Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

The “Amazing Palis Palis Drill” post showcased a simple drill against angles 1 and 2. We will explore the low high version of this drill.

Before we go any further, the basic premise of any flow drill is: don’t get hit.

Now, there are several ways to avoid getting hit:

  • Move: get out of the way so you don’t get hit.
  • Block: The attack will hit you, and you can’t get out of the way, so you block.
  • Redirect: the attack will hit you, and instead of blocking it, you redirect the attack.
  • Strike first: you read the opponent’s attack early enough to land the first strike.

Palis palis is but one way to avoid getting hit. As noted previously, this technique redirects the opponent’s attack by sweeping it to the other side.

Note that the standard sweeping motion is most appropriate against angles of attack that are, at its highest, the shoulder level. In other words, angles 3 and 4. See the below clip to see what I mean.

However, one potential problem that an Arnis player may run into is a high line attack. Is the angle of attack too high for the standard technique? What is the best technique to use here?

  • Alex attacking me with a high #1 angle.
    What if the angle of attack is this high?
  • Alex's attack is more like angle 3, closer to my shoulder.
    Or here?

High palis palis is a potential solution to a high line attack. It utilizes the up and down traditional move of Modern Arnis to sweep the attack over your head.

As one can see, I can sweep the high line attack to create an opening. As such, the high sweeping move is a better solution to this kind of attack than the standard version. I can execute this technique against angle 1 or angle 2.

One may ask, “Can you use the high version of this technique against angles 3 and 4?” I would not.

Why? Because there is a high probability that you will eat the stick by passing it right into your coconut. Not exactly desirable!

This brings me to the low/high palis palis drill. On the face of it, there seems to be an order and predictability to this drill. However, once the student gets the hang of it, we will then introduce some stress testing using only the standard and high versions of palis palis.

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

As you can see, the drill starts with the standard version and then progresses to the high version before ending with the slap off.

In short, the drill teaches the student how to respond either to a high line attack (angles 1 or 2) or a midline attack (angles 3 and 4).

Then comes the stress testing fun!

A defender will face off against an attacking classmate. The attacker will be instructed to randomly attack the defender with one of the first four angles of attack. Furthermore, the attack will, at first, be made deliberately slow. This will allow the defender to recognize the angle of attack and respond appropriately.

Over time, the defender will recognize which version of this technique is most appropriate, depending on the angle of attack.

Remember, palis palis is just one way to avoid getting hit and is not the only tool in the toolbox for the experienced player.

Additional Reading