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  • #1

    Stick Length?

    Hello,

    I was wondering if anyone out there would share with me their opinion on stick length.

    From what I can gather certain styles of Escrima or Arnis prefer shorter sticks (18" to 26") while those who practice Kali prefer longer sticks (26" to 32").

    Also while I am aware that there are hundreds of different styles of Stick fighting in the Philippines. Why are we continueing to differentiate between Escrima, Arnis, and Kali?

    Any input would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks,
    DarthMorton
    Tags: None
#2
I like to say that each stick length

teaches you about the rest of the stick lengths. Working with a short stick (10") and then working with a 32" stick directly after, say 10 minutes each (at least) can be very instructive. alot of stickhandling is simply learning how the stick moves..how levers work. and when you work with a long stick for some period of time, it can be daunting to pick up an 8" piece of wood. it doesn't have the inertia, the "flip" of the stick is all different.. but once you pick up the 8" stick, you find that it's actually MORE flippy.. you can abaniko like mad..you find the benefits of both, a subject too large in scope for me to type about here, nor am i the best guy to do it, probably...

I saw make the minor investment to own a stick that is between 10 and 12 inches.. a stick that is between 18 and 24 inches, and a stick between 30 and 32 inches..but that's just me. I also think there is a lot to be said for having a couple of live blades..two long, two shorter.. working with a live blade did a lot for my stick technique.

Why the need to specify between kali/arnis/escrima? you got me, brother... i just like to learn to fight.

and make my sticks spin and whirl..

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  • #3
    I have to agree. I like to traind with many different lengths and types of weapons. the palm stick is a great example. the bladed weapons definately helped my stick work and angles of attack. The blade work will make you smoother with the stick. The thickness of the stick will also play a part in the feel and play of the stick. Try a few different sticks and see for yourself.

    As for the distinction between the arts, I can only assume that they may be related to the distinctions inside of each art. I.E.---Kali in the northern, central, and southern Phillipines is varied. the fighting style (as I understand it), was influenced by different outside sources. (Spainish) (Fencing). These are characterized by the styles being either more hacking, slashing, or thrusting. The moros of the south used more hacking (as to cut off whatever they were attacking) with heavy ended weapons. Almost leaf shaped. while the northern styles used much more thrusting. Some styles you can just look at and see the bladed weapon influence over the stick influence, as well as the type of bladed weapon of choice.

    Sorry I ramble,
    I have not posted in a while. I got deleted and had to rejoined after the face lift.

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      • #4
      hm

      I learned from a guy who had an eclectic blend of knowledge from hosting the local inosanto seminars (as well as a few other noted guros).. so it was never made clear to me whether i was learning kali, escrima, arnis, or silat, or kuntao.. so i'm one of the ignorant many with little historical knowledge behind his fighting movements.. i just generally say "one of those southeast asian fellers figured this out.."

      another thing blade training does, aside from just improving your flow, is to insure you are striking with the wrist correctly. the bladed part of a sword is the most powerful angle to attack with, as the wrist moves best in that direction. attacking with more of the flat of the sword, or an oblique angle is a physically weaker attack (not because of the lack of an edge, but because of the physics/mechanics of your musculature/skeleton).. it ensures that you'll hit with the "blade" of your stick, so to speak.

      I said get sticks between 10 and 32 inches long, but I was neglecting to mention the benefits of a 36 or 38 inch stick for two handed practice. I've mentioned it before..I really think there is a lot of body mechanics to be learned from using a two handed weapon. I developed a lot more power, hip flexibility, and quit over extending myself after attacking as much from this sort of practice. I recommend having a striking target to gain this knowledge..either a heavy bag or a telephone pole in the back yard or something..

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