# Low High Palis Palis

- Link: https://brianejohns.com/2021/02/22/blog-low-high-palis-palis/
- Published: 2021-02-22T18:00:00-05:00
- Author: Brian Johns

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

## The “󠀁[Amazing Palis Palis Drill](https://brianejohns.com//2021/02/15/blog-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](https://brianejohns.com/2025/03/17/video-of-the-week-32-left-hand-high-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](https://brianejohns.com//2015/08/10/blog-angles-of-attack-in-filipino-martial-arts/)
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](https://brianejohns.com//2020/01/20/blog-which-technique-is-best/)
to use here?

 * ![Alex attacking me with a high #1 angle.](https://i0.wp.com/brianejohns.com//
   wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Screen-Shot-2021-02-20-at-6.26.17-PM.png?resize=1002%
   2C900&ssl=1)
 * What if the angle of attack is this high?
 * ![Alex's attack is more like angle 3, closer to my shoulder.](https://i0.wp.com/
   brianejohns.com//wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Screen-Shot-2021-02-20-at-6.28.57-
   PM.png?resize=902%2C790&ssl=1)
 * 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](https://youtu.be/RPj52lwOwXA).

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

 * [Angles of Attack in Filipino Martial Arts](https://brianejohns.com/2015/08/10/blog-angles-of-attack-in-filipino-martial-arts/)
 * [Amazing Palis Palis Drill!](https://brianejohns.com/2021/02/15/blog-amazing-palis-palis-drill/)
 * [Which Technique Is Best?](https://brianejohns.com/2020/01/20/blog-which-technique-is-best/)
 * [Review of Master Chuck’s “Combat 2 vs. 1 ” DVD](https://brianejohns.com/2012/07/17/blog-review-of-master-chucks-combat-2-vs-1-dvd/)
 * [3 Great Reasons For One Step Sparring](https://brianejohns.com/2016/03/21/blog-3-great-reasons-for-one-step-sparring/)

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