Stick/Blunt Object

The foundation of most FMA systems begins with the stick, double and single. You will be taught double stick drills (Sinawali) concentrating on flow and coordination as well as single stick principles, blade awareness with a safe instrument, and how to properly strike and defend. Obviously, most folks don't walk around carrying a stick, so the techniques learned with the single stick are equally as applicable with a found object or improvised weapon.

Long Blade

Techniques taught with the stick translate to long bladed weapons, such as machetes and bolos. These weapons started as agricultural tools and were used for long and medium range combat in the Philippines during times of oppression and colonialization, when citizens were not permitted to carry purpose made weapons. Techniques include slashes, redondos, thrusts, as well as high and low line blocks and counter techniques.

Knife

Knives are incredibly dangerous because of their edge, ease of concealment and carry, and the rage or sinister mindset of an attacker who means to do you harm. It is relatively simple to teach the offensive or attacker side of knife fighting; whereas the defensive aspect is precarious and, at times, unreliable. It is often espoused that knife techniques are direct translations of stick techniques. This is misleading. Adjustments must be made due to the fact that a blade is dangerous anywhere it is deployed, versus a stick that is at its most dangerous at the striking or butting end.

Empty Hand

Empty hand techniques are based on a combination of the triangle principle, ubiquitous in FMA styles, boxing, joint locks, throws, and takedowns. Attention is given to train the counters to each of these types of techniques as well.

Mindset & Mentality