# Angles of Attack in Filipino Martial Arts

- Link: https://brianejohns.com/2015/08/10/blog-angles-of-attack-in-filipino-martial-arts/
- Published: 2015-08-10T12:06:00-04:00
- Author: Brian Johns

## The twelve angles of attack are among the first things learned when starting 󠀁[Filipino Martial Arts](https://brianejohns.com/2021/01/25/blog-four-reasons-why-filipino-martial-arts-suck-2/)󠁿.

Many Filipino Martial Arts use their version of the twelve angles of attack.

**The Modern Arnis 12 angles of attack are as follows:**

 1.  Left temple;
 2.  Right temple;
 3.  Left arm;
 4.  Right arm;
 5.  A thrust to the abdomen;
 6.  Another thrust to the left chest;
 7.  Thrust to right chest;
 8.  Strike to the right leg;
 9.  Strike to the left leg;
 10. Thrust to left eye;
 11. Thrust to the right eye;
 12. [Downward strike to the coconut!](https://brianejohns.com/2015/08/03/blog-defending-against-angle-12/)

Regardless of which FMA you are studying, the concept is that we are dealing with**
motions/angles** of attack rather than methods of attack.

We are more concerned with the [**angle** of attack rather than the **method** of attack](https://brianejohns.com/2022/09/14/blog-brampton-machete-attack/).
For example, an attack that targets the left temple of your head, whether it be 
empty hand, knife, stick, tote umbrella, a broken bottle,_ or any other implement_,
would be considered an **angle 1** attack.

It does not matter what kind of attack it is as long it’s a recognized angle of 
attack.

[This greatly simplifies the learning curve](https://brianejohns.com/2015/09/28/blog-simplicity/).
Rather than learning separate techniques for each method of attack, you only need
to respond appropriately to an angle of attack.

_For example, do you need to memorize 50 defences against a knife attack and 50 
techniques against hook punches?_

## **NO!**

_You only need to address the **angle** from which the attack is coming._

In some cases, you will need to [slightly modify your self-defence techniques](https://brianejohns.com/2015/07/28/blog-fix-it-friday-take-a-stab/)
and/or footwork depending on the weapon being used by your opponent (shorter blade
vs. a longer blade, for example).

_**Once you have angle recognition, [footwork becomes paramount](https://brianejohns.com/2020/02/03/blog-footwork/).**_

Correct footwork increases the chances of a successful defence and counter. Careless
footwork or improper body positioning will lead to a bad outcome.

## **How do I have the students practice the 󠀁[12 angles of attack](https://brianejohns.com/2020/05/11/blog-attacking-combinations/)󠁿? There are various fun ways to do this.**

 1. Have them practice the 12 angles backward (12, 11, 10, and so on).
 2. Practice the 12 angles left-handed.
 3. Have the students practice the 12 angles as a two-man set.
 4. Call out the angles rapidly and see if they hit the correct angle.
 5. Have the beginner student feed the 12 angles to a senior student.
 6. Have the student practice the [twelve angles with a traditional move](https://brianejohns.com/2024/12/16/video-of-the-week-21-angles-of-attack-with-double-zero/).

**Of course, there are more ways to practice them!**

Learning the[ twelve angles of attack](https://brianejohns.com/2015/08/26/blog-the-most-dangerous-angles-in-filipino-martial-arts/)
in Modern Arnis in my classes has been stressed from day one. To put a spin on a
quote by Morpheus from “The Matrix:” **“**_You learn the 12 angles, you stay in 
Wonderland, and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes_**.”**

## **To the instructors, how often do you have your students practice the 12 angles, and in what ways?**

## Additional Reading

 * [Four Reasons Why Filipino Martial Arts Suck](https://brianejohns.com/2021/01/25/blog-four-reasons-why-filipino-martial-arts-suck-2/)
 * [Fix It Friday: Which Way?](https://brianejohns.com/2015/08/25/blog-fix-it-friday-which-way/)
 * [The Most Dangerous Angles in FMAs](https://brianejohns.com/2015/08/26/blog-the-most-dangerous-angles-in-filipino-martial-arts/)
 * [3 Great Reasons For One Step Sparring](https://brianejohns.com/2016/03/21/blog-3-great-reasons-for-one-step-sparring/)
 * [Three Reasons Why Filipino Martial Arts Suck](https://brianejohns.com/2015/10/26/blog-three-reasons-why-filipino-martial-arts-suck/)

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