. I have seen Seik fighter from India use this method with great effectiveness. It require the fighter to learn to get between the your opponent’s center line and inside of their weapon arm while avoiding or countering their other hand from strike like punch or second weapon like knife. This requires a quick counter and preemptive strike to the attacking limb. This will use arrow shaped footwork inside their feet driving a wedge into them while attacking. 16. Zones of Offense and Defense Actions To repeat myself on a critical point there are the three zones! These are used in offense and defense! In fighting there are zone of offense and defense on the human body these exists both front and back. They are divided ups as follows: There is the zone one head to shoulder, shoulders to hips and hips to the feet. Each zone in divided into halves; left and right and they exist in the front and in back. In Filipino Martial Arts it is common to use angles as way of explaining areas to attack with linear strikes. Fighters must defend these zones by the use of four general stances these are standing like a swordsman, squatting like old time wrestler, kneeling like and archer, or laying on the ground like a modern wrestler. Each has its strength and weaknesses. None of them are good by themselves for all situations.

17. The Three Rhythms of Weapons Fighting From a technical point there are three rhythms used in striking, and these are compared to music. These being a full beat, half beat, and quarter beat strike. These can be used to break the rhythm of a fight and hit an opponent. A full beat strike is one that uses the full radius of the arm swinging the strike, a half beat strike is one that uses half the radius of the arm and quarter beat strike uses on 1 quarter of the radius of the arm. This is an important concept in the methods used in striking. Just changing the beats of strike is enough to throw of your attacker’s defense. This allows you to beat them to the punch and hit them where they are not defending.

18. The Four Types of Pressure in a Fight There are four kinds of pressure in fighting. It is important to note that not all methods work on all kinds of pressure. In a fight there different kinds of pressure that I have observed, I have categorized it into four types. First is heavy forward pressure (Avanatee) such as a charge, typically on only shielding and thrusts stop this kind of pressure or simply just get out of the way. Second is moderate forward pressure this can be stopped by blocking and parrying and counter striking. Third is neutral pressure this is combination of light pressure it being forward or side to side and or no pressure where someone comes up and starts fighting with you. Fourth is reverse pressure that is someone who is reversing but still fighting commonly seen with fighters who know the principles of Returnada or retreat fighting. This is someone who knows how to fight and is drawing you into a trap. This fighter unless you know the method you must back out and reset so you do not get caught in the trap.

19. Developing to your Peripheral Vision- How to See in a Fight To develop your vision you must learn to see with the corners or peripheral vision. The human eye sees motion well from the corners but not so well from forward vision of your eyes. To train your eye, first pick a spot in front of you on the wall. Stand about three feet away, and keep your head straight looking at the wall. Next take your arms and spread them out to your sides so you are in the “T” stance, keep your head facing forward, have hands flat. Now slowly wiggle your fingers and slowly over inch your arms forward until you can see your fingers moving out of the corners of your eyes. You will notice that you have to move your arms forward slightly to see the motion. Next move your arms down about half way between your shoulders and your legs, slowly move your arms forward while keeping them straight until you see the motion out of the corner of your eyes. You will notice that you hands had to be slightly forward to see the motion. Now move your arms so they are straight with you legs wiggle your fingers and slowly move your arms up until you see your fingers wiggling. You will notice that your arms were move slightly forward then at your shoulders. Now make your arms go above you like the shape of a “Y” now repeat the method you did again slowly moving your arms forward while wiggling your fingers. You will notice that your arms a slightly more forward then you were in the T-shape. Now put both arms above you and slowly move the arms forward but turn your hand facing inward and wiggle your fingers. What you will notice is that your arms are forward about 10-15 degrees before you are able to see motion. Practice these exercises weekly to develop your spear of vision you will see that you have spear in which you see. When you fight you must train yourself to learn to see without moving your head. You should use your eyes to look left and right to make sure you are not still being attacked. To enhance this just tuck your chin in slightly looking with the corners of your eyes. Shift your body slightly at the waist while moving your shoulders this will allow you to see most of the area behind you. You should always be ready for additional attackers at all times. The exercise I have laid out should be practice weekly.

20. One Handed Stick Fighting Methods Introduction to Basic Linear Attacks- The Up & Down Method This is simple way to an organized method of learning how to attack, in the beginning it is simple we will use the motion of up and down. The first strike is upward from the ground come to an end on your right shoulder the second strike in down from the shoulder back to the ground. The targets are the hand holding the weapon or the limb sticking out. Striking targets is the hand, wrist or the elbow depending upon what your attacker has presented. If you are lucky then will deliver a shot from up to down striking the inside of the leg to the groin up to the chin striking the jaw then down the striking the head on the return.

Upward strike in Largo range- long stick verses knife on the outside line

Downward strike in Largo Range- Long stick verses knife on the inside line The Three Count Method The three count striking method is one that I developed to quickly dehabilitate an attacker using as curving pattern of connecting circles attacking their base, weapon, then their thinking process. Starting from the upward strike outside aspect behind the knee closest to you then use a Redondo or circle strike to strike the hand /wrist of your attacker with continuation of the striking with another circle strike to center of their head. This means you with be moving rapidly from the outside line to the inside line to the center line then back to a guard position for the next attacker.

The Six Count Largo Method The next series of strikes are designed to break the hand and make someone drop their weapon. These are given in two strike series not all six at once. The first strike is a forehand strike downward at a 45 degree line striking the thumb. The second strike is a backhand strike upward at a 45 degree line upward striking the little finger. The third strike is an upward strike forehand striking the little finger. The fourth strike is a backhand strike downward at 45 degree angle striking the first finger. The fifth strike is forehand strike to the fingers holding the weapon. The sixth strike is a backhand strike to the fingers. Looking at the angles of the pattern makes it look like six pointed star. This pattern has been used in sword fighting for a very long time. I have found it described in fencing manuals from the 1500’s from Italy, Spain and the Dutch. I believe that this pattern was originally a Spanish fighting pattern that became modified by the Filipinos and used with a stick instead of a sword. This method is delivered by be lined up with the target that being the attacking limb. That means as explained earlier that you would between the outside and inside lines of your opponents attacking weapon hand. Introduction to Cinco Terros- The Five Strikes Pattern The Cinco Terros system was brought to the Philippines by the Spanish in the 1500s, it was a fighting pattern taught to soldiers in Europe at that time. There a number of variations, I will explain some of the common ones then I will show my combined one that I teach in my basic Arnis de Mano class. This makes up Ocho Terros or the Eight Basic strikes. The classic or most common Cinco Terros of five strikes are simply this: starting with a #1 strike done at medium range is a forehand strike motion delivered to the region of your opponent’s left collar bone but can be from left side of the neck down to the about the upper 1/3 of their arm in the strike. This is followed up with a #2 backhand strike delivered to your opponent’s right shoulder blade but can be anything from the side their

neck to the upper 1/3 of their arm. Strike # 3 is delivered as a forehand strike aimed at the lower portion of the ribs but can also strike at the lower 2/3 of the arm/elbow all the way down to their hips. Strike #4 is delivered as backhand strike aimed at the lower potion of your opponent’s ribs but can be include the lower 2/3s of the arm upper ribs or hip. Take the target of opportunity! Lastly a center-straight thrust was delivered to the center soft core of the body. This was typically the point where the stomach and ribs meet, but can be delivers from the beltline/groin up to the throat/mouth. This ends the classical section of Cinco Terros Version # 1. One would argue that the fifth strike was a thrust not a strike. In classical version # 2 the fifth strike is delivered downward in to the center of the head aimed at the top of the forehead but could be aimed at the face as well. Then it was followed up with the Thrust to the core. That made it five strikes and one thrust all done in pattern. Variation # 3 involves forehand (strike #3) and backhand (strike#4) strikes to the legs/ knees instead of the ribs which makes sense in itself as with out a base you can not fight or move with the except of laying on the ground and rolling around. Ocho Terros or the Eight basic strikes when fighting in the Medium Range When combined you have seven strikes and one thrust which makes up the old system known as Ocho Terros or the eight strikes!

Strike #1 to the left shoulder/collar bone area

Strike #2 to the right shoulder/collar bone

Strike #3 to the short ribs to the hip area

Strike #4 to short ribs/hip area

Strike #5 to the left knee or lower leg

Strike #6 to the right knee or lower leg

Strike #7 is thrust to the solar plexus region

Strike #8 to the head 21. Introduction to Thrusts-The Six Basic Thrusts The simplest way to deal with an attacker is one of the oldest on the planet. Simply thrusting into someone will stop a forward attack, but it must be done quickly and violently. This is the basic spear thrusting method to be most effective it requires a simple two handed thrust delivered to the core of the body.

Spearing or thrusting concept shown using spear verses knife! This is done by using two hands on your weapon (your stick) about a shoulder width apart with lead hand in the front and support hand in the back. This done like a person would do using a spear or a rifle bayonet. This does lack the reach of the saber method. The second is the saber method simply with one hand on the grip you lunge thrust forward. You are using your body weight and a locked arm to deliver the maximum amount of energy focused on a small point at the tip of your stick.

Thrusting using the Saber Method Third is the backhand thrust method, this is delivered with a quick one handed thrust with the outside of your hand toward the center line as you lunge thrust forward . Fourth is the forehand thrust method this is delivered with a quick one handed thrust with the inside of your hand toward the center line as you lunge thrust forward.

An Example of Quick One-Hand Thrust to Center Core (Solar Plexus) Fifth is the reinforced thrust it is done similar to the forehand thrust except you reinforce the Punya or butt as you thrust.

An Example of Reinforced Thrust Sixth is the augmented thrust it is similar to the back handed thrust but your empty hand is shaped like a upside down “U” to hide the motion and guide the thrust in. this is very quick and deceptive thrusting method.

An Example of the Augmented Thrust using the Monkey Paw Grip 22. Two Handed Striking & Blocking Methods When using a 3 foot stick in a two- handed manner you will be coming from a defensive position that means there are four blocks you need to know. You will make a doorway first block is over your head holding your stick above your head supported with two hands and your hands are about to hand widths from each end. Block number two will be to the right with your right hand on top and your left hand on the bottom similar to block number one at the right side of the door post. Block number three is to the left we are stick vertical with your left hand on top and your right hand on the bottom about two’s two widths from each end. Block number four is

straight down horizontally with both hands about to hand widths from each end.

Block #1 AKA Top of the Door

Block #2 AKA the left side of the door

Block#3 AKA the right side of the door

Block #4 AKA the bottom of the door To turn these into strikes you will use either your right hand or your left hand and strike with your lead hand and that end of the stick which means you will block then use the butt end or the point end to deliver the counterstrike. These methods are used when your opponent rushes close the gap and make you fight in close range. This allows you to shorten your weapon and use it effectively in the close range. By using this blocking method and moving in you will dissipate your opponents striking power. And allow yourself to counterstrike with a hammering motion of the butt of the weapon or using point like a bayonet. This method is simple and effective.

Using the Long Stick with a Two-Handed Grip The stick in its three-foot length may be swung like a baseball bat or golf club striking through your target. It is best that you strike using the last two hand widths of the stick on targets such as joints and bones that are close to the skin. The problem with the striking method is that it is slow and highly predictable. That means it can be avoided or jammed quickly.

Long Stick being swung like a baseball bat The stick in its three-foot length can be swung like a two-handed sword much like the Japanese katana. That means you can employ half feet and quarter beat strikes using the tip in last one third to strike. Strike at targets that can be easily damaged such as the collarbones, wrist, short

ribs, backs of knee, as well as the top of the head. It is better to strike the sides of the head then the top of the head. When holding the stick for a two-handed snapping strike you will have your lower hand using overlapping grip, and your upper hand using a straight -thumb. 23. Retaining your weapon To prevent yourself from being disarmed when using your weapon in a two-handed banner you may have to use it in a two-hand hand rip and return method.

Step #1 the long stick has been grabbed, maintain firm two handed grip.

Step#2 put your opponent’s hand in thumbs down position

Step#3 Twist the wrist and pull away

Step#4 Return with a butt or Punya strike to head like a rifle butt for knock out strike When your opponent grabs your weapon you will turn your weapon one hand high one hand low rotate away in a ripping motion and you will return using the same energy coming back striking with the butt or point of your weapon back into your opponent.

24. Blocking Methods- The Three Guards Blocking is as critical as striking maybe even more so! Ask any child to hit at you with a stick and without any training they will be able to be dangerous! This leads to knowing where and how to guard, this means where your stick is covering. As mentioned before there are three main zones to the human body that means despite all of the names for all of the guards they fall into only three groups.

High Guard Defensive AKA Roof Block

Mid Guard Using Blade Section Parry Method

Low Guard using strike block method These are the High guard, the Middle guard and the Low guard. The high guard is used to protect the head and shoulders. The middle guard is used to protect the core of the body and the low guard is used to protect the hips and legs.

25. Strike Blocks Methods With a stick the simplest way to block and the safest used by children is to strike at the opponent’s weapon. This is simply known as strike blocking, this method disrupts your opponent’s attack and allows you to deliver a counter attack as you have disrupted their forward motion. This is done when someone attacks you in the long range or Largo range and you

must defend your limbs. Remember your opponent’s strike is a downward #1 then your counter strike block must be upward strike #2. If your attacker strikes at you with a downward attack then you strike upward. Target their limbs instead of the weapon if possible. Otherwise just the weapon, this is dependent upon your skill and your range. You see this method done by people in the movies because the swords have no real edges. They are square edged so that you can clang together. This works with sticks too but there is a danger in that you can break you weapon as they are striking another weapon.

Strike Block #1 against Strike #1

Strike Block #2 against Strike #2

Strike Block #3 against Strike #3

Strike Block #4 against Strike #4

Strike Block #5 against Strike #5

26. Rigid Blocking Methods Method #1 So you ask how do you block a strike? There are many ways to properly block and each has its own special application. The first is called ridged blocking also called shield blocking, it is done with two hands one hand holding the weapon as explain previously and the second hand using the meaty portion of the knife edge of your hand is about one foot above it.

Shield or Rigid Block with Flat Palm There is a scholar’s argument that says say that this is shield blocking and others argue that no shield blocking is specific type of block. Thus I chose not to debate that here in this text. Rigid Blocking Method #2 Method two is done similar to method number #1 except the empty hand uses the palm flat against the stick. The stick is lined up on the hand from tip of the little finger to the base of the thumb. The argument is that you cannot wrap your fingers over and not get your fingers injured.

Rigid Blocking Method #3 With the long stick you can do a staff/spear method of blocking that cannot be done safely with a short stick. This is done similar to methods #1  but the empty hand is put out two-three hand widths from the end, then you meet and role the strike off of your weapon pushing their weapon down and way and follow up with a thrust to the body.

Two Handed block getting ready for follow up counter attack All these methods work well against linier attacks against the body and head zones but do not work well against thrusting attacks and attacks against the legs. For thrusting attacks you need to use parries and for attacks to your knees you need to use sweep blocks. This means you must have a mental toolbox to work from.

27. Sweep Blocks and Rebound Blocks Swing Block Swing Blocks or Sweep Blocks are used to defend the legs but can be used for other parts of the body when needed. To perform a sweep block against a linear strike at your knees you make quick sweeping motion with your weapon using only one hand holding your weapon (the stick) and sweep the strike away, it will act like a strike block deflecting the strike at your leg. You follow up with quick counter strike back at their legs to allow them to have to defend rather then continue their attack. Rebound Blocks Rebound blocks are special blocks used to disrupt your opponent’s attack. It is done with two hands, one hand holding the weapon as explained previously and the second hand using the meaty portion of the knife-edge of your hand is about one foot above it, instead of waiting for the strike you launch out like you where throwing a punch with both hands or like you were quickly pushing someone away. Again this method works for attacks to the body but now well against the legs or against thrusts. You may follow up with any number of counter attacks. The method is also effective as a counter strike you can throw these quickly like a punch at close range into the face of an opponent who is crowding you. When thrown like a punch and delivered to the face, it causes the head to be snapped back quickly and effectively. Another method used with rebound blocks is similar to Rigid Block Method#3 the long stick you do a staff/spear method of blocking. This is done similar to methods #1  but the empty hand is put out two-three hand widths from the end, then you meet and role the strike off of your weapon pushing their weapon down and way and follow up with a fast thrust to the face with the tip or Punta or use the butt or Punya to deliver a quick quarter beat strike to face or body.

28. Slapping Blocks and Parries Slapping Blocks Slapping Blocks are method commonly seen in Chinese Bladed Weapons training and this method is effective in the use of the long stick. When you opponent attacks you use a slapping motion is quick tight manner with the tip and upper blade portion of the stick followed up with thrust with the tip. Parries and Parrying There are simple terms two types of parries that are done with the long stick, these are tip parries and blade parries each referring to the portion of the weapon used when fighting. The blade parry is used when you are being attacked with a thrust at your body. The tip parry is used when timing is mastered and you can with the tip of your weapon turn theirs and come in behind it. Blade Parries If the thrust is at your chest your weapon should be pointing up and with one hand holding your weapon, you push your attacker’s weapon away from you while getting your body out of line. This is done to defend your face, neck and upper body.

Blade Parry against High Thrusting Attack

Blade Parry against Low Thrusting Attack If the attack is done below the nipple line then your stick should be pointing down and you push their weapon’s point away from you while getting out of the way. Tip Parries A tip parry is one that uses the last one –two hand widths of your weapon (your stick) while holding it in one hand, your have the timing to come in behind your opponent’s weapon while getting out of the way. You then follow up with a quick counter strike using a half or quarter beat strike.

Tip Parry with Long Stick against sword slashing

29. Disarms and Disarming Methods Disarms are interesting subject as there are many people who say things like they cannot be disarms and that disarms do not work. All I have to say is pure B.S. to that! I have disarmed many people in both real life situations and in tournaments. To perform a disarm techniques requires manufacturing an opportunity to perform the skill. I have found that to disarm someone requires either a distractionary injury or break the rhythm of their attack and stall it for a moment in time.

Based upon the concept of distractionary injuries and/or broken rhythms, some basic concepts in mechanics and in anatomy of the human body you too can disarm and opponent. I will present three basic methods of disarms. All disarms are done in the medium to close range distance working on the inside and center line. All of these disarms discussed here should be done at all of the linear strikes being the eight angles of attack/defense discussed earlier and the five thrust discussed too. If you practice right hand to right hand will this will give you only 13 disarms but if you add left to left then you will have 26 disarms but them if you practice right to left you will have 39 and then add left to right you will have now 52 disarms you know. Taking the three methods discussed in this text will give you 156 disarm techniques based upon three simple principles. That is how Filipino Martial Arts is taught based upon principles. In this text I will share disarming methods that are simple and effective these methods can be used with a long stick effectively and allow you to disarm someone with a similar type of weapon. There are times that you wish to disarm your opponent and then subdue them rather than strike them. An example of this would be a family member who has attacked you while being under the influence of alcohol or drugs and you do not wish to do permanent harm. There are many different methods used for disarming but due to limitations of the text I’m going to share three simple methods that can be learned easily and done under pressure. Disarming- The Grab Method Forehand strikes When someone strikes at you with an impact weapon like a stick, you must stop the forward attack. This is usually done using a forehand strike. Taking the concept that you are in a right forward stance and blocking with a shield block as previously described. You must first block the strike stalling their attack, move in slightly checking your attacker’s hand, counter strike them on the arm or hand, grab the stick and pull towards you in a rotating manner using your hips away from them. It is strongly

recommended that you counter strike them or they will rush you and strike you for taking their weapon.

Your empty hand placement is critical to a successful disarm- This is what not to do!

Your empty hand placement is critical to a successful disarm- This is what to do correctly!

Here is the follow up counter shot to the ribs to make them let go as you pull away with their weapon.

Here is the alternate follow up counter shot to the hand to make them let go as you pull away with their weapon.

Backhand strikes Backhand strike disarms are differ only in that your hand must go from a check to an underhand grab of your opponent’s weapon, twisting their weapon down around and back up in one smooth motion. All of the other parts still apply the same. This disarm allows you to show the weapon in a tournament quickly to the judges and referees.

Thrusts Thrusts require a slightly different method as you are parrying the weapon and not blocking. Taking it from a thrust attack to the chest you tip of your stick is up your will blade parry away from you while rotating your right shoulder towards your opponent. Your left shoulder will rotate away from them, With your left hand grab just past your stick your opponent’s stick and counter strike them on the hand and arm at the same time. Disarming-The Vining Method Forehand Vining Method To perform the vining method you must stop the forward attack first. For a forehand strike use this method. Taking the concept that you are in a right forward stance and blocking with a shield block as previously described. You must first block the strike stalling their attack, move in slightly checking your attacker’s hand, your left hand comes over the top of their hand and stick and vines around the back of the hand, under their wrist and back up the wrist opening your hand like fan, you in a rotating manner away from them and counter strike them on the arm. It is strongly recommended that you counter strike them or they will rush you and strike you for taking their weapon.

An Example of Vining with Long Stick against a Forehand Strike

An Example of Vining Disarm with a Follow-up Elbow Strike

Backhand Vining Backhand strike disarms are differ only in that your hand must go from a check to a inside of the wrist down and round the wrist and back up in one smooth motion. Step back with your back foot and twist forward rotating your opponent forward. Keep their wrist pressed up against your chest and push down on the back of their arm. All of the other parts still apply the same.

Backhand Vining with Follow-Up Strike to the Elbow

Backhand Vining with Follow-Up with Neck Control Method. Remember to also sweep the leg closest to you. Vining Thrusts Thrusts require a slightly different method as you are parrying the weapon and not blocking. Taking it from a thrust attack to your left chest your tip of your stick is up, you will blade parry away from you while rotating your right shoulder towards your opponent. Your left shoulder will rotate away from them, move in slightly checking your attacker’s hand, your left hand comes over the top of their hand and stick and vines around the back of the hand, under their wrist and back up the wrist opening your hand like fan, you in step back and around with your back foot rotating manner toward from them and counter strike them on the arm.

Elbow Crook Disarm Method The elbow rook stripe/disarm is one that can rip a weapon like a stick right out of the hands of your opponent. This does require timing and the opportunity that comes from someone with 2-3 fingers width of stick protruding from the bottom of their hand.

Forearm/ Elbow Crook Disarm Method The elbow crook disarm is kind of combination of block/parrying concepts, leverage and trickery! Starting with an attack of a forehand strike, you must first block the strike stalling their attack. Move in slightly checking your attacker’s weapon with your weapon while taking your left hand and grabbing towards the tip of their stick pushing it downward and away from you. This rotates their wrist and weapon down bringing the Punya or butt up. Now in the same moment bring your arm down their arm until the crook ok your elbow is just past the butt. Quickly use a forward wrenching motion to pull the weapon out, at the same time pushing the tip down, stepping back with the back foot while rotation at your hips to provide maximum torque. Follow this up with a quick strike with the butt/Punya/ pommel or your weapon.

Step#1 Control Opponent’s Weapon and put your forearm under the butt of their Weapon

Step#2 Soften Your Opponent with strike to head to help them let go

Backhand -Elbow Crook Disarm Method For the backhand linear strike you will need to alter the forehand method slightly. You will stop the backhand strike with back and then you will have to grab the tip of their weapon. In one fluid motion you will need to roll their tip down while rolling the butt of yours up. Quickly using the crook of your weapon arm over the butt their weapon, perform the stripping motion as previously explained.

Thrust -Elbow Crook Disarm Method Thrusts require a slightly different method as you are parrying the weapon and not blocking. Taking it from a thrust attack to the chest your tip of your stick is up your will blade parry away from you while rotating your right shoulder towards your opponent. Your left shoulder will rotate away from them. With your left hand grab your opponent’s stick just past your stick. Move in slightly checking your attacker’s weapon with your weapon while taking your left hand and grabbing towards the tip of their stick pushing it downward and away from you. This rotates their wrist up and weapon down bringing the Punya or butt up. Now in the same moment bring your arm down their arm until the crook ok your elbow is just past the butt. Quickly use a forward wrenching motion to pull the weapon out, at the same time pushing the tip down, stepping back with the back foot while rotation at your hips to provide maximum torque. Follow this up with a quick strike with the butt/Punya/ pommel or your weapon.

Punya or Butt Stripping Disarm Method To perform a Punya or butt stripping disarm you must first shield block with palm flat and then stop their strike, grab the weapon turn it down with your empty hand while raking with the butt or Punya of your weapon. You can deliver low line kicks to help them let go while you pull away.

Example of Punya Stripping Disarm with a low line kick to assist in the release of the weapon.

Example of a Back Hand strike defense using Punya Stripping Disarm with a low line kick. Strike and Strip Disarm Method Strike and strip method is a really simple method of disarming a person. Your first action is to block and or parry the incoming strike or thrust. Now you have stopped the forward momentum of their attack thus disrupting their flow. The next step is to grab your opponent’s weapon and at the same time strike their hand(s) with your long stick. This will make them let go of the weapon and focus on their distractionary injury. You will follow up with a finishing injury. This would be to the joints so they could not hold a weapon or it could be to color bone so they cannot carry a weapon or to the head to knock them out.

Strike and striping method being done against a spear thrust

Long stick verses Tongfa Side Handle Baton The long stick can be used very effectively against the side-handle baton as you can shield block as shown above as well use the Punya (butt) in rapid follow up. I would follow up with a quick shot to the forehead of my attacker to knock them out in a rapid manner.

Long stick being used to block and hook with a throw

30. Stick Grappling and Stick Throws In the fight or wrestle range using a long weapon like a 36 inch stick can be hindrance unless the Arnisador is trained in stick grappling. As the stick is a lever it can be used as a Class I,II, or III lever depending upon how it is used to control and inflict pain for compliance. One of the most basic methods is what I like to call the water pump. When done your arms and the stick look like one of the old fashion water pumps. The trick is the entry from clearing your opponent’s weapon closing the gap with a

committed technique using your forearm on one side of the neck and the stick laid upon the other side of the neck. The goal is to compress the neck on both sides digging your forearm in the nerves on one side while the stick is doing the same on the other side. One hand is holding the stick right behind the neck. While the other is holding the stick towards the end and you are cranking inward towards your forearm holding the top of the stick. This done mechanically the same as a nut cracker works. The arms can be reversed making a triangle and you will use scissor motion called Gunting, this will be putting pressure on both carotid arteries and the neck in one smooth motion. Yes to perform this you will need to practice your entries and application of distractionary injuries.

An example of triangle lock on your attacker’s neck.

The long stick can be used as control devise intercepting the forward attack and then locking a joint as shown in the picture. To make a figure 4 lock you must stop the forward strike pull the person off balance for a moment then snap then back while threading the needle AKA the stick and securing their wrist to the stick while wrenching their arm backwards. Although this sound complicated it can be done quickly and effectively

while delivering a counter attack with a kick or stomp to knee to disrupt their frame taking them to the ground. You may actually break their arm if they drop rapidly.

Stick throw with arm lock The stick can be used as lever for controlling your attacker. By block and parrying your attacker’s strike you must grab their limb and insert the stick like behind the arm and up against the chest. By bringing their arm backward against the stick while pushing the stick forward you will lever them forward for a throw, coupling that with a front sweep or just simple tripping motion. The stick can also be used to trip and lever people off balance while fighting. The long stick can be inserted between the legs at the knees. This

allows you to use one like lever and the other as the fulcrum, and with some minimal effort and the pressure applied to the upper body the whole body is used now as a lever against itself thus breaking the foundation, you disrupt the frame and throwing them backwards to the ground in rapid and violent manner. This will you to us minimal force to it’s maximum effectiveness. Simply put the ground hits harder than you do.

An example of leg levering and cloths lining 31. Long Stick against Hand to Hand Fighting The long stick can be used extremely effectively against empty hand attack such as punches. Use the long stick as a shield with a two handed hold. Then use the concepts of reverse fighting (Returnada) to make space and deliver you counter attack with the Punta (point) or Punya (butt) as the situation dictates. Remember to take now more than three steps back and turn so that your attacker does not track you. This will disrupt their forward flow and create a broken rhythm allow you the moment for counter attack.

If they are a puncher remember to watch their chest for motion not their eyes!

Blocking with the long stick against a punch. Watch the chest for motion!

Step 1 Block the in-coming punch on the inside line. Watch out for the other punch as well, do not think that just because you blocked the first one your opponent will not throw another. Think block and counter.

Step 2 Control them using the butt to hook behind the neck then pull your opponent forward towards the ground. Use the stick as lever and hook them behind the neck as this is the steering wheel of the body. Where the head goes the body goes. Throw them rapidly and violently forward towards the ground. Think about can I deliver a knee to the opponent’s face thus breaking the nose mouth and jaw and delivering a knockout blow to the head.

Step 3 Throw them forward into your knee that is coming upward Use the mechanical principles seen in a head on collision with motor vehicles. Use this to your advantage by bring their head down at the same time as you bring you knee up. This will do the maximum damage with minimal effort.

When defending against kicks you must use the long stick to defend to attack the weakest parts of the body that being the joints in the most effective manner. That simply means that you will us a swing block at the joints like knee and ankle to deliver the most damage with least about of effort. Think swing block then counter attack. Use the pattern knees, hands head. Thus you will break their frame, stop them from attacking with their hands and shut down the computer by knocking them out!

Blocking kicks using the long stick on the inside line while parrying out the kick.

You must maintain distance to use the long stick for you tactical advantage

Blocking kick on the outside line while parrying away the kick

Attacking the joints against kicks

With multiple strike attacks you will need to use your body as well as your weapon to defend against it. I would recommend the use of the stick on top while using the knee moving inward to block strike the incoming kick for maximum damage and effectiveness.

Blocking of punch and kick combos

Blocking a front snap kick to the groin with punch block to the shin

Blocking a front snap kick with punch check to knee while protecting the head The long stick can be used as an adjunct while fighting hand to hand. A fighter needs to practice using it while training in their empty hand methods of fighting. Simply put the more you practice the better you will get!

Fighting from the Ground You may be knocked down in fight and have to fight your way back up. If you find that you have been knocked down, retain you long stick and use it as shield against kicks by you attacker or attackers. You can use the long stick to thrust upward in an attacker’s groin or gut as they rush up. You can also use it to strike the joints with strong swing and effecting the ankles and shins of an attacker.

An example of a groin thrust from the ground

An example blocking an in-coming kick and damaging the attacker’s leg

An example of blocking a stomp kick while on the ground Long Stick Against Robbery and Muggings The Largo Olisi or long stick can be used effectively in many street attacks and attempted robberies. The stick is used to break a hold by an attack if needed and then is used as a counter attack weapon. Back in the days of the French Apache street criminals and Bartitsu the gentleman’s walking stick was found to be effective against five or six opponents at once. The limitation was of course what if one pulled out a gun in the middle of the attack and shoot you. The thing to remember is to de-fang the snake, that means damage the weapon hand first. Yes that could still happen, so you must be aware of the situation and what people are doing with their hands. Fight quickly a swiftly so that people do not have time to react to your attack. There are three enemies in a fight. These are fear doubt and confusion. You must instill these in your attackers and have trained enough to show no fear no doubt and no confusion in fighting.

An example of de-fanging the snake, strike the hand at the wrist holding the weapon.

An example of checking the weapon hand and thrusting to the face Closing Thoughts This book is intended to be training aid but it is not all of the system used with this weapon. The reader must training with their long stick to get to know it like they know their name. They should practice using it with both left and right hand as well as with both hands. It is recommended that you practice with it against a tire bag or a BOB to get used to the strikes. I would also say have other stick fighter practice attacking and you defending to build the skills needed for a skilled practitioner

If you do not have a code to live by this is one that I wrote that I live by: Warrior’s Code 1. A warrior is a warrior for his family and his community. 2. A warrior protects and defends those who cannot fight for themselves like the defenseless, the children and the elders. 3. A warrior shows respect to their elders, treasure their knowledge. 4. A warrior will conduct themselves with honor and integrity 5. A warrior will make sure their enemy does not come back again. 6. A warrior will practice their fighting until they know it like they know their name. 7. A warrior will make sure they are armed at all times to protect their family and community. 8. A warrior must show self-control at all times even when you are scared act like you have done it 1000 times. 9. A warrior must have respect for their ancestors and our creator. You must a spiritual path to follow

References Here are books that I have read and that I have used in concepts when writing this book. I believe in giving credit where credit is due. No one lives in a vacuum. 1) 2) 3) 4) 5)

Beyond Kung Fu by Leo T. Fong -chapter 5 pgs 79-80 Bartitsu Compendium Volume II Alignment pgs 38-41 Bowie and Big Knife Fighting System by Dwight C. McLemore pge 65 De La Filosofia de las Armes 1583 by Jeronimo de Caranza The manual of Frederico Ghisliero, Regole do Molti Cavagliereschi Esserciti (1587) 6) The Filipino Martial Arts by Dan Inosanto pg 38 & 82 7) The Basics of Filipino Martial Arts by Marc Lawrence pgs 13-15 8) Solving Enigma by Chad McBroom Biomechanization page #38