I remember visiting Paete a year ago to fetch the itak I commissioned from a local blacksmith. I rode a tricycle from the highway to the main plaza, which is beside the old church. The first thing I saw was kids practicing arnis. Unbeknownst to me, it was because the town fiesta will be held in a few days, people are preparing for the activities. It feels good that the art is still practiced in this area. I'll always have a soft spot for that region, the area is not very touristy compared to other parts of the Philippines, so you can still feel the authenticity in the towns of eastern Laguna and its neighboring Quezon.
Bench sparring is what my father learned back before WW2 as a teen. In my teens ( in the 70s) , nobody in Sta Rosa, Laguna played on benches anymore. What I learned a little of was a very short stance training in a corner. I was one of only 2 students of a well-built old man teaching something so different from Presas-style modern arnis.
Who is making fun of the bench videos they look fun and i have been wanting to go over and try do it since i seen the video Daniel Bernas shared. it looks like a lot of fun.
Nice production! Maestro Alex is one of the best I've seen! Paete lineage is amazing!
Over 30 years studying escrima, I am fascinated by and love the Paete stuff. This is gonna be next for me.
I remember visiting Paete a year ago to fetch the itak I commissioned from a local blacksmith. I rode a tricycle from the highway to the main plaza, which is beside the old church. The first thing I saw was kids practicing arnis. Unbeknownst to me, it was because the town fiesta will be held in a few days, people are preparing for the activities.
It feels good that the art is still practiced in this area. I'll always have a soft spot for that region, the area is not very touristy compared to other parts of the Philippines, so you can still feel the authenticity in the towns of eastern Laguna and its neighboring Quezon.
Bench sparring is what my father learned back before WW2 as a teen. In my teens ( in the 70s) , nobody in Sta Rosa, Laguna played on benches anymore. What I learned a little of was a very short stance training in a corner. I was one of only 2 students of a well-built old man teaching something so different from Presas-style modern arnis.
Great interview with Kuya Alex. Pugay po!
Who is making fun of the bench videos they look fun and i have been wanting to go over and try do it since i seen the video Daniel Bernas shared. it looks like a lot of fun.
I would love to come over and do some training any way to get in contact with you guys?
Bench training is just as training on a fencing piste or strip. Its great training method for confined spaces such on a ship.
This is one of the best FMA video I’ve seen.
Thank you for your kind comment.
I agree, I studied Rekta Arnis a Tagalog Based Arnis System it's a bit different when it comes to training methodologies but yeah arnis is arnis.
Awesome interview with Alex. Great work Karateng Garahe
Thanks Tom