FMA Chronicles

Filipino Martial Arts, Culture and People

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More Than 2 Sticks: The Combative Advantages of Sinawali Training

More Than 2 Sticks: The Combative Advantages of Sinawali Training

Watching a person hold two equal length sticks and making fast striking patterns is as ubiquitous to Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) as lumpia is to Filipino cuisine. When asked what lumpia is, a response is a Chinese egg roll but made by Filipinos.  When asked what that two stick movement is, a reaction is shoulder shrugging for most people. For martial artists and martial arts enthusiasts some may identify it as sinawali.  They may describe it as exhibiting set striking patterns using two sticks. Just like the description for lumpia, the description for sinawali is correct – on the surface of it.  If martial artists and enthusiasts accept that bare bones basic description, they would miss the combative and health benefits of practicing sinawali.

What is Sinawali?   

Sinawali is in a category called double-weapons or dual wield. Per Wikipedia, “Dual wielding is the technique of using two weapons, one in each hand for training or combat. It is not a common combat practice. Although historical records of dual wielding in war are limited, there are numerous weapon-based martial arts that involve the use of a pair of weapons.”1  Per the Wikipedia writers, dual wielding is not a common combat practice for martial arts  – at least martial arts not called Filipino Martial Arts.  For FMA practitioners, sinawali is not just common, it is foundational. 

Sinawali is a Tagalog word.  “Sinawali comes from the word sawalis. Sawalis refers to the weaving of the palm leaf walls and floors common in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.  The movements of the arms while practicing the martial Sinawali are said to imitate this weaving.”2

Basically, two practitioners hold two sticks of equal length and execute the same striking pattern.  “The Sinawali or weaving pattern of strikes is characterized by interweaving, alternating, interlacing, and/or crisscrossing right- and-left-hand held weapons, and/or high and low levels of strikes, and/or right- and left-side strikes. As long as one of these characteristics is present, it is deemed or considered Sinawali.“3    Like fabric weaving, sinawali is generally known as multiple “weaving” patterns with two equally sized sticks from short patterns (e.g., 4 count) to longer, more complex patterns (e.g., 16 count). The weaving patterns can use all high strikes, all low strikes, and a mixture of high and low strikes.   Here’s a YouTube video demonstrating multiple sinawali striking patterns – 18 Different Sinawali in 3 Minutes, Stick Alliance, YouTube, August 5, 2015.4  

Sinawali History

Thus far in my research, I found one source that spoke to the origin of the sinawali – Complete Sinawali: Filipino Double-Weapon Fighting, Galang, Reynaldo S., Tuttle Publishing, 2000. 

Historically, the province of Pampanga which is situated in the Central Luzon region on the island of Luzon, had a reputation for the courage and martial prowess of its warriors. Central to this military heritage is sinawali which identifies a sophisticated combat system noted for its advanced double-weapon methodology. While contemporary observers associate sinawali exclusively with double-weapon fighting, the traditional system is far more comprehensive, encompassing the tactical use of single weapons, knives, and the pingga (long pole).

The combat effectiveness of the Pampangan people led to their historical status as much-sought-after mercenary fighters. This martial tradition was forged through extensive international contact.  As a seafaring people, Pampangans traded as far as Brunei, Malacca, and Batavia, exposing them to a diverse array of combat influences. Consequently, the technical foundations of sinawali have been attributed to Malay, Chinese, Japanese, and Muslim sources, though the specific degree of structure and sophistication found in its double-weapon training is considered unique to this region.

Although the Pampangans transitioned from a seafaring culture to an agricultural and commercial one around 1650, the warrior legacy remained a core part of the local identity.

The techniques of sinawali have been meticulously preserved through family dynasties, regional meets, and cultural performances such as plays and dances. Throughout the centuries, the fundamental drills and techniques of the system have remained unchanged and unchallenged. In the modern era, these original combat foundations have been integrated into the curriculum of organizations like Bakbakan International.

“The original method of Sinawali training and techniques reveals the foundations of the combat skills of the Pampangan soldiers and mercenaries.”5

How can Sinawali help in Self-Defense?

Learning sinawali patterns can be used in defense against an attack.  From a defensive perspective, practicing sinawali teaches practitioners to:

  • Deliver a barrage of strikes at different targets and at various elevations (high, mid and low) and around the attacker
  • Deliver a barrage of strikes in different patterns and timing. 
  • Flow when the attacker counters; 
  • Develops ambidexterity.

This YouTube video shows similar sinawali striking patterns demonstrated by Grandmaster Tomi Harell and Guro Ruby Dela Rosa of Kombatan Finland – Kombatan Single Sinawali, Kombatan Finland, YouTube, Jul 17, 2022.  In comparison to the first YouTube video, do you see the  differences in targeting the body, the difference in single and simultaneous double strikes, the inclusion of thrusts from the Kombatan FMA system? Note their footwork and how they angle off centerline and still hit their targets.

Don’t believe that sinawali is only performed with two equal length sticks.  The benefits of sinawali training is translatable to empty hand defense.  “The sinawali is also taught without the sticks, in empty hand fashion, to illustrate how the sinawali motions can be easily translated for empty hand defense.  The weaponless defender can use the sinawali motion to fend off an attacker who is armed with a cane or blade.”6  View these YouTube videos:

Why is Sinawali a Foundational Technique for Filipino Martial Arts?

A foundational technique in a martial arts system means mastering core basic mechanics like strikes, blocks, footwork, stances, and balance. Practicing various sinawali drills incorporates these individual foundational techniques into efficient body movement ensuring FMA practitioners react appropriately when attacked.  “Sinawali is common to all Filipino martial arts styles that use double stick.  It has many variations, but basically uses cross-over attacks, going under and over each arm, from a fundamental six-count structure.  It can then use a mixture of high and low angles of attack, and variations using thrusts or reverse grips with either or both of the sticks.”7

From a comprehensive training perspective, practicing sinawali teaches FMA practitioners:

Basic FMA techniques. Training begins with basic two-strike routines and progresses to more complex three- and four-strike combinations as the student’s proficiency increases. While these patterns initially utilize the front and back of the fists—and later, the elbows, “the movements can be translated and used as stick, sword, and knife slashing motions but these are just variations of the principle of ‘weapons interchangeability and strikes using the same arm movements’.”8

This principle allows an FMA practitioner to apply the exact same arm movements to various tools, translating empty-hand strikes into stick, sword, and knife slashing motions. Beyond mere striking patterns, sinawali is foundational because it systematically develops the essential physical attributes required for advanced combat, including:

  • Footwork and Body Movement: These exercises teach the practitioner how to coordinate their base with their upper body strikes.
  • Reflexes: The repetitive, rhythmic nature of the drills hones the reactive speed necessary for FMA training.
  • Technical Progression: Sinawali acts as the necessary preliminary stage before a practitioner moves into specialized areas such as solo baston (single stick), doble baston (double stick), and Espada y Daga (sword and dagger).

Ultimately, mastering these “woven” patterns provides the structural framework upon which all advanced Filipino martial techniques are built. 

Techniques with Double weapons. Gat Puno Abundio Baet of Garimot Arnis Training (GAT) defined “Double weapons training [as] an essential part of Moro-Moro play, where each practitioner learns how to manipulate a weapon in both hands without hitting himself. Training with double weapons also trains both hand eye coordination and how to recognize the respective target for each weapon.  This exercise gives the practitioner the proper understanding of how a sword flows and teaches them how to properly synchronize working with double-handed weapons.  The essential aspects of this art are achieved when the practitioner becomes familiar to all flowing movements of the body, footwork, strikes and blocks.  All of which have practical applications in real combat situations.”9 Training with double weapons develops the following in practitioners:

  • Ambidexterity.  A natural outcome of double weapons training is becoming ambidextrous. “Ambidexterity is the ability of being equally skillful with each hand.  Attaining ambidexterity is crucial to any individual who must depend on a weapon for survival because in real combat, you are doomed if you can’t wield your stick, knife or gun proficiently with your other hand the moment your dominant hand got injured.”10
  • Multiple weapon competency. Practitioners will also develop competence in wielding various weapons of different lengths, weight and shapes in either hand.  “The Sinawali system is a major stepping stone into the realm of Espada y Daga (Sword and Dagger).  Once familiarity and ambidexterity have been achieved, it is a simple progression to switch from equal length weapons to short and long armaments.”11  Two practitioners with a sword and knife (or any other combination of weapons as well as empty hand) practice weaving patterns (emulating each other’s movements) as well using the patterns to defend against a single strike.
  • Fluidity.  Sinawali training is designed to instill essential attributes like rhythm and timing. A vital concept introduced through these drills is layering, which refers to the ability to weave weapons—such as blades—at different angles so they “dance” around the arms without causing self-injury. This skill is fundamental for safely manipulating multiple weapons simultaneously.  Rather than teaching static responses, Sinawali variations prepare the martial artist for the dynamic fluidity of perpetual motion. This training conditions both the body and mind to execute combinations against non-stagnant opponents who are constantly moving and changing positions. By practicing these patterns, students learn to adapt to the unpredictable nature of live combat.
  • Synchronization of Body and Strikes.  Sinawali teaches the synchronization of footwork and body angling with repetitive strikes. Practitioenrs are taught to deliver blows with a fluid and rhythmical motion, ensuring the entire body works in harmony. This technical foundation allows a practitioner to maintain effective structure while moving, which is a prerequisite for advanced weapon systems. 

Control and Intent. “The sinawali enables the practitioner to learn proper control of his speed and power.  In addition, he develops the ability to determine the amount of force and energy needed to execute his initial defensive movement (whether it be a block or a parry) as well as his counter-offensive action.”12

Once FMA practitioners are comfortable with the basic patterns, “the next stage is to practise flow drills…These flow drills start to develop your reactions, because after striking you have to quickly recover with a defense.  Also, they require higher levels of coordination and consequently are taught to the student once the basic Sinawali drills are performed fluently.”13

Health Benefits from Sinawali Training

Sinawali training can be beneficial to non-martial artists as well.   “Dementia is a general term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life.”14  Some recommended actions to reduce one’s risk of Alzheimer’s and other dementias include being physically, mentally, and socially active. Sinawali can be a low impact, easy-to-learn exercise that challenges on the physical and mental levels while providing social interactions.

Kinesiologist and Marital Artist Paul McCarthy presented a Ted Talk called “Cognitive Kali”. In his presentation, he shared that Filipino Martial Artist Guru Dan Inosanto “frequently tells us during class about a student who came up to him and thanked him at a seminar. The student had been in an accident, lost his memory, couldn’t remember his wife or his kids. He attributes getting his memory back to a drill in Kali called Heaven Six [a basic sinawali pattern].”15 

McCarthy shared how he taught, coached, trained people with different physical capabilities to improve their ability to move in daily life. “I teach children with autism, and I’ve been training Daniel for about four or five years. Daniel has cerebral palsy. He has issues with his gait and his balance. And as you can see in the video, we’re using a modified Heaven Six drill here to kind of as contextual interference so he doesn’t really think about his walking. And by doing this, he can walk in circles as you can see, the camera has to catch up with him. He can walk backwards and forwards and laterally. You see on his face he really enjoys this, especially when he hits me in the hand. Seems to be quite often.”16

Long Term Effects of Sinawali Training

Learning specific techniques is a good challenge to learn but eventually practitioners will gain basic mastery and their level of benefit will plateau.   Continued complex progression in the art (working with various weapons and random strikes) would help to stave off that plateau. Practitioners would continue to reap the benefits of training in Sinawali. “Because of the random nature of the strikes, [practitioners] became more expressive, used more problem solving, and became creative in ways not to get hit.“17

“One thing, however, remains unique, and it is that a double-weapon system of training and fighting has never been developed elsewhere to the degree of sophistication and structure as found in the art of Sinawali.”18

More Sinawali YouTube Videos

  1. Dual Wield, Wikipedia, viewed on Jun 13, 2026. ↩︎
  2. Understanding the Filipino Double Sticks, Russell,John, Rapid Journal, Vol. 8 No. 3, p. 19. ↩︎
  3. Estalilla Kabaroan Eskrima: Overview of the 3-Part System, Ramiro U. Estalilla Jr.,  Tambuli Media, 2017, ebook version. ↩︎
  4. Note: the video description stated “This video is only a reference for different sinawali patterns and is not to be confused with a demonstration of proper sinawali training.”  ↩︎
  5. Complete Sinawali: Filipino Double-Weapon Fighting, Galang, Reynaldo S., Tuttle Publishing, 2000, p. 6. ↩︎
  6. Modern Arnis: The Filipino Art of Stick Fighting, Presas, Remy A., Ohara Publications, Inc., 1983, p. 95. ↩︎
  7. Eskrima Filipino Martial Art, Godhania, Krishna, The Crowood Press Ltd, 2010, p. 91. ↩︎
  8. Understanding the Filipino Double Sticks, Russell,John, Rapid Journal, Vol. 8 No. 3, p. 19 ↩︎
  9. Larong Moro-Moro: The Shroud of Arnis de Mano, Baet, Abudio.S. lulu.com, 2010, p. 145. ↩︎
  10. The importance of ambidexterity in weapons fighting, Mallari, Perry Gil S., FMA Pulse, August 19, 2012, viewed on June 13, 2026. ↩︎
  11. Sinawali: Complete Filipino Double-Weapon Fighting, Reynaldo S. Galang, Tuttle Publishing, 2000, page 10. ↩︎
  12. The Philippines Eskrima Kali Arnis, Canete, Dionisio A., Doce Pares Publishing House Inc., 1993, p. 52. ↩︎
  13. Eskrima Filipino Martial Art, Godhania, Krishna, The Crowood Press Ltd, 2010, p. 105. ↩︎
  14. What is Dementia?, Alzheimer’s Association, Viewed on June 13, 2026. ↩︎
  15. Cognitive Kali | Paul McCarthy | TEDxUCLA, TEDx Talks, YouTube, Jul 8, 2016. ↩︎
  16. Cognitive Kali | Paul McCarthy | TEDxUCLA, TEDx Talks, YouTube, Jul 8, 2016. ↩︎
  17. Cognitive Kali | Paul McCarthy | TEDxUCLA, TEDx Talks, YouTube, Jul 8, 2016. ↩︎
  18. Sinawali: Complete Filipino Double-Weapon Fighting, Reynaldo S. Galang, Tuttle Publishing, 2000, page 2. ↩︎

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