“Banda y banda” is a term used in Filipino martial arts to describe a side-to-side motion commonly practiced. It is one of the first “traditionals” that the late Professor Remy A. Presas taught his students, along with movements such as figure 8, reverse figure 8, and rompida.

Although “banda y banda” appears to be a simple move, it is deceptively so, and beginners often underestimate its importance. To perform it effectively, the emphasis is on connecting the upper and lower body to generate power. Using only the arm to execute the motion would not generate much power.

The video demonstrates that “banda y banda” can be executed offensively against various levels of an opponent’s body. This movement is also known as “gunting,” which refers to a scissoring action with a stick, knife, or empty hand.

In addition to being used offensively, “banda y banda” can be used as a counter move. This requires reading the opponent’s movements and looking for opportunities to counter, which requires training and practice.

The “Bubishi,” a revered text in karate, includes the precept that “low counters are the rule for high attacks.” This is true for Filipino Martial Arts and other martial arts as well. In the video, “banda y banda” is used to counter both right and left sweep strokes, classified as high attacks.

So, it is for Filipino Martial Arts or any other martial art. However, the type of “banda y banda” counter used depends on the angle of the attack. This means that the response must be tailored to the opponent’s movements.

Again, it depends on the angle of attack. This means that the type of “banda y banda” counter that I can use depends on what the opponent is doing.

What I demonstrated in the video was in the context of the stick. One can transfer this concept to the knife or empty-hand self-defence. Again, your response depends on whether you are dealing with a high, middle, or low attack. To use the cliche: It depends.

In conclusion, “banda y banda” is a fundamental movement in Filipino martial arts that is used offensively and defensively. It requires the connection of the upper and lower body to generate power and can be used as a countermove. The response to an attack depends on the opponent’s movements and the angle of the attack.

Over to you; what are your thoughts? How often do you use this move? Comment below!

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