How to Train Filipino Martial Arts (FMA): Understanding and Mastering the Filipino Martial Art
How to Train Filipino Martial Arts (FMA): Understanding and Mastering the Filipino Martial Art
Blog Article
Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) is a martial art originating from the Philippines that is very famous for the use of weapons, such as knives, sticks, and swords, but also involves very effective hand-to-hand fighting techniques. FMA has a long history influenced by the diverse fighting cultures in the Philippines, including the influence of Spanish colonization and conflicts with various countries. One of the important elements in FMA training is flexibility and speed in mastering various techniques, both with and without weapons.
If you are interested in starting to train Filipino Martial Arts, here are some basic steps and techniques that you can do as part of your FMA training. Slot Raffi Ahmad 77
1. Mental and Physical Preparation
Before starting FMA training, it is important to prepare yourself physically and mentally. Here are some things to consider:
Physical Fitness: FMA requires good physical strength, especially for agility, speed, and endurance. Do cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and flexibility training regularly.
Mental Concentration: FMA emphasizes high concentration because it involves making quick decisions in fighting situations. Practice meditation or breathing exercises to improve focus and calmness.
Understanding Philosophy: FMA is not just about fighting techniques, but also about character development, discipline, and respect for the opponent. Learning the philosophy and history of this martial art is essential in training.
2. Mastering Basic FMA Techniques
There are several basic techniques that need to be mastered in Filipino Martial Arts, both in the use of weapons and in hand-to-hand combat. Here are some basic techniques that are important for FMA training:
a. Basic Stances
Ready Stance: The basic position used before starting training. In this position, the body should be relaxed, with the hands and feet ready to move. Usually, one hand holds a stick or weapon, while the other hand is ready to move.
Boxing Stance: Used when fighting with bare hands. This position is similar to a boxing position, with the hands ready to attack or defend, and the feet ready to move.
b. Basic Strikes
Abaniko (Fan Strike): An attack technique with a circular motion using a weapon, usually a knife or stick. This movement attacks from the outside of the body and can be used for attack or defense.
Pluma (Feather Strike): A quick strike made with the tip of a weapon, usually used to stab or pinch an opponent's body.
Overhead Strike (Estokada): A strike from above to below, usually using a stick or sword. This technique is designed to strike the upper body of the opponent.
c. Basic Blocks
Abaniko Block: A blocking technique using a fan-like motion to avoid an opponent's attack.
Roof Block: Blocking with the weapon above the head to protect the upper body from attacks.
d. Basic Footwork
Good footwork is essential in FMA, as proper movement can give you an edge in a fight. Basic footwork exercises in FMA include:
Step-and-Cut: A forward step followed by a strike, used to approach an opponent while launching an attack.
Pivoting: Changing direction by turning the body to avoid an attack or to face an opponent from a different angle.
3. Weapons Training (Stick Fighting)
Filipino Martial Arts is very well known for its use of weapons, especially sticks. Sticks commonly used in FMA training are usually around 28 inches long and made of a lightweight yet strong material, such as rattan. Here are some common stick fighting drills:
Double Stick Training: Practice using two sticks, one in each hand. This drill involves attack and defense techniques using both sticks to attack and block attacks.
Single Stick Training: Practice with one stick. The focus of this drill is to learn attack and defense techniques with the stick, including horizontal, vertical, diagonal, and counterattack attacks.
Stick Sparring: Sparring (dueling) with a stick with a partner. This helps you practice the speed, accuracy, and effectiveness of attacks and defenses in more realistic conditions.
4. Empty-Hand Techniques
In addition to weapons, FMA also teaches unarmed fighting techniques, which involve attacks and defenses with the bare hands. Some of the empty-hand drills in FMA include:
Panantukan: An empty-hand fighting technique that emphasizes attacks using the open hand, elbows, and knees. This technique is very useful in close-range combat.
Serrada (Close-Range Fighting): A close-range fighting technique that focuses on movement.