# Banda y Banda

- Link: https://brianejohns.com/2019/10/28/blog-banda-y-banda/
- Published: 2019-10-28T10:15:04-04:00
- Author: Brian Johns

“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](https://brianejohns.com/2015/08/11/blog-fix-it-friday-no-flailing/).

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](https://brianejohns.com/2012/05/02/blog-the-2-vs-1-drill/).
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!

## Additional Reading

 * [Espada Y Daga](https://brianejohns.com/2010/11/17/blog-espada-y-daga/)
 * [The Modern Arnis 2 vs 1 Drill](https://brianejohns.com/2012/05/02/blog-the-2-vs-1-drill/)
 * [The Most Dangerous Angles in FMAs](https://brianejohns.com/2015/08/26/blog-the-most-dangerous-angles-in-filipino-martial-arts/)
 * [Killer Pushing and Pulling Exercises](https://brianejohns.com/2023/08/09/killer-pushing-and-pulling-exercises/)
 * [Phenomenal Houston Modern Arnis Camp](https://brianejohns.com/2024/03/06/phenomenal-houston-camp/)

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