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

We have all heard that the best defense is a strong offense. That is a valid assumption. As earlier said, in Balintawak eskrima there is a very strong emphasis on defense. Martial as a rule do not start a fight, he must therefore defend against an aggressor before attacking. This does not mean a martial artist should always be on the defensive nor does it mean, we should always wait for an attack. Personally, as a little man, if in my judgment, the attack is imminent, I will strike first. What is really meant in this principle of a strong defense is that when a blow 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 blow before going offensive. In Balintawak eskrima, one very important principle is to make a simultaneous offensive strike with your defensive move as will be taught later. For now learn the basic defense.

As a preliminary statement, it must be remembered that a full power strike with the stick cannot be effectively blocked by a stationary stick. The force could be so strong that your stick could bounce off to your face or head. Thus the blow 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.

(b) deflect the blow in a glancing manner (c) absorb the blow as in catching a fast ball.& 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. Do not follow the stick with your eyes. Use peripheral vision and feel in watching the stick. Retract your stick immediately after delivering a blow. Do not allow opponent to control your stick.

1. INSTRUCTOR DELIVERS STRIKE NUMBER 1

1. The student blocks the stick with equal force. His forearm, palm heel or both should behind his stick. The block is a semi-downward stroke with the stick upright. 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.) ;
   

2. 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 blow, student’s weight should shift to his right foot upon completion of his blow.
   

3. He must proceed to regain balance and retract his stick to starting and ready position.

2. INSTRUCTOR DELIVERS STRIKE NUMBER 2

1. The student blocks the instructor’s stick with a semi-downward slashing block, as he simultaneously withdraws his right foot. Student twists his shoulders to the right and transfers his weight to his right foot. 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.
   

2. 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.)
   

3. 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

1. The student this time does not block the instructor’s stick but instead blocks the instructor’s right wrist with his stick unless the opponent/instructor is far.; 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.
   

2. From this position, the student delivers a slashing strike to theleft 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.
   

3. 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. 4. INSTRUCTOR DELIVERS STRIKE NUMBER 4

1. This has the same execution as strike number 1, except that it is lower. The student’s left foot is withdrawn. The blow 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.
   

2. With both sticks forming an X, the student’s left hand feels the stick for control. (The feeling of the stick is a very important training tool in Balintawak eskrima.  The beginner will not understand this completely until he advances in his training. During my training, we just obeyed as told without asking questions. In these United States and in more modern 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.)
   

3. From this position, the student clears the instructor’s stick with a downward stroke of his left hand to clear for a retaliatory strike number 2 to the right side of the instructor’s head.
   

4. Most of student’s weight is transferred to his right foot. He twists his body and shoulders in coordination with his arms and wrists to deliver his blow.
   

5. 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

1. The student parries with the similar execution as parrying strike number 1.  Since the thrust is lower, the student bends his knee, his left foot at the back.
   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.
   

2. 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. Do not over rotate to turn the body away from the opponent.
   

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 blow is delivered at the normal fighting distance. As the student advances there will be variations on this rule. If the opponent/instructor is far when he delivers the thrust, the student would block the stick instructor’s stick with a downward stroke with a strike to the hand or wrist. Adjustments are made for distance to opponent and opponent’s height. It should be further 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 is a knife thrust.

3. 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 explain, 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 blow outside the body to avoid accidental injury.)

1. 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. 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 turn your body.
   

2. 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 blow outside the body to avoid accidental injury.)

1. 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. ;
   

2. Simultaneous to your twist, block opponent’s stick with your stick with a semi-downward slashing blow. Your left hand should be ready to clear, parry and control opponent’s stick.
   

3. 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

1. 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.
   

2. 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.)
   

3. The student proceeds to deliver strike number 1 to the left side of he opponent’s head applying the usual fundamentals described earlier.

9. INSTRUCTOR DELIVERS STRIKE NUMBER 9

1. 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.
   

2. 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.
   

3. Student proceeds to deliver strike number 2. Follow all fundamentals of delivery of blows.

10. INSTRUCTOR DELIVERS STRIKE NUMBER 10

1. The counter is similar to the counterblow to strikes numbers 2 and 3, except that this is a thrust 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.)
   

2. 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.
   

3. The student then clears the instructor’s stick with his left hand in downward manner and proceeds to deliver strike number 1, observing all fundamentals of blow delivery.

11. INSTRUCTOR DELIVERS STRIKE NUMBER 11

1. 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.)
   

2. 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.
   

3. 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 blow 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 evades and defends against the blow, as described in the first next three moves:

1. The student ducks the blow, moving his head left and forward. (Avoid the natural tendency to pull the head backward.)
   

2. The student parries the instructor’s fist (not the stick nor 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.
   

3. The student delivers a simultaneous slashing strike to the instructor’s wrist. This is not a lazy rap. This is a full blow 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.)
   

4. The student jerks the instructor’s hand with his weight behind his pull, down and toward his right side, using both his hands and body weight. He simultaneously withdraws his right foot and transfers his weight to his right foot. The jerking motion breaks the opponent’s balance.
   

5. 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. ;
   

6. The student proceeds to deliver strike numbers 1 or 12 to instructor’s head. Again, follow all fundamentals of blow delivery for optimum power.

NOTE: Correct repetition of properly executed delivery of blows and counter blows 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 blows and counter blows, 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.

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 were - 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.