Pananandata Yantok At Daga: Filipino Stick And Dagger by Amante P. Marinas Sr.
Panananadata Yantok At Daga - Filipino Stick and Dagger was written by Maestro Amante Marinas who has black belts in karate and aikido, has a master's ranking in Arnis Lanada, and is the Grandmaster of Pananandata. He is a chemical engineer and is a former professor of chemical engineering at Adamson University in Manila, Philippines. I have three of his books and a few magazine articles - and I have learned much from all of them.
If your particular style or system includes Espada y Daga in the curriculum, ask yourself this question: “Have I learned how to fight with it?” You might have a series of moves or combinations, perhaps even a sayaw or anyo, but have you learned how to defend yourself under pressure with two weapons of unequal lengths? If the answer is a definitive “no”, or even “Well, I’m not sure…”, or you’re like me and interested in more knowledge then this book is for you.
At 77 pages in length, Panananadata Yantok At Daga is divided into 5 sections: Introduction, Yantok At Daga, Basic Principles, Applications, Glossary.
From the back cover:
Why use both the stick and the dagger? When you’re fighting an opponent who attacks with a long weapon, the stick is useful for defensive blocking, and for thrusting through your attacker’s defense., while the dagger is used only once you have bypassed his defenses. If your assailant chooses a short weapon, the stick easily defeats it, opening an avenue for a slash or thrust with either the stick or dagger – an unbeatable combination.
The text is well illustrated with step by step photos (213 in all), and the glossary lists a total of 53 Tagalog terms – selected from Maestro Marinas’ background in Arnis Lanada and Pananandata - all well defined. (Examples: Bulusok – A downward thrust aimed at the upper left of the target. / Hila ng katwan – A lean back, the shifting of the weight to the rear leg. / Paggamit ng sandata- Choice of weapon.)
In the Introduction, the main points discussed are distance, speed, timing, and smoothness.
“These qualities will enable you to move smoothly and gracefully, gain distance quickly or yield distance rapidly, gain time, and read the opponent’s intentions before they become serious threats.”
The next section, Yantok at Daga, gives a brief history with related comments concerning the origins and development of this fighting system. Maestro Marinas also discusses the relevance of training and utilizing Filipino stick and dagger techniques in the modern era.
“The republic of the Philippines is now far removed from the Spanish colonists. However, the study of the techniques of the yantok at daga is still relevant to the present. Techniques of combat apply wherever and whenever man lives.”
Next comes Basic Principles. Here, 11 intricately linked principles are listed and then clearly demonstrated (with photos) and explained for the student of stick and dagger:
1. Time Hits 7. Timing
2. Distancing 8. Attack On The Yantok
3. Triangle 9. Economy Of Movement
4. Balance 10. Choice Of Techniques
5. Lean Forward 11. Choice Of Weapon
6. Lean Back
Following the last chapter on basic principles of using the stick and dagger is the chapter on Applications. Divided into three sections, it covers the use of:
9 thrusts with the longer yantok as the final hit on the target
9 thrusts with the shorter daga
9 cuts (strikes) with the longer yantok
These are all clearly explained and well illustrated with photos.
Lastly comes the 3 page glossary which will add to any arnisador's knowledge and expand their horizons with regard to language and culture in the fighting arts of the Philippines.
My thoughts on this book
Panananadata Yantok At Daga - Filipino Stick and Dagger is a great book that can definitely help improve your abilities as an arnisador. The clear instructions and step by step illustrations make learning of these movements possible for those who have the drive and desire to explore and grow. So check it out!
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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