One of the most impressive and, one could say, beautiful, techniques in the Filipino Martial Art of escrima must be the Espada Y Daga. Espada Y Daga comes from the Spanish phrase "sword and dagger", and as the name implies, is performed with two weapons. Usually the longer weapon (which can sometimes be replaced with a stick) makes the first move followed by the shorter and quicker knife weapon. This is inherently a close range combat technique, where the weaker and farther knife hand can already stab the opponent.
This particular technique is considered the "heart" of many escrima systems, such as Pekiti-Tirsia, Kalis Ilustrisimo, and Lightning Scientific Arnis, and it is taught only to advanced students since it requires good coordination with both hands, and the wielding of two different kinds of weapons at the same time. Usually this technique may be first taught with a single stick and an open hand during training.
Though it may be difficult at first, eventually those who master the espada y daga can perform alternating attacks at breathtaking speeds, attacks which can no longer be anticipated by the opponent. Also, the master of espada y daga no longer has to rely on predetermined combinations but can completely improvise, targeting different parts of the opponent's body at his choosing. In this way the opponent is literally "chopped to pieces."
Though some have claimed that espada y daga reveals Spain's influence in the Filipino Martial Arts, it has been conceded that Spanish sword fighting is very different and could not have been the origin of this technique. Rather, the espada y daga has its roots much further back, perhaps in the native warrior clans that lived in different islands of the Philippines. Only the name was changed, which is understandable given the almost three-hundred years of Spanish colonization. In fact, many escrima moves were also given Spanish names, such as "serrada" (closed fighting), "kambio" (angular footwork), and "segida" (linear footwork).
Is this technique still useful in the modern age, especially given the popularity of firearms? Add to that the fact that it is impossible to carry bladed weapons in many countries, unless you want to get arrested. Some escrima practitioners insist that the espada y daga techniques can also be translated into empty hand combat. Others also emphasize its usefulness with modern police weapons such as the baton and handcuffs. There are also those who appreciate espada y daga for the aesthetics of it, the graceful and continuous motion that almost resembles the Filipino Martial Art version of a ballet performance.
Whatever the motivation, a constant reminder is that one should be a responsible individual when learning such an art. The best way to win in a fight is to just completely avoid it in the first place. However, when unsought danger threatens your life or the people you love, then such a technique may come in handy for effective self-defense.
This particular technique is considered the "heart" of many escrima systems, such as Pekiti-Tirsia, Kalis Ilustrisimo, and Lightning Scientific Arnis, and it is taught only to advanced students since it requires good coordination with both hands, and the wielding of two different kinds of weapons at the same time. Usually this technique may be first taught with a single stick and an open hand during training.
Though it may be difficult at first, eventually those who master the espada y daga can perform alternating attacks at breathtaking speeds, attacks which can no longer be anticipated by the opponent. Also, the master of espada y daga no longer has to rely on predetermined combinations but can completely improvise, targeting different parts of the opponent's body at his choosing. In this way the opponent is literally "chopped to pieces."
Though some have claimed that espada y daga reveals Spain's influence in the Filipino Martial Arts, it has been conceded that Spanish sword fighting is very different and could not have been the origin of this technique. Rather, the espada y daga has its roots much further back, perhaps in the native warrior clans that lived in different islands of the Philippines. Only the name was changed, which is understandable given the almost three-hundred years of Spanish colonization. In fact, many escrima moves were also given Spanish names, such as "serrada" (closed fighting), "kambio" (angular footwork), and "segida" (linear footwork).
Is this technique still useful in the modern age, especially given the popularity of firearms? Add to that the fact that it is impossible to carry bladed weapons in many countries, unless you want to get arrested. Some escrima practitioners insist that the espada y daga techniques can also be translated into empty hand combat. Others also emphasize its usefulness with modern police weapons such as the baton and handcuffs. There are also those who appreciate espada y daga for the aesthetics of it, the graceful and continuous motion that almost resembles the Filipino Martial Art version of a ballet performance.
Whatever the motivation, a constant reminder is that one should be a responsible individual when learning such an art. The best way to win in a fight is to just completely avoid it in the first place. However, when unsought danger threatens your life or the people you love, then such a technique may come in handy for effective self-defense.
About the Author:
The author is certified martial arts instructor who has also authored other articles here and this one.
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