Video of the Week 15: Interchangeable Disarms

One key component of Filipino martial arts (FMA) is the use of disarms. Disarming an opponent involves leverage, positioning, and footwork. Modern Arnis emphasizes one disarm per angle. Thus, we have 12 basic disarms plus various other disarms. I love that these basic disarms are interchangeable with other angles of attack.

What do I mean by “interchangeable disarms?”

It is simply the ability to apply any disarm to any angle of attack. For example, in the video above, I demonstrated how to apply disarm #1 to angles 1, 3, 5, and 6. I believe it is important for FMA players to learn how to apply disarms to various angles of attack. More importantly, the player has to figure out the most viable disarms for each angle of attack. Figuring this out takes experimentation and time.

For example, would I use disarm #1 against angle 6, as demonstrated in the video? No. It’s too time-consuming and would allow Troy to counter me easily. Find what works and what doesn’t. At the risk of repeating myself, finding the quickest and most efficient disarms for each angle takes time and experimentation. All that said, it’s important to play with interchangeable disarms.

What are the criteria for an acceptable disarm? Quickness and efficiency are both key. In the context of disarms, I define quickness as the ability to effortlessly strip the weapon without giving the opponent a chance to counter.

Go back to my disarm #1 against angle 6. Maneuvering the punyo into position takes too long. As a result, Troy is in a great position to counter me by punching me with his left hand. As such, I would not use disarm #1 against angle 6.

Lastly, another criterion that I use is whether the mechanics of a leverage-based disarm allow me to zone to the outside quickly enough to avoid a counter. Again, go back to the sub-optimal disarm against angle 6. I would not be able to zone away from Troy’s check hand quickly enough. In short, disarm #1 against angle 6 isn’t a good option for me.

Get out on the mat and experiment with basic disarms against all angles of attack!

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