E. PARRYING OF THE TWELVE BASIC STRIKES DELIVERED BY INSTRUCTOR WITH CORRESPONDING COUNTERBLOWS BY STUDENT.

As earlier discussed, in Balintawak eskrima there is a very strong emphasis on defense. Martial artists as a rule do not start a fight; he usually must defend against an aggressor before counter-attacking. This does not mean that a martial artist should always be on the defensive nor does it mean that he should always wait for an attack. Personally, as a little man, if in my judgment, the attack is imminent, I will strike first. In eskrima, the application of this is that when a strike is delivered to your head, you do not go for a tie and simultaneously deliver a blow to the opponent’s head. Rather, you should defend first against the strike before going offensive. One very important principle to remember is to do a simultaneous offensive strike with your defensive move as will be later discussed. As for now, learn basic defenses.

As a preliminary statement, it must be remembered that a full power strike with the stick is difficult to block with a stationary stick. The force could be so strong that your stick could bounce off to your face or head. Thus the strike must be: (a) met with an equal or stronger force, otherwise, your stick must be cushioned with your forearm (elbow tucked in) or your palm heel or both then: control opponent’s stick to clear. (b) Deflect or re-direct the strike in a glancing manner (c) absorb the strike as in catching a fastball. Anyone who has caught a strong baseball pitch or a strong football pass knows that it hurts your hand if you do not know how to absorb the power of a strong pass. The same is true in eskrima.

Again as earlier said, keep your eye on the opponent. If you are timid and scared, look at the chest area. Use peripheral vision and senses in watching stick movement. Do not follow the stick with your eyes. Retract your stick immediately after delivering a blow. Never allow opponent to control your stick.

1. INSTRUCTOR DELIVERS STRIKE NUMBER 1

a. The student faces the strike and blocks the stick with equal or superior force. (In actual combat, the strike would be to the hand). The forearm, palm heel or both should behind his stick. The block is a semi-downward stroke with the stick upright and in right angle to the instructor’s stick. The student’s left hand should simultaneously control instructor’s stick for a retaliatory strike. The operative word is “simultaneously”. This move is a crucial move and will be explained later. The student twists his body to the left, with his body weight shifting mostly on his retracted left foot. The stick should be forming an X with the student’s hand now touching near the end of the instructor’s stick (For purposes of training, the student must not hold the instructor’s stick, for reasons to be explained later. He must however feel the stick with his left hand.)
b. In this position, the student clears the instructor’s stick with his left hand in a downward motion. He delivers strike number two to the right side of instructor’s head. Simultaneous with his strike, student’s weight should shift to his right foot upon completion of his blow. The shift has implications in obtaining a power strike.
c. He must proceed to regain balance and retract his stick to starting and ready position.

2. INSTRUCTOR DELIVERS STRIKE NUMBER 2

a. The student again faces the strike and blocks the instructor’s stick with a semi-downward slashing block, as he simultaneously withdraws his right foot. (As in number 1 strike, in actual combat, the strike would be to the hand). The student’s left hand should simultaneously control instructor’s stick for a retaliatory strike. Student twists his shoulders to the right and transfers his weight to his right foot, retaining balance. Both sticks should now be forming an X. The student’s left hand should control instructor’s stick and clears instructor’s stick with a downward movement with his left hand.
b. After the student clears the instructor’s stick, he delivers strike number 1 to the left side of the instructor’s head. In delivering strike number 1, student’s body weight should shift to his left. He obtains torque power from the simultaneous weight shift, unwinding of the hip and shoulder, in coordination with the arm and wrist. Student should quickly regain his balance. (During basic training, student should not hold the instructor’s stick for a more fluid movement during basic instruction. In basic training, holding slows down reaction time, thus prevents the development of quicker reflex. This will be understood better later on as student advances).

Note: Eskrima masters, most especially Anciong Bacon would rap a student that grabs his stick as a penalty for disobeying training instructions. The author’s theory is that it delays the instructor’s own reaction thus slows the sequence (palakat) and tempo, the instructor then loses control. This was never explained and discussed - only obeyed. Teddy Buot had a similar disciplinary rule. NO EXPLANATION - ONLY OBEYED!
c. The student quickly retracts his stick and executes a ready fighting stance. Student’s right foot should be withdrawn to the back.

3. INSTRUCTOR DELIVERS STRIKE NUMBER 3

a. The student this time does not block the instructor’s stick but instead blocks the instructor’s right wrist with his stick except when the opponent/instructor is far. (In practice, the student blocks the stick). The student’s left hand is simultaneously transferred near the butt of the instructor’s stick with student’s weight mostly on his right foot. The left hand transfer is for the student to feel and control the movement of the instructor’s stick.
b. From this position, the student delivers a slashing strike to the left side of the instructor’s head, maintaining the same position of both feet. Again, follow the same weight shift and body twist as earlier described.
c. The student quickly retracts his stick and tries to regain his balance as he assumes a fighting stance with his right foot at the rear.

4. INSTRUCTOR DELIVERS STRIKE NUMBER 4

a. This has the same execution as strike number 1, except that the strike is lower. The student’s left foot is withdrawn. The strike is directed lower at student’s left elbow or floating ribs. The student bends his knees with his body straight. Student’s weight is shifted to his left side in order for student to obtain power in deliver of a retaliatory power strike. Further, he moves himself farther from a possible punch with opponent’s left hand. The student strikes the wrist and in practice blocks the stick. His left hand should simultaneously feel the instructor’s stick. This very important training cannot be over emphasized. This will be very important in the control of the fight. In training, the traditional way was not to hold the stick since it slowed down the training. The teachers over-emphasized the “no hold” policy to the point that it distorted the true essence in the fight. In a real fight, there is no such thing as “no holding”. Anything goes! IN BALINATAWK, THERE ARE NO FOUL BLOWS. WE MASTER THE FOUL BLOWS.
b. With both sticks forming an X, the student’s left hand feels the stick for control. The touch of the stick is a very important training tool in Balintawak eskrima. This is the basis of control and timing of the fight. The beginner will not understand this completely until he advances in his training. During my training, we just obeyed as told without asking questions for fear of a possible rap on the knuckles. In these United States and in modern marital arts training, we do explain to students the importance of this part of training. It is part of the tapi- tapi or checking hand. It is one reason why Bacon opted for the one stick or solo baston instead of the two sticks as in the old style eskrima).
c. From this position, the student clears the instructor’s stick with a downward stroke of his left hand to clear and parry down instructor’s stick for a retaliatory strike number 2 to the right side of the instructor’s head.
d. Most of student’s weight is transferred to his right foot upon delivery of his strike. He twists his body and shoulders in coordination with his arms and wrists to deliver his blow.
e. Again, the student should immediately retract his stick to regain his balance and to avoid the opponents control as earlier discussed.

5. INSTRUCTOR DELIVERS STRIKE NUMBER 5

a. The student parries with the similar execution as parrying strike number 1. Since the thrust (totsada) is lower, the student bends his knee, his left foot at the back in a firm and balanced position.
Note: You must remember this is a thrust to the abdomen, with variations to the groin, solar plexus or the throat. Also, remember to PRACTICE SAFETY with these thrusts.
b. The student evades the thrust in three ways:

1) By twisting and rotating his body to the left to avoid the thrust. The twist narrows the target area and avoids the thrust. Student’s weight fall mostly on his left foot to avoid being within reach for a punch, butt or eye poke.
(Note: Do not over rotate to turn your back to the opponent. Weight should be on your left foot, balanced, body slightly lowered. If the weight is on your right, you will be drawn closer to your opponent within distance for hair pulling or a punch. Keep eyes focused on your opponent and not on the stick).
2) The student blocks the instructor’s stick with his stick.
3) Simultaneous with the evasive body twist and the stick block, the student parries the stick with a scooping in and out movement with his left hand, the palm facing out and his fingers pointing down. This will require some practice. The three moves described above are especially useful in a knife thrust.

The blocking stroke with the stick should be in an upright position (stick point up). This is also under the assumption that the thrust is delivered at the normal fighting distance. There will be variations on this rule as the student advances. If the opponent/instructor is far when he delivers the thrust, the student would block the stick instructor’s stick with a downward stroke. This is done with a strike to the hand or wrist. Adjustments are made for distance to opponent and opponent’s height. It should be mentioned in passing, that distance fighting is another ball game. This will be covered later when the student reaches a more advanced stage in his stick fighting training.

Assume that the thrust is to the abdominal area. Also, assume that both the instructor and the student are approximately the same height. The student’s left hand scoops the instructor’s stick toward the end, down and out (fingers pointing down, palm out), to deflect and divert the thrust away from the abdomen. This could be a life saving exercise if there were a knife thrust.

c. The student then clears the instructor’s stick with his left hand and proceeds to deliver strike number 2. Again, the student should not hold on to the instructor’s stick, as previously explained, that is, to achieve a more speedy and fluid motion. Also, remember the weight shifts, to attain optimum power delivery, balance and grace.

6. INSTRUCTOR DELIVERS STRIKE NUMBER 6 - (Practice safety. For workouts, deliver thrust (totsada) outside the body to avoid accidental injury.)

a. This has the same execution as in parrying strike number 2. The instructor’s left foot must be withdrawn and student’s right foot must be withdrawn with his weight on his right foot, retaining balance. The student must make an emphatic twist back of his right shoulder without turning his back to his instructor/opponent. It must be remembered that this is a thrust. The body turn avoids and deflects the thrust and narrows the target area.
Note: In twisting the body, be careful not to move within the reach of your opponent. He could grab your hair or hit you with a punch. To avoid this, be sure your weight falls on your right foot as you twist your body.
b. After blocking the thrust with his stick, the student clears or parries the instructor’s stick downward with his left hand. Student delivers strike number 1, that is, a slashing strike to the left side of the instructor’s head. Again, remember the basics in weight shift from right to left, retracting the stick after the blow delivery and keeping student’s eyes at the instructor/opponent and not on his stick.

7. INSTRUCTOR DELIVERS STRIKE NUMBER 7 - (Practice safety. For workouts, deliver thrust outside the body to avoid accidental injury).

a. This has similar execution as the defense against strike number 1. Except that, this is a thrust and not a slashing blow. As in strike number 6, there is an emphasis on a sharp twist of the left shoulder. This is done to elude and escape the thrust as well as to narrow the target area as earlier explained. Again, transfer your weight to your left foot as you turn sideways, to avoid falling within the reach of your opponent.
b. Simultaneous to your twist, block opponent’s stick, with a semi-downward slashing strike. Your left hand should be ready to clear, parry and control opponent’s stick.
c. In this position, student delivers strike number 2. Again, follow all basics in strike delivery, that is, weight transfer, retracting your stick keeping your eye on opponent’s eyes.

8. INSTRUCTOR DELIVERS STRIKE NUMBER 8

a. The student’s left foot is back and steps with his right foot forward to reach the instructor’s striking hand. Student bends both knees since the target is his left knee. He does not bend forward otherwise his hair will be grabbed or he would be within punching or eye poking range.
b. His left palm heel blocks the instructor’s hand as he strikes instructor’s forearm or elbow with his stick. Student’s left hand should be below his stick. (If the instructor/opponent is striking from a far distance, the student strikes with a slashing downward strike at the wrist).
c. The student proceeds to deliver strike number 1 to the left side of the opponent’s head applying the usual fundamentals described earlier.

9. INSTRUCTOR DELIVERS STRIKE NUMBER 9

a. With the student’s right foot withdrawn, the student bends both knees without bending forward. This is done to avoid having his hair grabbed, his eyes poked or his face punched. His eyes should be fixed on opponent’s eyes with peripheral observation of the movement of the stick. Never follow the stick with your eyes.
b. The student steps with his left foot forward and left, slightly toward opponent’s back. This is done to be closer to the opponent/instructor, to have better control and to be away from any retaliatory blow. Student’s left palm heel blocks opponent’s hand, close to the grip, as he strikes to opponent’s elbow. The strike will be above his left hand.
c. Student proceeds to deliver strike number 2. Follow all fundamentals of delivery of blows.

10. INSTRUCTOR DELIVERS STRIKE NUMBER 10

a. The counter is similar to the counterblow to strikes numbers 2 and 3, except that this is a thrust (totsada) to the right eye. (As a precautionary reminder, always aim away from the eye in practice sessions. Accidents do happen and it could be disastrous. Sometimes, students dock towards the thrust instead of away from it).
b. The student should also execute an emphatic right shoulder twist with the corresponding head movement away from the thrust while keeping his balance. His weight should be transferred to his right foot. As earlier explained, the student must keep his eyes on his opponent/instructor.
c. The student then clears the instructor’s stick with his left hand in a downward manner and proceeds to deliver strike number 1, observing all fundamentals of blow delivery.

11. INSTRUCTOR DELIVERS STRIKE NUMBER 11

a. The block is similar to strike numbers 1 and 4. Remember this is a thrust to the left eye instead of a slashing blow. (It cannot be over emphasized to execute safety. For workouts point thrust outside the head area, especially thrusts to the eye).
b. The student again pulls his shoulder back with his weight transferred to his left foot. His head should also move in an evasive manner away from the thrust, although keeping his eyes on his opponent/instructor, meanwhile, maintaining his balance.
c. The student then clears his instructor’s stick in a downward stroke with his left hand and proceeds to deliver strike number 2, still observing all fundamentals of blow delivery.

12. INSTRUCTOR DELIVERS STRIKE NUMBER 12 - This is a hammer strike to the head. The counter to this strike is unique and involved. It is a very important counter and carries many implications and applications, especially in bare hand combat and knife fighting. There are three ways the student may evade and defend against the blow as described in the next three moves:

a. The student ducks the blow, moving his head left and forward. (Avoid the natural tendency to pull the head backward).
b. The student parries the instructor’s fist (not the stick or the arm), towards the right and out. This movement is also very crucial. The parry is like catching a strong pitch of a ball. The power is absorbed and deflected to your right. The student controls the base of the instructor’s stick with his thumb, his four fingers latches on, inside, on the instructor’s thumb. Otherwise, the instructor/opponent’s stick could go wild and hit the student’s head.
c. The student delivers a simultaneous slashing strike to the instructor’s wrist. This is not a lazy rap. This is a full strike with full power derived from the uncorking of the hips, shoulder, arm and wrist. (All three previous moves i.e., a, b and c are simultaneous. Remember the blade concept, i.e., as if you are striking with the blade of the machete).
d. The student jerks the instructor’s hand with his weight behind his pull; drop down toward his right side, using both his hands and body weight. He simultaneously withdraws his right foot and transfers his weight balanced on his right foot. The jerking motion and dropping down and back breaks the opponent’s balance.
e. The student transfers control by his left hand to instructor’s wrist, in front of student’s stick. This is done to free his stick and remove the obstruction for a full blow.
f. The student proceeds to deliver strike numbers 1 or 12 to instructor’s head. Again, follow all fundamentals of strike delivery for optimum power.

NOTE: Correct repetition of properly executed delivery of strikes and counter- strikes should be mastered until drilled into the student’s muscle memory. Correct, quick and automatic reflexes are crucial in the martial arts.

After the mastery of the strikes and counter-strikes, delivered in the order from 1 to 12, the student is drilled in the delivery of blows at RANDOM order. That is, the delivery of blows will no longer be in the order from 1 to 12, but at any random order. This is to teach and test the student’s reflex response to any blow coming from any direction. This part is called palakat or walk-through

The student is then drilled in blocking UPWARD - left and right, SIDEWAYS - left and right, and DOWNWARD - left and right.

TOUCH AND FEEL (hikap) - is another area in the instructional process that is emphasized in Balintawak eskrima. The Grandmaster Anciong Bacon knew very little English and among his few English words was - FEELING and CENTER BALANCE. A martial artist should have a sense and must feel inertia as to where his opponent’s hand and body movements are directed. He should feel pressure or slack. Feel and touch is an aid to what the eyes cannot see. A highly developed sense of feel and touch can sense openings from the pressure, slack or release in the body or hand in his contact with hand and/or stick. In the hands of a master or an expert, pressure, inertia or power of an opponent can be made to work against said opponent. This will be more extensively covered in a later chapter.