Complete Sinawali: Filipino Double-Weapon Fighting by Reynaldo S. Galang
Complete Sinawali – Filipino Double Weapon Fighting was written by Reynaldo S. Galang. He is a member of Bakbakan, and an FMA instructor who has also studied and learned Judo, classic Jiu Jitsu, Aikido, Karate, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, and Catch Wrestling. For the last three decades or more, his focus has been on FMA.
In my opinion, one of the most important attributes an arnisador must possess and develop is ambidexterity. And one sure-fire way to do so is with sinawali training. If your particular system does not utilize doble baston techniques, or you would like to dig deeper into this critical aspect of arnis, then you can consider obtaining a copy of this text money well spent.
The book is 100 pages long, and contains 8 chapters as follows:
1. The Origin of Sinawali
2. The Fighting Arts of Bakbakan International
3. Bakbakan Training Structure
4. Stances and Footwork
5. Warm-Up Exercises
6. Lakbay Sinawali: The Central Form of Sinawali
7. Dakip-Diwa
8. Laban-Sanay (Free-Style Sparring)
From the back cover:
The warriors of the Philippines have long been respected as fierce, courageous, and effective fighters, and the martial art of Sinawali has developed multiple-weapon fighting to an exceptionally high degree of sophistication.
The book is well illustrated (395 photos), sequentially demonstrating all of the various techniques being taught and explained to the reader.
The opening chapter gives a six page history lesson concerning the beginnings of sinawali in the Central Luzon Plain area of the Philippines, referencing archaeology, language, and occupation by both the Spain and America. With regard to Pampangan warriors:
“Developed by and inherited from this breed of warriors and leaders is the art Sinawali. Despite its brief loss of popularity, the legacy of double-stick drills and techniques has been fortunately preserved in cultural plays, dances, family dynasties, and regional meets. From the basic to the more advanced forms, the drills and techniques of Sinawali have remained unchanged and unchallenged through the years.”
Chapters 2 and 3 cover Bakbakan International – founding and principal members, weapons systems (Kali Ilustrisimo, Tulisan Knife-Fighting, Sinawali, and Kali), methods of unarmed combat (Sagasa, Hagibis, and Ngo Cho Kun Kung Fu), and training structure.
“From its early beginning as an informal gathering of champions from different disciplines of martial arts, the brotherhood of Bakbakan has now grown into a Who’s Who of Philippine martial artists. Fostering friendship, brotherhood, and support of many activities that promote the Warrior Arts of the Philippines, the name Bakbakan has become a byword in serious martial arts circles.”
“Fighting skills are not exclusively developed by free-fighting. Forms and drills enable the practitioner to study and simulate combat under different conditions and combinations. Such scope and variety would not be readily and consistently present in free-fighting.”
Chapters 4 and 5 go over stances and footwork (Fighting Form, Shuffle, Dodging, Pivoting, and Ilustrisimo Footwork), and warm-up exercises (Wrist Strengthening/Torque/Rotation/Twirling, and Strikes).
“A relaxed but alert fighting stance is characteristic of an accomplished eskrimador. No superfluous movements are used, nor are the weapons held too far away, making them unavailable for immediate retaliation. Regular sparring will prove the value of these.”
“The following exercises are recommended for their benefit in preparing and conditioning the practitioner. More than that, these exercises are foundation techniques in themselves; that is, they are not mere drills, but are practical skills that can be used in actual combat or sparring.”
The sixth chapter of the book is a journey through Lakbay Sinawali: The Central Form Of Sinawali – being translated as “The Odyssey of the Double Weapons.” The components of Lakbay-Sinawali are 18 techniques composed of 70 steps with names such as Magbabayo, Baguhan, and Luha Redonda. Very clear, step by step instructions for the form are complimented by 321 photos to provide the reader with the ability to begin their voyage through the curriculum.
“Although identified as a double-sword or double-stick system, Sinawali provides the seed for growth and maturity into the art of Espada y Daga. Hidden behind many of its movements are the essentials of mixed-weapon fighting techniques.”
Chapter 7, entitled Dakip-Diwa, is a brief summary of the mental training goal of an advanced practitioner of Sinawali in particular (or really any other art in general). This term can be defined as “mindset” and refers to the focus and mental attitude of the Mandirigma.
“It is only by applying oneself to serious study, practice, and focused attention on the execution and repetition of the individual techniques that true Dakip-Diwa can be reached and attained.”
The final section, Chapter 8, delves into Laban-Sanay or Free-Style Sparring. The distinction is made between Sparring (controlled sparring) and Free-Sparring (open sparring). Explanations of and advice for your sparring practice are given in these last four pages on the purpose and proper goals of sparring, as well as safety considerations.
My thoughts on this book
Complete Sinawali – Filipino Double Weapon Fighting would be a great addition to your book collection in your journey to bring your double weapons training to another level. Go for it!
Thanks for checking out the blog. God bless you, have a great day, and remember - whenever you train, train with all your heart!
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