I just want to share with you some of the mechanics of our teaching method, which was first imbued by Mr. Teofilo Velez. Our group in Mandaue City, Teofilo V. Roma arranges it in proper order. The basic lessons that you call “abcedario” is for us we called also as ”PASEDARIO” derive from the Spanish word as “pasada” which meant to be “PANGAGI-AN” in our Cebuano dialect, and I don’t know the exact word in English for it. I was inspired to post in this thread when I read about your teaching particularly the "Abcedario" it looks(Rich Parsons article) like that we have just had the same drill movements and forms of the basic lessons of arnis and it was obvious because we are originated in the same root.
The only difference is that Mr. Velez our Grandmaster innovated the teaching method. In our teaching the first level was the Basic Degree Training which is the fundamental form of arnis fighting composed of the first and second stages of instruction that includes the basic twelve-blow strike forms, twelve-blow defense-offense movements (PASEDARIO) and in the second stage were the five basic grouping lessons, the basic of butting, snatching or disarming, holds, takedowns (grappling), the basic of pushing and pulling, the basic of bare hand combat and the basic of bladed weapons fighting all in successions (SEGUIDAS).
The second level was the Advance Degree Training composed of the third and fourth stages of instructions that includes, the at random, the Advance grouping moves, trapping and tripping moves and in the fourth phase were the advance butting, snatching, pushing, pulling and the advance of bare hand combat and the advance bladed weapons fighting all in one varied motion drills and executions(CORRIDAS).
[LEFT]The third level includes the fifth and sixth stages of instructions we call it the master’s degree training and it is the highest lesson to be accomplished by a member that includes the masters in the advance grouping movements we called the abortion techniques, the double-triple attacking techniques and its defense, the firearm disarming, and the calculation or accounted drill motion executions “CUENTADA” lessons in the sixth and final stage of training.
In the basic lesson of arnis, we teach our students first in stick fighting, and although the emphasis was more on defense-offense situation, the student must learn to execute the twelve basic blows first and foremost. These consist of six slashing blows (strike # 1,2,3,4,8 & 9), five thrust blows (strike # 5,6,7,10 & 11) and one hammer blow (strike # 12 a strike on the forehead). These should be practice with proper footwork in forward and backward motion just like simply walking. This training is done under the first and second stages of Instructions in the first category/level
Starting position – is the on guard position, moving half step backward (to the left for right-handed) forming twelve inches apart in between legs and in a half squatting position? Stick was held firmly in a vertical Position in front of you, while putting the empty hand across the stick and the back of your hand will be placed on the stick while your palm wide open facing to the chest. [/B][/FONT]The basic of parrying and blocking on the opponent’s attack has its corresponding retaliation blows in every attempt. [/B]
This is what we call the defense-counter-offense lessons and the mechanics must always starts at the medium range distance, as it is the only ideal range for a beginner to move comfortably and also it would be much easier for the Instructor to guide the student at one-arm length reachable position. The instruction is hands on (one student at a time per Instructor) and the Instructor will play the role as a dummy opponent. He will deliver the twelve basic blows exactly in a movements explained above although the Instructor will have to make some adjustments on his steps. First thing is that he will deliver the blows in a slower motion so that the student would be able to execute the correct blocking or parrying form.
The correct execution on blocking or parrying at this medium range is just to go with the force of the incoming blow, striking it with force to force is not allowed at this distance because in a real contact fight the opponent can make some fake blows purposely to hit you not on what you think or see he is aiming but rather to hit you at the other side or other parts of your body. So the technique is just to go with the force of stick blows leaning on sideways a little bit backward with your stick in a vertical position parallel to your body to the left or to the right (depending on where the blow is going or coming), your empty hand would always be checking in every move to defend. In this manner it would be easier for the student to quickly move and parry the succeeding blows from the opponent.
But in the knee slashing, hammer blow or abdominal-thrust-driving blow, we have different blocking or parrying procedure. It must be blocked or parried by an empty hand assisted by your stick parallel to your hand in the same position. The Instructor do not block or parry the student’s retaliation blow at this moment until the student mastered his lessons. But in order not to hurt the Instructor, the student’s retaliation blow must be freeze before reaching the target three inches distance apart. Student must keep his eyes on the opponent’s face and not follow the stick with the eyes. He has to use peripheral vision and feel to sense in watching the opponent’s stick movements.
Wilson R. Ceniza
Teovel Balintawak Self-defense Club
Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines
www.teovel-balintawak.co.nr
