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One of the most impressive and, one could say, beautiful, techniques in the Filipino Martial Art of escrima must be the Espada Y Daga. Espada Y Daga comes from the Spanish phrase “sword and dagger”, and as the name implies, is performed with two weapons. Usually the longer weapon (which can sometimes be replaced with a stick) makes the first move followed by the shorter and quicker knife weapon. This is inherently a close range combat technique, where the weaker and farther knife hand can already stab the opponent.

You can find this technique in many of the major styles of escrima, such as Lightning Scientific Arnis, Modern Arnis, and Lameco Eskrima. But this is only taught much later in the training of the fighter, after he has become fluent in the basics of pure stick fighting. And usually it is taught first with just a stick and an open palm. The last stage of training may include training with live blades which could injure the person wielding them if he’s not careful.

Those who have mastered the espada y daga are able to perform a series of alternating attacks at great speeds, which completely overwhelm the opponent. In fact in the Lightning Scientific Arnis style they even have a drill called “kadenilya” or little chain, which means a chain of attacks which also instinctively reacts to any counter-attack that the opponent may try to make. The goal is to keep on doing the espada y daga regardless of any defensive maneuver the opponent may attempt.

Though some have claimed that espada y daga reveals Spain’s influence in the Filipino Martial Arts, it has been conceded that Spanish sword fighting is very different and could not have been the origin of this technique. Rather, the espada y daga has its roots much further back, perhaps in the native warrior clans that lived in different islands of the Philippines. Only the name was changed, which is understandable given the almost three-hundred years of Spanish colonization. In fact, many escrima moves were also given Spanish names, such as “serrada” (closed fighting), “kambio” (angular footwork), and “segida” (linear footwork).

Is this technique still useful in the modern age, especially given the popularity of firearms? Add to that the fact that it is impossible to carry bladed weapons in many countries, unless you want to get arrested. Some escrima practitioners insist that the espada y daga techniques can also be translated into empty hand combat. Others also emphasize its usefulness with modern police weapons such as the baton and handcuffs. There are also those who appreciate espada y daga for the aesthetics of it, the graceful and continuous motion that almost resembles the Filipino Martial Art version of a ballet performance.

In any case, one should be very responsible in learning the espada y daga and not use it for illegal purposes. Centuries before, the espada y daga was probably used to defend the “barangay” (community) against tribal invaders. It is a technique used for protecting other people, not threatening or intimidating them. Hopefully that aspect of the art can still be continued today.

The writer is certified escrima instructor who has also written other articles here and another one.

Getting good at mixed martial arts is not an easy task which is part of its appeal. Consistent training, determination, and being in great physical condition are all requirements to achieve anything is this sport. If you want to learn how to make faster progress in your MMA training, the following principles will be helpful.

You will need to focus on submission holds during your mixed martial arts training. Using these holds is how many MMA fighters win their fights. If a competitor is skilled at submission holds, then they can win a match in the last few seconds with one of these techniques. Submission holds can be especially useful in close fights but you don’t want to rely solely on them and should work on improving all of your skills. Still, be sure to study and practice techniques such as the triangle choke and the rear naked choke when you can. But these holds are dangerous so you need to practice them carefully and find someone experienced enough to teach them to you safely.

When practicing at a mixed martial arts gym or martial arts school, be sure to train with a variety of people. Above all, you should seek out people who are more experienced and skillful than you. Everyone’s ego can lead them to only train with someone who is at their level or lower so they can feel in control of the situation. However, the best way to improve is to train with people who are on a higher level. Let them know you are trying to learn and be respectful and they will usually be happy to help you. You will quickly learn the areas and MMA techniques you need to improve when you spar and practice with a more skilled martial artist. To help take your skills to the next level, training with better fighters is a great option.

With this sport you need a variety of skills meaning that you need to train in a variety of ways, which adds to the challenge of the sport. Strength training is one of the many things you need to focus on. Besides strength, you also need speed, cardio endurance, and martial arts skills. Strength can be a necessary advantage when fighting in your won weight division. This is why it is important that weight training and other forms of strength training are a part of your MMA training.

In summary, if you want to make progress in mixed martial arts, you have to be ready to devote a lot of time and effort to it. You want to work out hard, but you also want to stay as safe as possible to avoid injuries. Use these MMA training tips and you will begin to see greater improvement.

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KOREAN Stealth MaritalArts. This is not Japanese Ninjutsu! DISCLAIMER: “These videos are for entertainment purposes only. The videos are not for instruction and are not intended to encourage viewers to try anything without first learning from a qualified instructor. No one should attempt to try these techniques without being trained and supervised by a qualified person.”