Here's me as the legendary Dan Inosanto, Bruce Lee's training partner and sifu to many acclaimed martial artists.

"FIL MA" 3D.gif

*A rare, signed, higher resolution and non-watermarked version of this image is available for download at: https://creary.net/digitalart/@jaichai/differences-filipino-martial-arts.

Below are some unique things that differentiate Filipino Martial Arts from the bulk of other, more popular fighting styles.

Unlike Wing Chun and other martial arts that stress the "centerline" principle, Filipino Martial Arts (e.g., Arnis, Eskrima, Kali and others) extensively use the "PIA" approach - a Progressive, Indirect Attack.

Strikes originate from the outside, off centerline; from above, below or oblique positions and travel at any angle possible; much like Manny Pacquiao's punches.

Filipino Martial artists believe that speed and technique develops much faster with weapons training.

That's why, instead of the traditional progression from hand-to-hand and then to weapons training, Filipino Martial artists reverse that order.

Beginners start with weapons training, then may or may not opt for hand-to-hand combat training later on.

Think of this.

Body positioning and extremity movements are virtually the same with or without a handheld weapon.

Put any object in your hand and it can become a weapon.

Weapons, no matter how small or benign looking, are often the "great equalizers" in a fight; especially when a small person is assaulted by a bigger or stronger assailant.

Before/After "Gunting" -

Simultaneous evasive and/or attack maneuvers are often preceded or ended with "Gunting" (meaning: to cut; strikes with the knuckle on any area of the body with a nerve plexus).

Fun Facts:

During its campaign against the Moros, 1899 –1935, the U.S. Army adopted the Colt .45 Model 1911 semiautomatic pistol after American soldiers found that the .38 caliber New Army Long Colt and Smith and Wesson revolvers they had previously used were unable to stop the fierce Moro warriors of the Southern Philippines.

(Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/i_travel_east/2586471085)

"Kino Mutai" is a Filipino grappling style that is "The Art of Biting your opponent Without Being Bitten".

Imagine that?

Submitted FYI.

May you and yours be well and loving life today.

In Lak'ech, JaiChai

(JaiChai 12 Apr 2022. Simultaneous multi-site submissions posted. All rights reserved.)