# Espada Y Daga

- Link: https://brianejohns.com/2010/11/17/blog-espada-y-daga/
- Published: 2010-11-17T19:21:00-05:00
- Author: Brian Johns

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](https://www.traditionalfilipinoweapons.com/shop/espada-y-daga/)󠁿.

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

If you are not able to view this video, click [here](https://youtu.be/bLMqnJ-PK2U).

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](https://youtu.be/FWn4V628LOE).

Do you notice how Master Chuck executes techniques with [both hands](https://brianejohns.com//2015/10/01/blog-7-great-ways-to-train-left-handed/)?
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

 * [The 2 vs 1 Drill](https://brianejohns.com/2012/05/02/blog-the-2-vs-1-drill/)
 * [Banda y Banda](https://brianejohns.com/2019/10/28/blog-banda-y-banda/)
 * [The Study of Modern Arnis](https://brianejohns.com/2011/11/23/blog-the-study-of-modern-arnis/)
 * [Friday Recommendation #10](https://brianejohns.com/2021/05/28/blog-friday-recommendation-10/)
 * [May 2009 Modern Arnis Technique of the Month](https://brianejohns.com/2009/05/25/blog-may-2009-technique-of-the-month/)

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