1. GENERAL  PRINCIPLES AND EXERCISES

The student must learn  to deliver the  basic twelve   strikes and  the variations.   These consist  of slashing blows, hammer  blows, thrusts,  horizontal and flicking or fan blows (paypay).  The latter is used more for  exercise rather  than as a power blow.  Regardless,  if  hit by any blow, it  will sting. In doing these exercises,  power, balance and accuracy is emphasized.

1. SHADOW FIGHTING
   The  student must practice  delivery of strikes and  thrusts with proper  footwork in forward and  backward motion. One  way to practice in delivery of blows  is by  hanging  a string  or  small rope and tying  a knot  at  the end of  the rope.  Practice hitting the  knot  from  various angles and at  different heights.  In the Philippines, where vegetation is lush, we would pick  the tip of a particular leaf and practice hitting just the tip of that  leaf from different directions.  
   

2. POWER STRIKES
   Power blows are the result of  a combination of  proper weight  shift,  hip twist, shoulder,  forearm and  wrist  action creating torque with the fullest speed  at the  point of impact.  The stick is held  firmly  but not tight.  A tight grip looses power from forearm tension.  The greatest ripping power is  at the tip of  the stick. It will tear off the flesh. The stick must be at  90  degree  angle with  the arm. The wrist should not be limp and bent.  
   

3. BLADED WEAPON CONCEPT
   To hit with power, it is important to think of the stick as a machete.  Imagine that you are slashing with the blade hitting at the point of contact.  The blade of the imagined machete would be in line with the second digit of your gripping fingers.  Regardless of the direction  of the blow, the same rule applies, whether the strike is downward upward or sideways.  It must be remembered that the stick was used as a training tool for the bolo, sundang or pinute’, machete  duels.  Upon analysis, it has  been discovered that  it was indeed the power blow.  At the end of the strike, it must however be observed that the striker must roll or pronate the wrist, otherwise, it will cause severe strain on the wrist and elbow and even induces injury.  Thus in delivering strike number  1, it is a palm up to palm down delivery. Correspondingly, a number 2 strike starts with a palm down  start and ends up with the palm- up.  
   

4. BERADA or PULL BACK
   In striking, avoid pulling  back or swinging the stick back before  delivery of the blow.  It telegraphs your move, and you lose valuable split second time in the delivery of the blow. This split second time means a  lot in the hands of an expert.   Obtain torque and power from the hip, shoulder,  forearm and wrist.   Some exercise moves for loosening up, does this. This is precisely why the Balintawak  masters were vehemently against the amara that will be  discussed in a  later segment.  
   

5. RETRACTING THE STICK
   Another basic principle in delivering a strike is  to retract the stick immediately after the blow.  In other words, do not extend your  hand, stick or any part of your body to be within reach or control by your opponent.  This principle is followed in bare hand combat and knife fighting.  Never allow any part of your body or weapon to be controlled by your opponent.  
   

6. AMARA  STYLE
   It is the fancy stick twirling including the flicking, whipping, fan blows (paypay). It looks fancy and circuitous.   It is the signature move of old style eskrima that still  finds currency  in some styles.  It  was used as an intimidation dance that exhausted the wielder. Balintawak  eskrimadors are not  impressed or intimidated.   The idea is to  conserve your energy for the battle. The Balintawak masters were very  much  against it.  As an exercise, it may have its merits  but even then it may lead to tennis elbow and other arthritic  pains.  Also, it sells seminars and video tapes, thus it does have arguments in its favor. As  we have learned in grade  school science,  the shortest distance between two points is a straight line.  This also applies in eskrima. Thus,  avoid the  circuitous amara.  For your education and for academic discussion, however, it goes in the following manner:

1. Horizontal fan blow or flicking blows repeated five times  

2. Horizontal blow as in number three, then drop hit to the floor  followed with a dagger thrust from left to right and then  from right to  left  

3. Diagonal fan blows similar  motions as in (a. )  

4. Twirl snap  down, twirl snap up  

5. Double sticks

1. Strikes from the same side - left and right  

2. Strikes from opposite sides, one arm higher and one arm lower  

3. Vertical up and down parallel  blows  alternating  

4. Diagonal  up and down parallel blows from both left and right  alternating  

5. X or V strikes crossing in front of you and repeated  

6. Circular diagonal fanlike movements with your right hand on your right and your left hand on  your left.  

7. Figure of eight with dagger on t he left hand -  Strike with a slashing number  1 strike, then a slashing number 2 strike

1. Repeat the procedure above  

2. Repeat strike number 1, then number 3  

3. Hit the floor in a down motion and then a perpendicular strike upwards in a stabbing motion to the groin followed with a dagger thrust.

I would not waste too much time analyzing these movements.  This is purely for academic discussion.  Balintawak  purists have a visceral  dislike for  these  moves  and will never be caught doing these dances.   As I have suggested earlier, some younger masters in their effort to  promote the art have adapted this fancy moves in promoting their videos and seminars.

SAFETY CAUTION:  During practice and drills, thrusts to the eyes and  even  to the nipple are  aimed outside the body area for safety to  avoid  injury.   Safety cannot  be  over emphasized in practice and  drill sessions.   This warning  will be repeated from time to time to warn of possible serious injury.  An accidental thrust  to the eyes can  cause blindness and a thrust to the throat  can be fatal.