# Video of the Week 15: Interchangeable Disarms

- Link: https://brianejohns.com/2024/06/10/video-of-the-week-15-interchangeable-disarms/
- Published: 2024-06-10T11:00:00-04:00
- Author: Brian Johns

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](https://brianejohns.com/2022/06/07/blog-wheres-disarm-1/) 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](https://brianejohns.com/2022/06/15/blog-hunting-for-disarm-2/).
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!

![](https://i0.wp.com/brianejohns.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Blog-Supporters-
Thank-You.png?resize=940%2C788&ssl=1)

## Before you venture into the wild jungle of the Internet, might I persuade you to fuel my caffeine addiction? Your kindness could be the very thing that keeps the keyboard clacking and the ideas flowing!

**I need your help defraying the increasing expenses of the blog/website**.

**I’ll recognize you for your contribution.** 😉

**A huge thank you in advance!**

One-Time

Monthly

Yearly

#### Make a one-time donation

#### Make a monthly donation

#### Make a yearly donation

Choose an amount

C$3.00

C$5.00

C$7.00

C$3.00

C$5.00

C$7.00

C$25.00

C$50.00

C$75.00

Or enter a custom amount.

 C$

---

Your contribution is appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

[Donate](https://subscribe.wordpress.com/memberships/?blog=162058291&plan=9028&lang=en_US&pid=12001&redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fbrianejohns.com%2F2024%2F06%2F10%2Fvideo-of-the-week-15-interchangeable-disarms)

[Donate monthly](https://subscribe.wordpress.com/memberships/?blog=162058291&plan=9029&lang=en_US&pid=12001&redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fbrianejohns.com%2F2024%2F06%2F10%2Fvideo-of-the-week-15-interchangeable-disarms)

[Donate yearly](https://subscribe.wordpress.com/memberships/?blog=162058291&plan=9030&lang=en_US&pid=12001&redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fbrianejohns.com%2F2024%2F06%2F10%2Fvideo-of-the-week-15-interchangeable-disarms)

## Other Stuff I’ve Written

 * [Friday Recommendation #18](https://brianejohns.com/2023/09/01/friday-recommendation-18/)
 * [Hunting for Disarm #2](https://brianejohns.com/2022/06/15/blog-hunting-for-disarm-2/)
 * [Fix It Friday: Not Thissss](https://brianejohns.com/2015/07/07/blog-fix-it-friday-not-thissss/)
 * [Counters to Disarms](https://brianejohns.com/2016/11/22/blog-counters-to-disarms/)
 * [Where’s Disarm #1?](https://brianejohns.com/2022/06/07/blog-wheres-disarm-1/)

### Share this post:

 * [  X ](https://brianejohns.com/2024/06/10/video-of-the-week-15-interchangeable-disarms/?share=twitter)
 * [  Facebook ](https://brianejohns.com/2024/06/10/video-of-the-week-15-interchangeable-disarms/?share=facebook)
 * [  LinkedIn ](https://brianejohns.com/2024/06/10/video-of-the-week-15-interchangeable-disarms/?share=linkedin)
 * [  Threads ](https://brianejohns.com/2024/06/10/video-of-the-week-15-interchangeable-disarms/?share=threads)
 * [  WhatsApp ](https://brianejohns.com/2024/06/10/video-of-the-week-15-interchangeable-disarms/?share=jetpack-whatsapp)
 * [  Email ](https://brianejohns.com/2024/06/10/video-of-the-week-15-interchangeable-disarms/?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Video%20of%20the%20Week%2015%3A%20Interchangeable%20Disarms&body=https%3A%2F%2Fbrianejohns.com%2F2024%2F06%2F10%2Fvideo-of-the-week-15-interchangeable-disarms%2F&share=email)
 * [  Print ](https://brianejohns.com/2024/06/10/video-of-the-week-15-interchangeable-disarms/#print?share=print)

### Like this:

Like Loading…

### _Related_