Swordsman's Journey

  Filipino Classical Weapons of Self Protection     While cleaning my collection of wooden and rattan-made weapons of self-defense, the pamalo , balila , garrote , and the baston ; I decided to write an essay with regard to these weapons of self-defense typically used then by older generations.   Reminiscing what really are these things based on my experiences, what was said, and what I observed from older generations from Nueva Ecija, Cagayan, Manila, and southern Tagalog, particularly the Laguna, Batangas, Cavite, Bicol, and Quezon provinces.   The Civilian Weapons   (Baston, Garrote, Brokil) The pamalo , an arm-length rattan stick; was typically found among the houses. It can be used in many ways, such as reaching something, bracing something, hitting something, and as a weapon of self-protection if the situation needed it. Typical jeepney drivers, usually carry a rattan stick or sometimes a metal pipe used for measuring the level of the ...

  Escrima Tournament 2023   Bolo Fencing – sparring event in which both players (fencers) use synthetic Filipino-modeled short swords (i.e. Pinuti, Ginunting, Sanzibar, Dinahong Palay, etc.). The concept is to ‘hit and not to be hit’ during the sparring.   Fencers can employ his/her cut, chop, slice, and thrust against their opponent during the clash. Various offensive tactics such as direct attack (recta), feigning/invitation (enganyo) counter-time, beat, bearing; and response tactics such as riposte (contra), slip (lutang), timed-hit, enclose and command can be applied.   A score can be given when a fencer successfully landed an attack/counter-attack to an opponent without being countered. Three (3) for head/face shot, two (2) points for body shot, and a point to the limb. Double Hits of equal value are not scored. After blow is imminent and part of the clash. A fencer must always safeguard himself even if he successfully landed an attack or counter-att...