Espada Y Daga is Spanish for \”sword and dagger\”, and is one of the most advanced techniques in the Filipino Martial Art of Escrima. It consists of one long weapon, usually a stick or a sword, and a short weapon such as the knife. The long weapon is often used for the first attack or defense move, so that the person can open up the opponent\’s defences and come close enough to stab with the knife.

This particular technique is considered the \”heart\” of many escrima systems, such as Pekiti-Tirsia, Kalis Ilustrisimo, and Lightning Scientific Arnis, and it is taught only to advanced students since it requires good coordination with both hands, and the wielding of two different kinds of weapons at the same time. Usually this technique may be first taught with a single stick and an open hand during training.

Those who have mastered the espada y daga are able to perform a series of alternating attacks at great speeds, which completely overwhelm the opponent. In fact in the Lightning Scientific Arnis style they even have a drill called \”kadenilya\” or little chain, which means a chain of attacks which also instinctively reacts to any counter-attack that the opponent may try to make. The goal is to keep on doing the espada y daga regardless of any defensive maneuver the opponent may attempt.

Though some have claimed that espada y daga reveals Spain\’s influence in the Filipino Martial Arts, it has been conceded that Spanish sword fighting is very different and could not have been the origin of this technique. Rather, the espada y daga has its roots much further back, perhaps in the native warrior clans that lived in different islands of the Philippines. Only the name was changed, which is understandable given the almost three-hundred years of Spanish colonization. In fact, many escrima moves were also given Spanish names, such as \”serrada\” (closed fighting), \”kambio\” (angular footwork), and \”segida\” (linear footwork).

You might ask, but what\’s the use of the espada y daga technique when facing a criminal with a gun? And it\’s not everyday you get to carry a long sword and a combat knife with you (unless you want to get arrested). There is no set answer to this question, but it really depends on the individual practitioner of the art. Some learn escrima as one might learn a dance, in pursuit of a martial art which also has a certain deadly beauty to it. Others will insist that it is actually possible to use the espada y daga technique in the context of modern weapons. You might even be able to use the espada y daga technique with your bare hands.

In any case, one should be very responsible in learning the espada y daga and not use it for illegal purposes. Centuries before, the espada y daga was probably used to defend the \”barangay\” (community) against tribal invaders. It is a technique used for protecting other people, not threatening or intimidating them. Hopefully that aspect of the art can still be continued today.