Re: Two attacks

From: Roderick and Ellen Robertson <rjremr_at_...>
Date: Mon, 5 Jul 2004 16:18:38 -0700


> >I checked with my local Martial arts sensei - Other than very light
> >Chinese swords, he couldn't think of another style with two swords (there
> >is a new filipino matial art that uses 30-inch sticks, but it's been
> >invented within the last 20 years or so, from what I can gather).
>
>
> Kali/Escrima (both names are used), and it's a lot older than that -
> about a century and a half, from memory. It also has a sword form, with
> two shortswords, that usually uses the Kali name; the Escrima name is
> usually used for the stick form.
>
> It was *publicised* about 20 years ago in a movie; I think it was one of
> the Rambo ones. But it came out of the disenfranchised and de-weaponed
> Philippinos during Dutch (IIRC) rule in the 19th century or earlier - the
> same way several arts came out of occupied Okinawa, especially the
> stereotypical ninja weapons.

Escrima *is* old, but the sticks are shortsword-sized (~20 inches). There is a *new* form that uses 30" sticks.

Filipino martial arts date back at least to the spanish - several forms include moves designed to go around breastplates (through the neck or armholes, or under the lower edge). They fight nasty - any move that connects is good, rather than more stylised martial arts. Very loose, very fluid, lots of edge, lots of cuts on an "X" or "Z" pattern, going for disabling rather than out-right kills.

RR
It is by my order and for the good of the state that the bearer of this has done what he has done.
- Richelieu

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