Typically the stronger or dominant hand
(usually the right hand) will hold the long weapon (sword or stick) and in
many styles will serve as the primary weapon. The weaker hand (usually the
left hand), or off-hand, wields the short weapon (dagger/knife) and is used
for both offense (thrusting and sliding) and defense (blocking, checking and
locking).
Training typically begins with drills teaching coordination of the two
weapons in striking and checking patterns. The incorporation of footwork,
body angling, locking, and takedowns are normally added once the student(s)
have demonstrated competence in their application of the basic
patterns/sets.
Training Espada 'y' Daga is generally precipitated by solo baston (single
stick) and/or doble Baston (double stick), with mano mano (empty hands) and
dumog (wrestling) being taught to advanced students. The number and
variation of the disciplines taught will vary by guro (teacher) and/or
school/style. |
