Espada y daga

From MartialTalk Online Martial Arts Encyclopedia Project

Espada y daga (also known as "punta y daga" or "olisi y baraw (cebuano)" is a discipline of Eskrima and the FMA believed to be influenced by European Fencing. Literally translated as "sword and dagger", this discipline of the FMA focuses on engaging an opponent(s) in both close and mid-ranges (see main article on Eskrima). Typically the stronger or dominant hand will hold the long weapon (sword) and serves as the primary offense. The weaker hand, or off-hand, wields the short weapon (dagger/knife) and is used for both offense (thrusting and sliding) and defense (blocking, checking and locking).

Training typically begins with drills teaching coordination of the two weapons in striking and checking patterns. The incorporation of footwork, body angling, locking, and takedowns are normally added once the student(s) have demonstrated competence in their application of the basic patterns/sets.

Training espada y daga is generally precipitated by solo baston (single stick) and/or doble Baston (double stick), with mano mano (empty hands) and dumog (wrestling) being taught to advanced students. The number and variation of the disciplines taught will vary by guro (teacher) and/or school.

The Cabales Serrada Eskrima and Doce Pares Eskrima styles are both known to implement espada y daga. Many other styles have been known to teach espada y daga in their curriculum with the degree of focus on the subject varying.

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