Andrea 
Panantukan is a Filipino form of combat that focuses on using the hands and elbows to hit the opponent.
This martial art is also known as “Philippine boxing” or “empty-hand system”, “bare hand”.
- Panantukan (Philippine boxing),
- Pananjakman and Sikaran (Kicks),
- Dumog and Buno (Fight and handles),
- Ankab-Pagkusi and Kina Mutai (bites, stings and abrasions),
- Higot-Hubud-Lubud (Sensitivity and entrapment control exercises).
Panantukan, is also often referred to as the use of hands as if it were a knife.
The reason for this definition also derives from the fact that the bare hand of the panantukan is never really without weapons in the sense that often there is still a pinky knife.
Panantukan differs from Western boxing by its emphasis on percussion techniques and control grabs, as well as by using blows that go beyond the techniques of classical boxing.
The Panantukan is also known as Suntukan although there is a difference because the Suntukan uses the forearms as if they were sticks so it is not really the same thing but it is implemented in the panantukan but with that difference in approach.
Panantukan emphasizes the acquisition of boxing skills (attributes to combat) and the development of the ability to implement techniques in real street fighting conditions (Street Fighting).
Targeting the eyes, neck, solar plexus, genitals, bladder, kidneys and various blows to nerves and soft tissues are among the primary targets of the panantukan.
Contents
History of panantukan
Panantukan is a very ancient martial art that has its origins in the Philippines.
Based on local traditions, the inhabitants of the Philippines have developed a combat system that focuses on the use of hands and has long been used in conflict situations.
During the Spanish colonial period, the inhabitants of the Philippines developed an even more sophisticated form of combat, which took the name of “empty hand system”.
Panantukan became particularly popular during World War II, when Filipinos were forced to fight against the Japanese who had invaded their country.
Thanks to its fast and precise techniques, the panantukan proved particularly effective in this situation.
Even after the end of the war, panantukan continued to be practiced in the Philippines and spread throughout the world as a refined and sophisticated form of martial art.
Panantukan techniques
Panantukan is a form of fighting that focuses on using the hands and elbows mainly.
The use of elbows does not only concern the technique as an attack but also as an active defense, making extensive use of elbow masks going to carry out an active defense with the elbows to break the hands of the aggressors and also using the hand that makes the parry to direct it against the elbow.
This approach concerns some phases related to distance because, however, as for the stick, the concept of
breaking the snake’s tooth
remains always present.
Practitioners use a wide range of percussion techniques to hit the opponent, including punches, elbows, and finger strikes.
If I have to describe the Panantukan in a few words, the definition would be that it is a system that includes the material of the classic Western Boxing plus all the blows forbidden in boxing, hence the name Dirty Boxing given to Panantukan.
However, panantukan differs from Western boxing in its emphasis on grip and control of the opponent, typical of dirty boxing or western boxing.
Panantukan practitioners use a wide range of gripping techniques, including arm lever, pushing, and pulling and twisting to create openings and bring in devastating blows.
Consider that only from hand to neck there are 30 joint levers, with its applications, defenses from levers, combinations and methods to bring an aggressor to the ground.
One of the advantages of panantukan over other forms of combat is its ability to adapt to any situation.
For example, the panantukan can be used both in hand-to-hand combat situations and in self-defense situations in which the opponent is armed.
Thanks to its wide range of percussion techniques and control grips, the panantukan can be used highly effectively against opponents of any size or strength.
Panantukan Training
Training in panantukan requires a lot of discipline and dedication.
However, this is training that has many affinities with combat sports using heavy bags, focus pads, sparring, etc. although clearly with a more self-defense and illegal boxing approach.
This is also why it is important to always work safely with adequate protections.
One of the differences is that MMA gloves are often used to train to allow you to perform pushes, manipulations, levers, etc.
Panantukan practitioners have to work hard to develop their strength and endurance, as well as their accuracy and speed.
In addition, panantukan practitioners must learn to coordinate their movements efficiently, so as to be able to use their techniques effectively against the opponent.
Panantukan training usually begins with learning basic techniques, such as proper body position and fist movements.
To learn how to perform correctly and progressively fluidity, speed, precision and power, exercises similar to drills (training exercises) called Short Kadena , which emphasize improving reflexes, flowing from technique to technique, at a fast pace of attack, using combinations of boxing, palms, elbows and destructive techniques.
“Short Kadena” is a term used in Philippine martial arts, particularly the Kali system.
It refers to a close-range technique that involves a series of quick blows, typically aimed at the opponent’s head and neck area.
The term “Kadena” means “chain” in Tagalog, and describes the rapid and continuous flow of blows that characterizes this technique. “Short” means “short” in Spanish, which refers to the close nature of the shots.
In essence, Philippine Kali’s Corto Kadena is a close-range combat technique that emphasizes speed, accuracy, and fluidity of movements.
It is commonly taught and practiced in Kali schools around the world, as well as in other martial arts that incorporate Kali principles and techniques.
Practitioners must learn to perform these movements precisely and quickly, so that they can hit the opponent with precision and force.
In addition, practitioners must learn to defend themselves from the attacks of the opponent, using parry and dodge techniques.
Once the basic techniques are acquired, panantukan practitioners move on to the practice of advanced techniques, such as gripping and opponent control techniques.
These techniques are essential for success in panantukan, as they allow practitioners to immobilize the opponent and neutralize his threat.
In addition to physical training, panantukan practitioners must also develop a strong and focused mind.
Meditation and other mindfulness practices are often integrated into panantukan training to help practitioners develop the concentration and inner calm needed to perform the techniques effectively.
Panantukan in the modern world
Today, panantukan is practiced all over the world as a form of martial art and self-defense.
Many people are attracted to panantukan for its effectiveness and versatility as a form of fighting, as well as for its health and fitness benefits.
Panantukan is also used by many law enforcement and security professionals as a form of self-defense.
Due to its effectiveness and ability to adapt to any situation, panantukan has become a popular form of self-defense for those working in high-risk situations.
In addition, panantukan has influenced many other forms of martial arts.
For example, many boxing and kickboxing techniques have been influenced by panantukan, as well as some forms of jujitsu and grappling.
An important difference from Western boxing is that the Panantukan comes from Kali’s weapons and is like boxing with a knife (Kali Blade), so the practitioner of Panantukan wants to stay in touch with the opponent, to end the conflict as soon as possible and to effectively neutralize the opponent.
Do not forget that boxing is a sport and more precisely a sport with a counterattack strategy, accepting blows of the opponent and exchanging blows with the opponent, in Panantukan such a strategy is considered suicide in a real street fight.
Panantukan is a form of bare-handed combat that focuses on using your hands to hit your opponent.
In this list, I will give you an overview of the panantukan shots:
1. Jab: The jab is a direct blow with the fist, which is thrown with the hand closest to the opponent.
2. Cross: The cross is a direct blow with the fist, which is thrown with the back hand. The cross is a very powerful shot and can cause significant damage to the opponent.
3. Uppercut: The uppercut is an ascending blow with the fist, which is thrown from the bottom up. The uppercut is a very powerful blow and can cause significant damage to the opponent.
4. Hook: The hook is a circular blow with the fist, which is thrown sideways. The hook can be thrown with the back hand or with the front hand.
5. Overhand: Overhand is a circular blow with the fist, which is thrown from top to bottom. Overhand is a very powerful blow and can cause significant damage to the opponent.
6. Back fist: The back fist is a blow with the back of the hand, which is launched from the position of the crossing. The back fist can be thrown with the front hand or with the rear hand.
7. Hammer fist: The hammer fist is a clenched fist blow, which is thrown from top to bottom. The hammer fist is a very powerful blow and can cause significant damage to the opponent.
8. Palm strike: The palm strike is a shot with the lower part of the palm of the hand, which is thrown forward. The palm strike is a very fast strike and can be used to hit the opponent in the head or neck.
9. Elbow strike: Elbow strike is an elbow strike, which is thrown forward or sideways. The elbow strike is a very powerful blow and can cause significant damage to the opponent.
10. Knee strike: A knee strike is a blow with the knee, which is thrown forward or sideways. The knee strike is a very powerful blow and can cause significant damage to the opponent.
11. Shin kick: The shin kick is a blow with the lower leg, which is thrown forward or sideways. The shin kick can be used to hit the opponent in the legs or knees.
12. Foot sweep: Foot sweep is an imbalance technique that is used to make the opponent fall. The foot sweep is performed with the foot and can be used to attach the opponent to the legs or ankles.
These are just some of the shots and techniques used in the panantukan.
It is important to emphasize that, in addition to attack techniques, panntukan also includes techniques of defense, movement and control of the opponent (manipulation and redirection) .
For example, it is common to use the clinch to prevent the opponent from striking and to try to control his posture.
The clinch is a technique that involves approaching the opponent and grabbing his head, neck or belt to prevent him from moving and striking.
In addition, the panantukan also provides blocking and parrying techniques to protect oneself from the attacks of the opponent.
For example, you can use the high block to protect your head or the low block to protect your legs.
Parry techniques, on the other hand, involve deflecting the opponent’s attacks with rapid and precise hand movements.
Finally, movement is very important in panantukan.
The fight does not involve staying still in a single position, but moving continuously to avoid the attacks of the opponent and try to hit him from the right angles.
Movement can be used to create spaces to attack or to avoid being hit.
In conclusion, panantukan is a very effective form of combat that focuses on using the hands to hit the opponent.
However, it is important to emphasize that the panantukan also provides techniques of defense, movement and control of the opponent, which make this style of fighting complete and versatile.
If you are interested in learning panantukan, I recommend looking for a qualified instructor and practicing consistently to improve your technique and your ability to use this fighting style effectively and safely.
As for training or if you want training in the panantukan, it is important to emphasize that regular and constant practice is essential to become an expert in this style of fighting.
During training, students learn to master basic strikes, defense and movement techniques, and develop the strength and stamina needed to engage in real combat.
In addition, training in panantukan often also involves the use of specific equipment, such as shot pads, boxing bags and combat dummies.
This equipment helps students improve their accuracy, power and speed, and develop their ability to strike with both hands.
Like many other fighting styles, panantukan also involves the practice of forms or kata.
These shapes are predetermined sequences of movements that students must memorize and reproduce accurately.
The shapes are useful for improving coordination, muscle memory and the ability to perform movements smoothly and harmoniously.
In addition, during training in the panantukan, students also learn to deal with real combat situations.
This is done through the use of sparring, or combat simulations with an opponent.
During sparring, students practice their skills, learn to read the opponent’s moves, and adapt their combat strategy accordingly.
Finally, it is important to emphasize that training in panantukan also requires a strong mental commitment.
Students learn to develop the concentration, determination, and discipline needed to deal with difficult and potentially dangerous combat situations.
In addition, training in panantukan can also help develop self-confidence, self-esteem and the ability to manage stress in pressure situations.
In conclusion, panantukan is an effective and comprehensive fighting style that focuses on using your hands to hit your opponent.
Due to its versatility, the panantukan is suitable for both self-defense and sports competition.
If you are interested in learning panantukan, I advise you to look for a qualified instructor and start training with constancy and dedication.
With time and practice, you will be able to improve your technique and your ability to use this fighting style effectively and safely.
Conclusions
Panantukan is a form of Filipino combat that focuses on using the hands to hit the opponent.
This martial art was developed according to local traditions and has proven its effectiveness in conflict situations.
Today, panantukan is practiced all over the world as a form of martial art and self-defense, thanks to its effectiveness and versatility.
If you are interested in practicing panantukan, be sure to find a qualified and dedicated instructor who can guide you through the physical and mental training needed to become an experienced practitioner.
Panantukan can be a form of artistic expression and personal development as well as a fighting technique.
In fact, the panantukan also incorporates the mental and spiritual aspect of the human being.
During the practice, in fact, panantukan practitioners are encouraged to develop their concentration, their inner calm and their mental strength.
This aspect of panantukan can be extremely beneficial for those seeking to develop their self-discipline and ability to concentrate.
In addition, panantukan can be practiced by people of all ages and fitness levels.
Although panantukan requires some fitness and good coordination, practitioners can adapt their practice to their needs and limitations.
This means that panantukan can be practiced by those seeking a challenging form of physical activity, as well as by those seeking a form of active meditation.
In conclusion, panantukan is a Filipino form of combat that focuses on using the hands to hit the opponent.
This martial art was developed according to local traditions and has proven its effectiveness in conflict situations.
Due to its effectiveness and versatility, panantukan has become a popular form of self-defense and martial art all over the world.
If you are interested in practicing panantukan, be sure to find a qualified and dedicated instructor who can guide you through the physical and mental training needed to become an experienced practitioner.
Also, keep in mind that panantukan can also be a form of artistic expression and personal development, as well as a fighting technique.
Stay Tuned!
Street Fight Mentality
