Comparable in many ways to the
Filipino martial arts, Juego del Palo is divided into a number of specific
styles or local traditions that have been developed on particular islands
within the archipelago, and/or by particular families. The nine primary
styles practiced in modern Juego del Palo include the Deniz, Morales, Verga,
Acosta, Quintero, Vidal, Confiero, Juego del Garotte and Juego de la Lata.
Each style is distinguished from the others by specific fighting techniques
and strategies, and also by the rules under which it is played as a
competitive game. This may be described as a form of stick fencing between
two players that is characterized by the spontaneous interplay of attacking
techniques and defense techniques. No protective equipment is worn in
traditional Juego del Palo; safety is maintained through the skilled control
of attacks, which are indicated) rather than being made with full force upon
the opponent’s body. |