I have been pondering the topic of “Espada y Daga” for a while. Why? Professor Presas’ family style included the crossada and palis palis version of Espada y Daga, as demonstrated in his 1980s instructional videos.  

In addition to his knowledge of his family style, the Professor also studied Balintawak arnis under Rodolfo Mongcol, Timoteo Maranga, and GM Anciong Bacon.

For those unfamiliar with this term, a decent description can be found here.

Below is my solo training version of Espada y Daga. Enjoy!

If you are not able to view this video, click here.

Interestingly, before founding Balintawak, Bacon was part of the famed Labongon Fencing Club and, later, the Doce Pares Club. Espada y daga was practiced quite a bit in these two clubs.

According to legend, Bacon’s training dagger was taken away because he was too rough with it. He was left with a single cane and an empty hand.

As a result, he taught himself to develop the empty check hand. From this point on, he created the art of Balintawak. Thus, two significant influences on Modern Arnis have roots in Espada y Daga.

The benefits of Espada y Daga training are apparent. Training in Espada y Daga trains using both hands, coordinating two striking weapons and checking patterns. It also trains the concepts of angling, distancing, and footwork. These concepts carry over well into Modern Arnis tapi tapi and lead to increased competence. While it is unlikely that we will use this method in self-defence in North America, there is much value in this training.

Similarly, Master Chuck Gauss has recently focused on two canes vs. one cane training drill. The 2 vs. 1 drill develops many of the same attributes that Espada y Daga trains. Lately, he has focused on introducing Professor’s traditional styles into the two vs. one tapi tapi. Modern Arnis has both right-handed tapi tapi and left hand, so the two vs. one training is an incredible tool. Many of the techniques and movements are very similar to espada y data. See the video below to see what I mean.

If you are not able to view this video, click here.

Do you notice how Master Chuck executes techniques with both hands? Further, one hand seems to be independent of the other as well. That’s the beauty of Espada y Daga and 2 vs. 1 training. One can develop attributes from either training method, including speed, timing, and ambidexterity.

I tell you that will come in handy with tapi tapi!

Additional Reading