What are the two main types of Sinawali Drills?

Sinawali is a fundamental practice in Filipino martial arts, but the main drills can be divided into two general categories :

1️⃣ Symmetrical Sinawali – Where both sides of the body perform mirrored or coordinated movements, maintaining a constant rhythm.
2️⃣ Asymmetrical Sinawali – Where the movements of the two hands are different, requiring greater coordination and fluidity.

The 3 Traditional Sinawali Drills

In the classical form, Sinawali has three basic methods :

Redonda Sinawali – Characterized by continuous circular movements, executed with rapid strokes that draw fluid trajectories, often used to develop speed and coordination.

Single Sinawali (Single Sinawali) – Practiced with a single stick , it develops control of the weapon and the transition between attack and defense with a dominant hand.

Double Sinawali – The most recognizable version, performed with two sticks , where strokes are exchanged between the hands in predefined patterns to develop coordination, fluidity and speed.

In addition to these three basic drills, there are hundreds of variations , often adapted to different styles of Kali, Eskrima and Arnis. Variations may include different angles, modified rhythms and combinations with advanced footwork.

What is your favorite drill? Have you ever tried Sinawali in combat? Leave a comment!

Sinawali: The Ancient Blade Dance of Philippine Martial Arts

Sinawali is one of the most iconic techniques of Filipino Martial Arts ( FMA ) , and is known for its fluid, rhythmic and lethal movements , often compared to a real blade dance .

This technique is distinguished by the use of two weapons at the same time , generally rattan sticks (called Escrima or Arnis ), but it can also be practiced with knives, swords, machetes or even bare hands .

Why is Sinawali called “Blade Dance”?

The term Sinawali comes from the word “sawali” , which in the Filipino language means woven mats made of bamboo or rattan. This name reflects the nature of the movements performed in Sinawali, where the strokes cross and intertwine continuously , creating a continuous and harmonious flow, just like a woven fabric.

Imagine two fighters moving as if weaving an invisible pattern in the air, their sticks crossing with lightning speed, striking and parrying in perfect sync. This fluidity is what makes Sinawali unique, fascinating and incredibly effective in combat.

️ Sinawali: More than a Choreography, a Lethal Combat System

Although it may seem like an aesthetic and choreographed sequence, Sinawali is not just a dance : it is a fighting system that develops speed, precision, coordination and instant reaction .

✅ Training the Sinawali means learning to fight with two weapons at the same time , increasing the ability to manage multiple attacks and use both hands independently.

✅ Sinawali is perfect for self-defense , as its principles can also be applied with improvised objects, such as an umbrella, a bottle or even your own hands.

✅ Develops incredible reflexes , as strikes are executed and received with extreme speed, teaching the practitioner to react instantly to attacks.

✅ Prepares for real combat situations , both against armed opponents and unarmed, thanks to its adaptable nature.

Sinawali Variations: From Drill to Fighting Technique

There are hundreds of variations of the Sinawali, which can be performed in different directions, angles and with different weapon combinations .

The three most common traditional forms are:

Single Sinawali – Performed with a single stick, it is perfect for learning basic coordination.
Double Sinawali – Performed with two sticks, it develops bilateral coordination and fluidity.
Redonda Sinawali – Based on continuous circular strokes, it emphasizes speed and relentless attack.

Advanced combinations include the use of knives, sword and dagger (Espada y Daga) or even bare hands , making this discipline a fundamental element in Filipino martial arts.

Sinawali Today: An Ancient Art with Modern Applications

Today Sinawali is practiced not only in the Philippines , but also in MMA, Jeet Kune Do, Krav Maga, self defense and combat sports .

Many professionals use it to improve speed, reflexes and coordination , while self-defense practitioners integrate it to learn how to handle dual weapons and combat situations against multiple opponents .

Sinawali is much more than a simple drill: it is a fighting philosophy, a fluid and devastating art that transforms the body into a perfectly synchronized weapon.

Want to get started? Discover the basic drills and take your skills to the next level!

Here is an overview of the three main types of Sinawali drills:

1. Redonda : This method involves a series of circular strikes performed with the sticks. The term “redonda” refers to the continuous, round movement of the weapons, which requires fluidity and coordination. It is a very dynamic drill that emphasizes the speed and precision of the strikes.
2. Single Sinawali : In this method, practitioners use a single stick to perform a series of strikes and blocks. The word “single” refers to the use of a single weapon, which can be alternated between the hands. This style focuses on dexterity and agility, allowing practitioners to develop quick reflexes and precision in striking.
3. Double Sinawali : This form uses two sticks, one in each hand. Practitioners perform a series of movements that intertwine the sticks in complex patterns, creating a flow of strikes and blocks. The term “double” refers to the simultaneous use of two weapons, requiring a high level of coordination and fluidity.

In addition to these traditional methods, there are hundreds of variations and combinations in Sinawali, each with its own set of techniques and applications.

These drills serve not only as fighting techniques, but also as tools to improve the balance, strength, agility, coordination and concentration of the practitioners.

3 Typologies in Sinawali

• Sinawali Lobtik
• Witik
• Sinawali Redonda

Sinawali, a practice in Filipino martial arts, features several styles or “types,” each with its own unique characteristics.

Here is a description of three specific types: Sinawali Lobtik, Sinawali Witik and Sinawali Redonda.

1. Sinawali Lobtik : This style focuses on the use of long, powerful strikes, executed primarily in a horizontal plane. The term “Lobtik” refers to sweeping strikes that often aim to hit the opponent from side to side. These strikes require good arm extension and can be very effective in creating distance or controlling the opponent’s movement.
2. Sinawali Witik : In this style, the strikes are shorter and quicker, executed in a whip-like motion. The term “Witik” refers to quick, sudden strikes that often aim to hit the opponent quickly and unexpectedly. Witik strikes are useful for surprising the opponent and can be combined with other movements to create complex and deceptive sequences.
3. Sinawali Redonda : This variation is characterized by its circular and continuous movements. “Redonda” refers to a series of strikes executed in a rotating manner, creating a constant flow of attacks. These movements are useful for keeping the opponent at a distance and for creating an impressive display of skill and weapon control.

Each style of Sinawali requires a high level of skill, coordination and practice. They not only serve as effective fighting techniques, but also contribute to the physical and mental development of the practitioner, improving aspects such as agility, precision, coordination and quick reaction ability.

Sinawali are to be performed:

• Bare Handed
• With Double Stick
• Double Knife
• Double Object
• Sword and Dagger

Sinawali, a signature technique of Filipino martial arts, can be practiced with various weapon combinations or even with bare hands.

Here is an overview of how to perform Sinawali:

1. Empty Hand : Although Sinawali is famous for its use of weapons, it can also be performed empty-handed. In this form, the movements of sticks or blades are simulated with the hands. This training develops speed, coordination, and understanding of the movement patterns of Sinawali, while also providing a foundation for unarmed self-defense techniques.
2. Double Stick : This is probably the best known form of Sinawali, where practitioners use two sticks (often called “Escrima” or “Arnis”). The use of two sticks requires and develops a high level of coordination and skill in handling both hands simultaneously.
3. Double Knife : In this variation, practitioners use two knives instead of sticks. This requires even greater control and precision, given the lethal nature of the weapons. The Sinawali double knife hones close combat skills and handling of bladed weapons.
4. Double Object : Sinawali can also be performed with a variety of improvised objects, maintaining the same movement structure. This approach is very practical for self-defense, as it teaches how to effectively use available objects in emergency situations.
5. Spada Y Daga (Sword and Dagger) : This variant uses a combination of a (long) sword and a (short) dagger, offering an interesting dynamic between the different lengths and capabilities of the weapons. The Spada Y Daga requires a high level of skill in simultaneously wielding weapons of different lengths and rapidly changing combat distances.

Sinawali, in all its forms, is not only an effective fighting system, but also serves to improve balance, coordination, speed, and spatial awareness. Regardless of the equipment used, Sinawali remains a fundamental element in Filipino martial arts, highlighting the importance of fluidity and adaptability in combat.

Sinawali are a series of movements used in Filipino martial arts, particularly Kali and Eskrima.

These movements involve a series of close-range fighting techniques that include the use of weapons such as sticks , knives, and other improvised objects .

List of Sinawali

This is an extremely detailed list of various sinawali ! Each movement has its own utility and practical application in the context of Filipino martial arts , making this discipline so versatile and powerful.

Imagine the variety of techniques that can be applied in combat, from quick parries to disarms , through counterattacks and joint manipulations ! This is the true power of Sinawali: it is not just an aesthetic or rhythmic training, but a series of highly functional techniques that can be combined in innovative ways depending on the situation.

Some movements that I find particularly interesting include:

• Sword and Dagger Sinawali : the combined use of sword and dagger is perfect for developing coordination between weapons and improving speed of execution.
• Sinawali with Disarms and Counters : This is essential for those who want to learn how to disarm their opponent while simultaneously performing a counterattack. A very powerful mix of defensive and offensive skills .
• Live-Hand Sinawali : The ability to use your free hand to block while handling your weapon is crucial in self-defense situations, where you don’t always have the space or time to move both weapons.
• Sinawali Stick and Shield : Combining the stick with the shield is essential to understanding the balance between attack and defense , a basis for multi-level combat.

With this variety, those who practice Sinawali not only train mental agility , but prepare themselves to face practically any combat scenario . Also the possibility of adapting the movements to the type of weapon (from the stick to the knife, to the sword) is something that makes this practice even richer and more complete.

Sinawali lists may vary depending on the style and teacher, but below is a common example of some basic sinawali:

1. Heaven 6 (Six of Heaven): This sinawali involves a series of two-stick movements that are performed in a rhythmic exchange pattern between the hands. The movements develop in three main lines: high, middle and low.

2. Earth 6 (Six of the Earth): This sinawali is similar to Heaven 6, but the movements are reversed from Heaven 6, so the staff starts from the bottom and moves upwards.

3. Redonda (Giro): This sinawali involves a circular motion of the sticks. The sticks move in a circular path clockwise or counterclockwise, intertwining and exchanging between the hands.

4. Umbrella: This sinawali involves a movement similar to the opening and closing of an umbrella. The sticks move in a circular path but this time in a vertical plane.

5. Heaven and Earth: This sinawali combines the movement of the Heaven 6 and Earth 6, allowing the practitioner to move the staves both up and down simultaneously.

6. Figure-8 (8 on the figure): This sinawali involves a figure-eight movement of the sticks. The sticks move in a series of figure-eight movements, passing between the hands.

These are just a few examples of basic sinawali, but there are many more. Kali and Eskrima practitioners often combine and modify movements to suit specific combat situations.

7. Heaven 8 (Eight of Heaven): This sinawali is an extended version of Heaven 6, in which two beats are added to the upper and lower extremes of the rhythmic exchange pattern.

8. Reverse Redonda (Reverse Turn): This sinawali is the reversal of the Redonda movement, with the sticks moving in the opposite direction to that of the traditional Redonda.

9. Heaven and Earth Plus One: This sinawali is a variation of Heaven and Earth, with the addition of an extra movement along the middle line.

10. Synchronized Sinawali: This sinawali involves two practitioners performing the sinawali movements in a synchronized fashion, working together to create a harmonious sequence.

11. Single Sinawali (Single Sinawali): In this sinawali, the practitioner performs the movements using only one stick, instead of two. It is a modality that allows one to focus on coordination and manipulation skills of a single weapon.

12. Espada y Daga Sinawali (Sword and Dagger Sinawali): This sinawali involves the combined use of a sword and a dagger. Movements include parries, attacks and exchanges between the two weapons.

13. Sombrada (Shading): This sinawali focuses on shading and defense. The practitioner performs blocking and dodging movements to neutralize the opponent’s attacks.

14. Hubud-Lubud (Welcoming-Exchanging): This sinawali focuses on exchanging sticks or weapons with the opponent in a continuous and fluid manner. The movements involve close interaction between the practitioners.

15. Sak-Sak (Stinging): This sinawali simulates attacking with daggers or knives. The practitioner performs a series of stabbing and cutting movements quickly and precisely.

16. Sumbrada de Abanico (Fan Shading): This sinawali involves the use of a long and a short stick, simulating the use of a sword and a dagger. Movements include parries, attacks and exchanges between the two weapons.

17. Contradas (Counter Attacks): This sinawali focuses on the use of fast and precise counter attacks. The practitioner performs blocking and immediate striking movements to neutralize the opponent’s attack.

18. Heaven and Earth with Footwork: This sinawali adds footwork to the Heaven and Earth sequences. The practitioner moves forward, backward, sideways, and in circles while performing the staff movements.

19. Four Corners: This sinawali involves a square or rectangle shaped pattern, where the practitioner moves and performs the stick movements in the four corners of the square.

20. Hubud-Lubud with Trapping (Welcoming-Exchanging with blocking): This sinawali combines the Welcoming-Exchanging with blocking techniques. The practitioner performs blocking and trapping movements of the opponent’s weapons while exchanging the sticks.

21. Sinawali Disarms: This sinawali focuses on disarming the opponent. The practitioner performs movements that aim to take the weapon away from the opponent during the exchange of sticks.

22. Solo Baston (Single Stick): This sinawali involves the use of a single stick. The practitioner performs a variety of attacking, parrying and blocking movements with a single weapon.

23. Doble Baston (Double Stick): This sinawali involves the use of two sticks. The practitioner performs a series of coordinated movements between the two weapons, including attacks, parries and exchanges.

24. Live-Hand Sinawali (Free-Hand Sinawali): This sinawali incorporates the use of the free hands in addition to the weapons. The practitioner performs blocking, parrying, and manipulating movements of the opponent’s weapons using both the weapons and the free hands.

25. Heaven 12 (Twelve of Heaven): This sinawali extends the concept of Heaven 6 by including additional movements involving a sequence of twelve strikes and parries with the staffs.

26. Sumbrada Serrada (Short Shading): This sinawali focuses on using close, tight movements to counter the opponent’s attacks. It includes a series of close-range parrying, blocking and countering movements.

27. Hubud-Lubud with Takedowns (Welcoming-Exchanging with Takedowns): This sinawali combines the Taking-Exchanging with takedown techniques and control of the opponent. The practitioner performs blocking and trapping movements of the opponent’s weapons, followed by takedowns and body control.

28. Sinawali Footwork Drills (Footwork Drills with Sinawali): This sinawali focuses on training footwork in combination with the movements of the sticks. The practitioner performs a series of footwork drills synchronized with the movements of the sticks.

29. Sinawali Sparring (Sinawali Fighting Training): This sinawali involves simulated fighting using the movements of the sinawali. Practitioners exchange attacks, blocks and exchanges using sticks or other weapons.

30. Espada y Daga Flow (Sword and Dagger Flow): This sinawali focuses on the seamless flow between the use of the sword and the dagger. The practitioner performs a series of attacking, parrying and blocking movements that involve both weapons in a fluid manner.

31. Empty Hand Sinawali (Empty Hand Sinawali): This sinawali involves performing sinawali movements using only the hands, without the use of weapons. It includes blocking, parrying and attacking movements performed with the hands.

32. Sinawali Knife Drills (Sinawali Knife Drills): This sinawali focuses on the use of the knife, with movements that include striking, parrying and blocking with the weapon.

33. Heaven and Earth with Trapping (Heaven and Earth with Locking): This sinawali combines the movements of Heaven and Earth with locking techniques. The practitioner performs stick-exchange movements while trapping and controlling the opponent’s weapon.

34. Punyo Sumbrada (Shadowing with Handle): This sinawali focuses on using the gripped ends of the sticks as weapons. The practitioner performs blocking and counterattacking movements using the tips of the sticks as offensive tools.

35. Doblete (Double Attack): This sinawali involves performing simultaneous attacks with both weapons. The practitioner performs a series of attacking and blocking movements with the sticks in a synchronized manner.

36. Chain Shadowing: This sinawali involves a continuous flow of attacking and blocking movements that link together like a chain. The practitioner performs a series of fluid, linked movements with the sticks.

37. Doblete Daga (Double Dagger): This sinawali focuses on the use of two daggers. The practitioner performs a series of attack and defense movements with both weapons, combining sinawali movements with dagger techniques.

38. Sinawali with Empty Hands: This sinawali involves performing sinawali movements using only the hands, without the use of weapons. The practitioner performs blocking, parrying and attacking movements with the hands, following the principles of sinawali.

39. Sinawali Stick and Dagger: This sinawali combines the use of a stick and a dagger. The practitioner performs attack and defense movements using both weapons in a coordinated manner.

40. Sinawali Stick and Shield (Sinawali with stick and shield): This sinawali involves the use of a stick and a shield. The practitioner performs attack and defense movements using the stick for attacks and the shield for defense.

41. Redonda Flow (Redonda Flow): This sinawali focuses on the circular motion of the sticks. The practitioner performs a series of rotating movements, combining attacks, parries and blocks in a continuous flow.

42. Sumbrada with Locks and Grapples (Shading with Locks and Grapples): This sinawali combines shading movements with blocking, grabbing and controlling techniques of the opponent. The practitioner performs sinawali movements while applying locks, holds and levers on the opponent.

43. Solo Baston Sparring (Single Stick Fighting Training): This sinawali involves simulated sparring using a single stick. The practitioner engages an opponent and exchanges attacks, blocks and exchanges using the stick.

44. Espada y Daga Sparring (Sword and Dagger Combat Training): This sinawali involves simulated combat using a sword and a dagger. The practitioner engages an opponent armed with both weapons and exchanges attacks, parries and exchanges.

45. Sinawali with Disarms and Counters (Sinawali with Disarms and Counterattacks): This sinawali focuses on the ability to disarm the opponent during the exchange of sticks and on counterattacking techniques. The practitioner performs disarming movements and immediate response to the opponent’s attack.

46. ​​Umbrella Sinawali (Umbrella Sinawali): This sinawali uses umbrella-like movements, where the practitioner makes rotating movements with the sticks above the head or in front of the body. These movements can be used to defend against vertical attacks from the opponent.

47. Sumbrada with Joint Manipulation (Shading with Joint Manipulation): This sinawali combines shading movements with joint manipulation techniques. The practitioner performs sinawali movements while applying blocks and using the opponent’s joints to gain control and advantage.

48. Sinawali Stick and Whip (Sinawali with stick and whip): This sinawali involves the use of a stick and a whip. The practitioner performs attack and defense movements using the stick as the primary weapon and the whip as an auxiliary weapon.

49. Espada y Daga Sumbrada (Shading with Sword and Dagger): This sinawali focuses on the combined use of a sword and a dagger. The practitioner performs shading movements with both weapons, creating a continuous flow of attacks and defenses.

50. Sinawali Trapping Hands (Sinawali Trapping Hands): This sinawali focuses on using the hands to trap and control the opponent. The practitioner performs blocking, parrying and trapping movements on the opponent’s arms, combining sinawali principles with empty hand fighting techniques.

51. Sinawali Stick and Whip Flow (Sinawali Stick and Whip Flow): This sinawali involves the continuous flow of movements with a stick and a whip. The practitioner performs a series of fluid attacks and defenses using both weapons in a coordinated manner.

52. Sumbrada with Off-Hand Strikes (Shading with Off-Hand Strikes): This sinawali combines shading movements with strikes performed with the off-hand. The practitioner performs blocking and countering movements with the stick, alternating with off-hand strikes to create a variety of attack combinations.

53. Sinawali Disarms and Locks (Sinawali Disarms and Locks): This sinawali focuses on the ability to disarm the opponent during the exchange of sticks and the application of blocks and locks to control the opponent.

54. Sinawali Stick and Dagger Flow: This sinawali combines the fluid motion of a stick and a dagger. The practitioner performs attacking and defensive movements with both weapons, creating a continuous flow of coordinated movements.

55. Sumbrada with Elbow Strikes (Shading with Elbow Strikes): This sinawali incorporates elbow strikes into the shading sequence. The practitioner performs blocking and countering movements with the stick, alternating with elbow strikes to increase the effectiveness of the attack.

Sinawali Single

Sinawali and Its Integration with Muay Thai, BJJ and Krav Maga: Execution and Advanced Strategies

Let’s start by going back into some fundamental movements with an overview of how to correctly perform some Sinawali movements, then we’ll see how they can be integrated with other martial arts disciplines such as Muay Thai, BJJ and other fighting techniques.

1. Correct Execution of Sinawali Movements

Sinawali is known for its fluidity and precision of movement. Each technique is designed to work in coordination with the body and weapons. Here are some general tips on how to correctly perform the basic sequences:

Heaven 6 (Six of Heaven)

• Starting position : Start with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and your body relaxed but ready.
• Movement : Use both sticks to create a rhythmic exchange pattern between your hands, alternating between high (head level), body level (middle), and low (near the legs) hits.
• Coordination : The top (high) striking hand should be balanced by the bottom (low) striking hand in a “pendulum” motion. Avoid stiff movements; each strike should flow naturally from one to the other.
• Advanced Technique : When hitting, focus your energy on the final stroke, maintaining control for any quick responses from your opponent. Each change of direction of the sticks should be fluid and quick.

Earth 6 (Earth Six)

• Starting position : As for Heaven 6, but the poles start from the bottom (near the legs) and move up, creating a symmetrical but opposite pattern.
• Movement : The movement is similar to Heaven 6, but starts with a low blow and extends upwards. The idea is to perform the cycle in reverse, but with the same rhythm.
• Coordination : Start slow to get the flow, but speed up as you gain confidence. Remember that the strokes should be evenly distributed between height and depth.

Round (Turn)

• Starting position : Handles up, poles horizontal.
• Movement : Examines a circular motion with the sticks moving in a circle-shaped trajectory, rotating clockwise or counterclockwise, creating a continuous spiral of strokes.
• Advanced Technique : The sticks must not “hit” the air but strategically deflect the opponent’s shot, without blocking statically. The circular shape allows you to direct the shots in a surprising way that is difficult to intercept.

Umbrella (Umbrella)

• Starting position : As in Redonda, but focusing on vertical plane movements, creating an umbrella-shaped “opening” above the head.
• Movement : The staff moves above the head, like an umbrella opening and closing, to defend against attacks from above.
• Advanced Technique : When the stick is “brought back” to the central position, it is essential to pause for a moment to create a solid blocking position. The technique allows for both defense and a quick restart in attack.

Heaven and Earth (Cielo e Terra)

• Starting position : Combination of Heaven 6 and Earth 6, the movement alternates in a continuous flow between high and low strikes.
• Movement : This sinawali combines the high (Heaven) and low (Earth) strokes into a continuous sequence. The key is the ability to quickly move the sticks between the high and low lines without interrupting the flow.
• Advanced Technique : Make sure the transition between Heaven and Earth is seamless. The coordination of the feet must adapt to the movements of the hands to optimize spatial control and positioning.

2. Combination with Other Martial Disciplines

Muay Thai with Sinawali

Muay Thai is a martial art that focuses on powerful strikes with fists, elbows, knees and kicks. Integrating Sinawali with Muay Thai allows you to be even more versatile in combat, increasing the fluidity between weapons and close combat strikes.

• Combination Example : While performing a Redonda move , you can throw a front kick or knee to interrupt your opponent’s attack. The circular motion of the sticks can help you shield attacks, creating an opening for an elbow strike or knee strike.
• Benefit : With Sinawali, you can develop coordination between arms and legs that allows you to respond quickly in close combat, where weapons (even improvised ones) are combined with striking technique.

Sinawali with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ)

BJJ focuses on grappling, locks, and submissions. Integrating Sinawali with BJJ helps you work on hand coordination, weapon use, and distance management, which is essential in grappling.

• Combination Example : While performing a Heaven 6 sequence , you can apply a takedown as a transition. Using the stick to disarm or block an opponent’s attack allows you to “free yourself” as you enter a clinch or guard position.
• Benefit : The integration with BJJ allows you to not only manage ranged stick fighting, but also to quickly transition to ground fighting, combining the control and transition techniques of Sinawali with the basis of grappling.

Sinawali con Krav Maga

Krav Maga is a self-defense system that focuses on the rapid and practical neutralization of the attacker. By combining Sinawali with Krav Maga, you can improve your skills in close combat and self-defense situations.

• Combination Example : During a single-staff Sinawali sequence , you may be faced with an attacker attempting to strike you with a weapon. Using the principle of “Defanging the Snake”, you can use a block or parry to direct the strike, followed by a targeted strike to the wrists, elbows or knees to disarm or weaken the opponent.
• Benefit : Combining Sinawali techniques with Krav Maga prepares you to deal with threats from both far and close range, with a focus on rapid neutralization.

3. Situations Where Sinawali Techniques Are Most Useful

• Defense Against Multiple Opponents : The fluid sequences and quick movements of the Sinawali allow you to protect yourself from multiple directions. The ability to strike quickly and change direction is vital when you have more than one opponent.
• Handling improvised weapons : If an opponent is wielding an improvised object (such as a stick or knife), the Sinawali can be used to disarm the attacker quickly and precisely, particularly with techniques such as the Redonda Flow or the Espada y Daga Sinawali .
• Close Combat : When a fight becomes more physical and close, the fluidity of the Sinawali helps maintain control, allowing you to respond with quick strikes, grabs or disarms.

Sinawali is one of the most versatile techniques in Filipino martial arts and when combined with other disciplines such as Muay Thai, BJJ, or Krav Maga, it gives you a full range of tools to deal with a variety of combat situations. If you are interested in learning more about any section or practicing a specific combination, let me know!

Extended list of Sinawali

This is a very extensive and detailed list of the various types of Sinawali (there are 362 of them), a Filipino martial art that is based on the use of double weapons and fluid, coordinated movements.

Each variation you listed represents a different combination of movements, positions and sequences of strikes, demonstrating the richness and versatility of this practice.

This list is especially useful for those studying or teaching Sinawali, as it provides a framework for the vast array of techniques available.

Each type of Sinawali has its own unique nuances and requires specific skill to be performed correctly, reflecting the depth and complexity of this martial art.

Sinawali is not only a fighting system, but also a means of developing physical skills such as coordination, agility, and speed, as well as mental skills such as concentration and tactics.

Regular practice can lead to significant improvements in these areas, making it both a physical and mental discipline.

1. Single Chinese
2. Advance Single Sinhala
3. Single Advance Sinawali
4. Reverse Single Sinawali
5. Reverse Advance Single Sinawali
6. Reverse Single Advance Sinawali
7. X Chinese
8. Advance X Sinawali
9. X Advance Sinawali
10. Double X Sinawali
11. Reverse X Sinawali
12. Reverse Advance X Sinawali
13. Reverse X Advance Sinawali
14. Reverse Double X Sinawali
15. Single Cross Sinawali
16. Advance Single Cross Sinawali
17. Single Cross Advance Sinawali
18. Reverse Single Cross Sinawali
19. Reverse Advance Single Cross Sinawali
20. Reverse Single Cross Advance Sinawali
21. Single X Sinawali
22. Advance Single X Sinawali
23. Single X Advance Sinawali
24. Reverse Single X Sinawali
25. Reverse Advance Single X Sinawali
26. Double Sinhala
27. Advance Double Sinawali
28. Double Advance Sinhala
29. Double Double Sinawali
30. Advance Double Double Sinawali
31. Double Double Advance Sinawali
32. Reverse Double Sinawali
33. Reverse Advance Double Sinawali
34. Reverse Double Advance Sinawali
35. Reverse Double Double Sinawali
36. Reverse Advance Double Double Sinawali
37. Reverse Double Double Advance Sinawali
38. Reverse Chinese
39. Advance Reverse Chinese
40. Reverse Advance Sinhala
41. Double Sinawali 2
42. Advance Double Sinawali 2
43. Double Advance Sinawali 2
44. Double Double Sinawali 2
45. Advance Double Double Sinawali 2
46. Double Double Advance Sinawali 2
47. Reverse Double Sinawali 2
48. Reverse Advance Double Sinawali 2
49. Reverse Double Advance Sinawali 2
50. Reverse Double Double Sinawali 2
51. Reverse Advance Double Double Sinawali 2
52. Reverse Double Double Advance Sinawali 2
53. Reverse Sinawali 2
54. Advance Reverse Sinawali 2
55. Reverse Advance Sinawali 2
56. Single Cross Sinawali No.2
57. Advance Single Cross Sinawali 2
58. Single Cross Advance Sinawali 2
59. Reverse Single Cross Sinawali 2
60. Reverse Advance Single Cross Sinawali 2
61. Reverse Single Cross Advance Sinawali 2
62. Single X Sinawali 2
63. Advance Single X Sinawali 2
64. Single X Advance Sinawali 2
65. Double X Sinawali 2
66. Reverse Single X Sinawali 2
67. Reverse Advance Single X Sinawali 2
68. Reverse Single X Advance Sinawali No.2
69. Reverse Double X Sinawali 2
70. Peripheral Single Sinawali
71. Peripheral Advance Single Sinawali
72. Peripheral Single Advance Sinawali
73. Peripheral Reverse Single Sinawali
74. Peripheral Reverse Advance Single Sinawali
75. Peripheral Reverse Single Advance Sinawali
76. Peripheral X Sinawali
77. Peripheral Advance X Sinawali
78. Peripheral X Advance Sinawali
79. Peripheral Double X Sinawali
80. Peripheral Reverse X Sinawali
81. Peripheral Reverse Advance X Sinawali
82. Peripheral Reverse X Advance Sinawali
83. Peripheral Reverse Double X Sinawali
84. Peripheral Single Cross Sinawali
85. Peripheral Advance Single Cross Sinawali
86. Peripheral Single Cross Advance Sinawali
87. Peripheral Reverse Single Cross Sinawali
88. Peripheral Reverse Advance Single Cross Sinawali
89. Peripheral Reverse Single Cross Advance Sinawali
90. Peripheral Single X Sinawali
91. Peripheral Advance Single X Sinawali
92. Peripheral Single X Advance Sinawali
93. Peripheral Reverse Single X Sinawali
94. Peripheral Reverse Advance Single X Sinawali
95. Peripheral Reverse Single X Advance Sinawali
96. Peripheral Double Sinawali
97. Peripheral Advance Double Sinawali
98. Peripheral Double Advance Sinawali
99. Peripheral Double Double Sinawali
100. Peripheral Advance Double Double Sinawali
101. Peripheral Double Double Advance Sinawali
102. Peripheral Reverse Double Sinawali
103. Peripheral Reverse Advance Double Sinawali
104. Peripheral Reverse Double Advance Sinawali
105. Peripheral Reverse Double Double Sinawali
106. Peripheral Reverse Advance Double Double Sinawali
107. Peripheral Reverse Double Double Advance Sinawali
108. Peripheral Reverse Sinawali
109. Peripheral Advance Reverse Sinawali
110. Peripheral Reverse Advance Sinawali
111. Peripheral Double Sinawali 2
112. Peripheral Advance Double Sinawali 2
113. Peripheral Double Advance Sinawali 2
114. Peripheral Double Double Sinawali 2
115. Peripheral Advance Double Double Sinawali 2
116. Peripheral Double Double Advance Sinawali 2
117. Peripheral Reverse Double Sinawali 2
118. Peripheral Reverse Advance Double Sinawali 2
119. Peripheral Reverse Double Advance Sinawali 2
120. Peripheral Reverse Double Double Sinawali 2
121. Peripheral Reverse Advance Double Double Sinawali 2
122. Peripheral Reverse Double Double Advance Sinawali 2
123. Peripheral Reverse Sinawali 2
124. Peripheral Advance Reverse Sinawali 2
125. Peripheral Reverse Advance Sinawali 2
126. Peripheral Single Cross Sinawali 2
127. Peripheral Advance Single Cross Sinawali 2
128. Peripheral Single Cross Advance Sinawali 2
129. Peripheral Reverse Single Cross Sinawali 2
130. Peripheral Reverse Advance Single Cross Sinawali 2
131. Peripheral Reverse Single Cross Advance Sinawali 2
132. Peripheral Single X Sinawali 2
133. Peripheral Advance Single X Sinawali 2
134. Peripheral Single X Advance Sinawali 2
135. Peripheral Double X Sinawali 2
136. Peripheral Reverse Single X Sinawali 2
137. Peripheral Reverse Advance Single X Sinawali 2
138. Peripheral Reverse Single X Advance Sinawali 2
139. Peripheral Reverse Double X Sinawali 2
140. Peripheral Reverse Reverse Single X Sinawali 2
141. Peripheral Reverse Reverse Advance Single X Sinawali 2
142. Peripheral Reverse Reverse Single X Advance Sinawali No 2
143. Peripheral Reverse Reverse Double X Sinawali 2
144. Advance Peripheral Single Sinawali
145. Advance Peripheral Advance Single Sinawali
146. Advance Peripheral Single Advance Sinawali
147. Advance Peripheral Reverse Single Sinawali
148. Advance Peripheral Reverse Advance Single Sinawali
149. Advance Reverse Peripheral Reverse Single Advance Sinawali
150. Advance Reverse Peripheral X Sinawali
151. Advance Peripheral Advance X Sinawali
152. Advance Reverse Peripheral X Advance Sinawali
153. Advance Peripheral Double X Sinawali
154. Advance Peripheral Reverse X Sinawali
155. Advance Peripheral Reverse Advance X Sinawali
156. Advance Peripheral Reverse X Advance Sinawali
157. Advance Peripheral Reverse Double X Sinawali
158. Advance Peripheral Single Cross Sinawali
159. Advance Peripheral Advance Single Cross Sinawali
160. Advance Peripheral Single Cross Advance Sinawali
161. Advance Peripheral Advance Single X Sinawali
162. Advance Peripheral Single X Advance Sinawali
163. Advance Peripheral Reverse Single X Sinawali
164. Advance Peripheral Reverse Advance Single X Sinawali
165. Advance Peripheral Reverse Single X Advance Sinawali
166. Advance Peripheral Double Sinawali
167. Advance Peripheral Advance Double Sinawali
168. Advance Peripheral Double Advance Sinawali
169. Advance Peripheral Double Double Sinawali
170. Advance Peripheral Advance Double Double Sinawali
171. Advance Peripheral Double Double Advance Sinawali
172. Advance Peripheral Reverse Double Sinawali
173. Advance Peripheral Reverse Advance Double Sinawali
174. Advance Peripheral Reverse Double Advance Sinawali
175. Advance Reverse Double Double Sinawali
176. Advance Reverse Advance Double Double Sinawali
177. Advance Reverse Double Double Advance Sinawali
178. Advance Reverse Chinese
179. Advance Peripheral Advance Reverse Sinawali
180. Advance Peripheral Reverse Advance Sinawali
181. Advance Peripheral Double Sinawali 2
182. Advance Peripheral Advance Double Sinawali 2
183. Advance Peripheral Double Advance Sinawali 2
184. Advance Peripheral Double Double Sinawali 2
185. Advance Peripheral Advance Double Double Sinawali 2
186. Advance Peripheral Double Double Advance Sinawali 2
187. Advance Peripheral Reverse Double Sinawali 2
188. Advance Peripheral Reverse Advance Double Sinawali 2
189. Advance Peripheral Reverse Double Advance Sinawali 2
190. Advance Peripheral Reverse Double Double Sinawali 2
191. Advance Peripheral Reverse Advance Double Double 2
192. Advance Peripheral Reverse Double Double Advance 2
193. Advance Peripheral Reverse Sinawali 2
194. Advance Peripheral Advance Reverse Sinawali 2
195. Advance Peripheral Reverse Advance Sinawali 2
196. Advance Peripheral Single Cross Sinawali 2
197. Advance Peripheral Advance Single Cross Sinawali 2
198. Advance Peripheral Single Cross Advance Sinawali 2
199. Advance Peripheral Reverse Single Cross Sinawali 2
200. Advance Peripheral Reverse Advance Single Cross 2
201. Advance Peripheral Reverse Single Cross Advance 2
202. Advance Peripheral Reverse Single X Sinawali 2
203. Advance Peripheral Advance Single X Sinawali 2
204. Advance Peripheral Single X Advance Sinawali 2
205. Advance Peripheral Double X Sinawali 2
206. Advance Peripheral Reverse Single X Sinawali 2
207. Advance Peripheral Reverse Advance Single X Sinawali 2
208. Advance Peripheral Reverse Single X Advance Sinawali 2
209. Advance Peripheral Reverse Double X Sinawali No.2
210. Reverse Peripheral Single Sinawali
211. Reverse Peripheral Advance Single Sinawali
212. Reverse Peripheral Single Advance Sinawali
213. Reverse Peripheral Reverse Single Sinawali
214. Reverse Peripheral Reverse Advance Single Sinawali
215. Reverse Peripheral Reverse Single Advance Sinawali
216. Reverse Peripheral X Sinawali
217. Reverse Peripheral Advance X Sinawali
218. Reverse Peripheral X Advance Sinawali
219. Reverse Peripheral Double X Sinawali
220. Reverse Peripheral Reverse X Sinawali
221. Reverse Peripheral Reverse Advance X Sinawali
222. Reverse Peripheral Reverse X Advance Sinawali
223. Reverse Peripheral Reverse Double X Sinawali
224. Reverse Peripheral Single Cross Sinawali
225. Reverse Peripheral Advance Single Cross Sinawali
226. Reverse Peripheral Single Cross Advance Sinawali
227. Reverse Peripheral Reverse Single Cross Sinawali
228. Reverse Peripheral Reverse Advance Single Cross Sinawali
229. Reverse Peripheral Reverse Single Cross Advance Sinawali
230. Reverse Peripheral Single X Sinawali
231. Reverse Peripheral Advance Single X Sinawali
232. Reverse Peripheral Single X Advance Sinawali
233. Reverse Peripheral Reverse Single X Sinawali
234. Reverse Peripheral Reverse Advance Single X Sinawali
235. Reverse Peripheral Reverse Single X Advance Sinawali
236. Reverse Peripheral Double Sinawali
237. Reverse Peripheral Advance Double Sinawali
238. Reverse Peripheral Double Advance Sinawali
239. Reverse Peripheral Double Double Sinawali
240. Reverse Peripheral Advance Double Double Sinawali
241. Reverse Peripheral Double Double Advance Sinawali
242. Reverse Peripheral Reverse Double Sinawali
243. Reverse Peripheral Reverse Advance Double Sinawali
244. Reverse Peripheral Reverse Double Advance Sinawali
245. Reverse Peripheral Reverse Double Double Sinawali
246. Reverse Peripheral Reverse Advance Double Double Sinawali
247. Reverse Peripheral Reverse Double Double Advance Sinawali
248. Reverse Peripheral Reverse Sinawali
249. Reverse Peripheral Advance Reverse Sinawali
250. Reverse Peripheral Reverse Advance Sinawali
251. Reverse Peripheral Double Sinawali 2
252. Reverse Peripheral Advance Double Sinawali 2
253. Reverse Peripheral Double Advance Sinawali 2
254. Reverse Peripheral Double Double Sinawali 2
255. Reverse Peripheral Advance Double Double Sinawali 2
256. Reverse Peripheral Double Double Advance Sinawali 2
257. Reverse Peripheral Reverse Double Sinawali 2
258. Reverse Peripheral Reverse Advance Double Sinawali 2
259. Reverse Peripheral Reverse Double Advance Sinawali 2
260. Reverse Peripheral Reverse Double Double Sinawali 2
261. Reverse Peripheral Reverse Advance Double Double 2
262. Reverse Peripheral Reverse Double Double Advance 2
263. Reverse Peripheral Reverse Sinawali 2
264. Reverse Peripheral Advance Reverse Sinawali 2
265. Reverse Peripheral Reverse Advance Sinawali 2
266. Reverse Peripheral Single Cross Sinawali 2
267. Reverse Peripheral Advance Single Cross Sinawali 2
268. Reverse Peripheral Single Cross Advance Sinawali 2
269. Reverse Peripheral Reverse Single Cross Sinawali 2
270. Reverse Peripheral Reverse Advance Single Cross 2
271. Reverse Peripheral Reverse Single Cross Advance 2
272. Reverse Peripheral Single X Sinawali 2
273. Reverse Peripheral Advance Single X Sinawali 2
274. Reverse Peripheral Single X Advance Sinawali 2
275. Reverse Peripheral Double X Sinawali 2
276. Reverse Peripheral Reverse Single X Sinawali 2
277. Reverse Peripheral Reverse Advance Single X Sinawali 2
278. Reverse Peripheral Reverse Single X Advance Sinawali 2
279. Reverse Peripheral Reverse Double X Sinawali 2
280. Advance Reverse Peripheral Single Sinawali
281. Advance Reverse Peripheral Advance Single Sinawali
282. Advance Reverse Peripheral Single Advance Sinawali
283. Advance Reverse Peripheral Reverse Single Sinawali
284. Advance Reverse Peripheral Reverse Advance Single Sinawali
285. Advance Reverse Peripheral Reverse Single Advance Sinawali
286. Advance Reverse Peripheral X Sinawali
287. Advance Reverse Peripheral Advance X Sinawali
288. Advance Reverse Peripheral X Advance Sinawali
289. Advance Reverse Peripheral Double X Sinawali
290. Advance Reverse Peripheral Reverse X Sinawali
291. Advance Reverse Peripheral Reverse Advance X Sinawali
292. Advance Reverse Peripheral Reverse X Advance Sinawali
293. Advance Reverse Peripheral Reverse Double X Sinawali
294. Advance Reverse Peripheral Single Cross Sinawali
295. Advance Reverse Peripheral Advance Single Cross Sinawali
296. Advance Reverse Peripheral Single Cross Advance Sinawali
297. Advance Reverse Peripheral Reverse Single Cross Sinawali
298. Advance Reverse Peripheral Reverse Advance Single Cross
299. Advance Reverse Peripheral Reverse Single Cross Advance
300. Advance Reverse Peripheral Single X Sinawali
301. Advance Reverse Peripheral Advance Single X Sinawali
302. Advance Reverse Peripheral Single X Advance Sinawali
303. Advance Reverse Peripheral Reverse Single X Sinawali
304. Advance Reverse Peripheral Reverse Advance Single X
305. Advance Reverse Peripheral Reverse Single X Advance
306. Advance Reverse Peripheral Double Sinawali
307. Advance Reverse Peripheral Advance Double Sinawali
308. Advance Reverse Peripheral Double Advance Sinawali
309. Advance Reverse Peripheral Double Double Sinawali
310. Advance Reverse Peripheral Advance Double Double Sinawali
311. Advance Reverse Peripheral Double Double Advance Sinawali
312. Advance Reverse Peripheral Reverse Double Sinawali
313. Advance Reverse Peripheral Reverse Advance Double Sinawali
314. Advance Reverse Peripheral Reverse Double Advance Sinawali
315. Advance Reverse Peripheral Reverse Double Double Sinawali
316. Advance Reverse Peripheral Reverse Advance Double Double
317. Advance Reverse Peripheral Reverse Double Double Advance
318. Advance Reverse Peripheral Reverse Sinawali
319. Advance Reverse Peripheral Advance Reverse Sinawali
320. Advance Reverse Peripheral Reverse Advance Sinawali
321. Advance Reverse Peripheral Double Sinawali 2
322. Advance Reverse Peripheral Advance Double Sinawali 2
323. Advance Reverse Peripheral Double Advance Sinawali 2
324. Advance Reverse Peripheral Double Double Sinawali 2
325. Advance Reverse Peripheral Advance Double Double 2
326. Advance Reverse Peripheral Double Double Advance 2
327. Advance Reverse Peripheral Reverse Double Sinawali 2
328. Advance Reverse Peripheral Reverse Advance Double 2
329. Advance Reverse Peripheral Reverse Double Advance 2
330. Advance Reverse Peripheral Reverse Double Double 2
331. Advance Reverse Peripheral Reverse Double Double No.2
332. Advance Reverse Peripheral Reverse Double Double No.2
333. Advance Reverse Peripheral Reverse Sinawali 2
334. Advance Reverse Peripheral Advance Reverse Sinawali 2
335. Advance Reverse Peripheral Reverse Advance Sinawali 2
336. Advance Reverse Peripheral Single Cross Sinawali 2
337. Advance Reverse Peripheral Advance Single Cross Sinawali 2
338. Advance Reverse Peripheral Single Cross Advance Sinawali 2
339. Advance Reverse Peripheral Reverse Single Cross Sinawali 2
340. Advance Reverse Peripheral Reverse Advance Single Cross 2
341. Advance Reverse Peripheral Reverse Single Cross Advance 2
342. Advance Reverse Peripheral Single X Sinawali 2
343. Advance Reverse Peripheral Advance Single X Sinawali 2
344. Advance Reverse Peripheral Single X Advance Sinawali 2
345. Advance Reverse Peripheral Double X Sinawali No.2
346. Advance Reverse Peripheral Reverse Single X Sinawali 2
347. Advance Reverse Peripheral Reverse Advance Single X 2
348. Advance Reverse Peripheral Reverse Single X Advance 2
349. Advance Reverse Peripheral Reverse Double X Sinawali 2
350. Reverse Round 353.Peripheral Sinawali
351. Peripheral Reverse Sinawali 355.Reverse Peripheral Sinawali
352. Advance Peripheral Sinawali 357.Peripheral Advance Sinawali
353. Advance Reverse Peripheral Sinawali
354. Advance Peripheral Reverse Sinawali
355. Peripheral Peripheral Sinawali
356. Reverse Peripheral Peripheral Sinawali
357. Peripheral Reverse Peripheral Sinawali
358. Advance Peripheral Advance Reverse Peripheral Sinawali
359. Peripheral Peripheral Sinawali
360. Reverse Peripheral Peripheral Sinawali
361. Peripheral Reverse Peripheral Sinawali
362. Advance Peripheral Advance Reverse Peripheral Sinawali

The Night Sinawali Saved Me

It was a night like any other. I was walking through the streets of a city I knew well, but that side alley was darker than usual. I didn’t notice. I had walked this same route hundreds of times.

Then, my sixth sense kicked in. Two men, quick footsteps behind me. The unmistakable feeling of being followed. Adrenaline pumped.

Suddenly, the first one made an aggressive move, the second one moved sideways to block my path. They were organized. No easy escape route.

The mind went blank. The body reacted by itself.

My hands instinctively found an object—a piece of wood near a dumpster. I didn’t think. The Sinawali had already programmed my body to respond.

First strike – diagonal, quick, on the arm of the closest attacker. His grip loosened.
Second strike – quick backhand, aimed at the second attacker who was advancing.
Third movement – ​​stepping back and rotating my body to realign myself at the ideal distance.

It was all automatic. Years of training with sticks, knives and bare hands had become a natural response. Sinawali was no longer just an exercise, it had become my survival instinct.

Result? The attackers immediately understood that I was not easy prey. With a few movements, I had changed the dynamics of the fight. There was no need to continue: they left.

It wasn’t a tournament, it wasn’t a training session. It was the real world. And Sinawali had proven to be one of the most valuable skills I had ever learned.

This is the power of Filipino martial arts: they turn your body into a weapon, making you capable of defending yourself in any situation.

Want to develop these skills? Start with the basic Sinawali drills and build your confidence day by day.

Why You Should Train Sinawali? Here Are the Practical Benefits

Sinawali is not only a spectacular exercise, but an effective system to improve your fighting and self-defense skills. Here are 5 reasons why you should integrate it into your training :

✅ Improves coordination and responsiveness – Trains you to use both hands independently, developing superior bilateral coordination.

⚡ Increase speed in strikes and blocks – Through the rhythm and flow of movements, you learn to react faster in combat situations.

️ Teaches you how to handle multiple weapons at once – Gets you used to fighting with a double stick, double knife or sword and dagger , preparing your body for complex movements.

Develop Self-Defense Skills Even With Unarmed Combat – The principles of Sinawali can be adapted to unarmed combat, improving your self-defense.

Helps in hand-to-hand combat and with improvised weapons – Any object can become a weapon if you know how to use it: bottles, sticks, belts, keys . Sinawali teaches you to adapt to any situation .

Whether you are an MMA, Jeet Kune Do, Krav Maga practitioner or a lover of traditional martial arts, Sinawali is a skill that will enhance your fighting arsenal.

Want to try it? Start with the basic exercises and let me know your progress in the comments!

How to get started with Sinawali?

If you are new to Sinawali or Filipino Martial Arts, you may be wondering: where do I start? No problem! In this section you will find a clear and detailed guide to begin your journey in this fascinating discipline.

The initial goal is to develop coordination, rhythm and fluidity in movements , thus building a solid foundation for more advanced techniques.

Basic exercises: where to start?

To approach Sinawali, it is essential to start with the simplest exercises, which will help you become familiar with the movements. The first two fundamental drills are:

1. Single Sinawali (Sinawali Singolo)

✅ Objective: Develop coordination between the two hands and understanding of the angles of attack.
How to do it:

• He holds a stick in each hand.
• Strike diagonally from top to bottom with your right hand.
• Follow with your left hand in the same motion.
• Repeat the cycle alternating hands.

Suggestions:

• Keep your strokes fluid, not stiff.
• Focus on accuracy rather than speed initially.
• Keep the stick angled away from your body to avoid hitting yourself.

2. Double Sinawali (Double Sinawali)

✅ Objective: Get used to using two weapons simultaneously and improve the fluidity of movements.
How to do it:

• He holds two sticks.
• Perform a diagonal strike with your right hand.
• As your right hand returns to the starting position, execute a strike with your left hand.
• The movement is continuous and rhythmic, without pauses.

Suggestions:

• Imagine drawing “X”s in the air with your sticks.
• Keep your shots at head and torso height to get used to a realistic combat distance.
• If possible, train with a partner to synchronize your movements and improve your timing.

These two exercises form the basis of all Sinawali. Once you have mastered them, you can add more advanced variations and combinations!

Equipment Needed: What Do You Need to Get Started?

To practice Sinawali, you don’t need expensive or special equipment . Here’s what you need:

✅ Rattan Sticks – The traditional material used in Filipino martial arts. They are durable, lightweight, and perfect for training.
✅ Wooden or Plastic Sticks – If you don’t have rattan sticks, you can use any other stick of similar length (about 24-28 inches).
✅ Everyday Items – If you don’t have any sticks, you can train with wooden spoons, cut broom handles, or even plastic bottles .
✅ Protective Gloves (optional) – If you’re training with a partner and want to avoid accidental bumps in your hands.

⚠️ Important: Avoid poles that are too heavy at first, as they may tire your wrists and make it more difficult to develop fluidity.

Recommended training: how much time to dedicate?

To achieve results without overloading the body, the advice is:

10-15 minutes a day of consistent practice to improve coordination, fluidity and speed.

Recommended training sessions:

• 5 minutes: Single Sinawali, focusing on accuracy.
• 5 minutes: Double Sinawali, working on fluidity.
• 5 minutes: Variations in angle and pace, to adapt movements to more dynamic situations.

If you have more time: Try combining drills with footwork (forward, lateral and backward movements) to simulate real combat.

Tips for an effective workout

Practice in front of a mirror: It will help you correct your posture and check the symmetry of your movements.

Practice with a partner: Sinawali is perfect for practicing in pairs, developing rhythm and timing.

Maintain a steady pace: Start slowly and gradually increase speed. Smoothness is more important than power initially.

Use a metronome or music: Sinawali has a strong rhythmic component. Practicing with background music or a metronome can help you improve your timing.

Record your workouts: See your progress and correct mistakes by observing your movements.

Ready to get started?

Now you have all the tools to take your first steps in Sinawali. With consistency and dedication , you will be able to improve quickly and start exploring more advanced variations.

Do you have questions or want to see practical exercises in video? Write me in the comments or contact me for personalized sessions!

If you want to learn more, check out our other articles on Filipino Martial Arts!

Conclusions: Why Sinawali is a Must for Every Fighter

Sinawali is not just a martial art: it is a method of honing speed, accuracy and coordination , both with weapons and empty hands. Now that you know the basics, it’s time to take action!

Want to learn Sinawali from scratch or improve your skills?
Write me in the comments or contact me for personalized sessions and a training program tailored for you!

Download the free guide with Sinawali’s first 5 exercises to get started today! (Link available upon request!)

Follow me for more techniques, advanced drills and fighting strategies!

Street Fight Mentality & Fight Sport – Train, Hone, Dominate!

Sinawali is not just a series of choreographed movements, but a time-tested fighting system , refined over the centuries by Filipino martial arts. Its versatility makes it an essential skill for anyone who wants to improve speed, coordination and fluidity of movement, whether with weapons or empty hands.

✅ Improve your ability to defend and attack simultaneously
✅ Develop lightning-fast reflexes and perfect timing
✅ Adapt your reactivity to any distance and weapon
✅ Strengthen your mind-body connection thanks to rhythmic and coordinated practice

It doesn’t matter if you are an expert in MMA, Kickboxing, Jeet Kune Do , Krav Maga or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu : the Sinawali can be the element that takes your training to the next level.

Sinawali is more than a martial art: it is a mindset.

If you want to take your fighting skills to the next level, if you want to hone your body and weapon control, then this practice can become a secret weapon in your fighter’s arsenal .

Want to get started? Write me in the comments or contact me for personalized sessions!

Street Fight Mentality & Fight Sport!

FAQ – Sinawali in Philippine Martial Arts

1. What is Sinawali?

Sinawali is a series of attack and defense patterns performed with two weapons, typically sticks (Escrima), knives, or bare hands. The name comes from the Filipino term “sawali ,” meaning “intertwined,” referring to the fluid, coordinated, weaving-like movements.

2. In which martial arts is Sinawali practiced?

Sinawali is a key component of Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) , especially Kali, Eskrima and Arnis . However, its principles can also be found in other weapon fighting systems and even in some empty-hand self-defense methods.

3. What are the benefits of practicing Sinawali?

• Development of coordination between right and left hand
• Improved speed and accuracy of shots
• Greater fluidity in movements
• Strengthening reflexes and timing
• Better ability to transition between attack and defense
• Adaptability in the use of weapons and improvised objects
• Mental training to improve focus and concentration

4. What weapons can be used in Sinawali?

Sinawali is versatile and can be practiced with:

• Double stick (Doble Baston)
• Double Knife (Doble Daga)
• Sword and Dagger
• Stick and Shield (Baston y Escudo)
• Improvised weapons (everyday objects)
• Nude Mani (Hand Sinawali)

5. Is Sinawali useful for self-defense?

Yes, although many Sinawali exercises are designed to develop motor skills, their application in real combat includes attack, defense and disarm techniques. In addition, the coordination and fluidity that is developed makes the practitioner better equipped to handle dynamic combat situations.

6. What are the main types of Sinawali?

Sinawali are divided into several categories. Some of the more notable ones include:

• Heaven 6 : Strikes that develop in the upper body
• Earth 6 : Shots that come from below
• Redonda : Continuous circular movements
• Sinawali Single : Performed with a single stick
• Sinawali Double : Using two sticks at the same time
• Sword and Dagger : Combines a long blade with a short blade

There are hundreds of variations , often customized by FMA instructors and schools.

7. Is Sinawali only for fighting with weapons?

No, Sinawali patterns can also be adapted to unarmed combat. The sequences of stick strikes can be transformed into blocks, parries, punches and elbow strikes . This makes it useful also for those who practice Boxing, Muay Thai, Jeet Kune Do and other martial arts .

8. What is the difference between Sinawali and Hubud-Lubud?

• Sinawali : Focuses on rhythmic and coordinated patterns with two weapons.
• Hubud-Lubud : This is an exercise more related to close combat, with continuous exchanges between attack and defense.

Both develop fluidity, but Sinawali emphasizes weapon strikes , while Hubud -Lubud focuses on trapping and position exchanges .

9. How long does it take to master Sinawali?

It depends on the consistency of your training:

• Base (Heaven 6) : From a few weeks to a few months
• Advanced Sinawali : 6 months to 1 year
• Applied Fighting with Sinawali : May require years of practice

However, even a few months of training can significantly improve coordination and reflexes.

10. How can I integrate Sinawali into my workout?

If you already practice a martial art or combat sport, you can use the Sinawali to:

• Improve hand-eye coordination
• Add weapon exercises to expand your skills
• Strengthen your footwork by combining it with Sinawali movements
• Train with a partner to improve timing and fluidity in your shots

11. Is it necessary to have a partner to train in Sinawali?

Not necessarily. You can practice:

• Alone : ​​With sticks, umbrellas or similar objects, hitting an imaginary target
• With a partner : Performing two-person drills to develop timing and fluidity
• With a bag or dummy : To simulate impacts and improve power

12. Are there differences between the various styles of Sinawali?

Yes, each system of Kali, Eskrima and Arnis has its own approach to Sinawali. Some emphasize speed, others power or defensive strategy. Also, some schools use more circular movements, while others prefer straight and angled strikes.

13. What are the most common mistakes in Sinawali drills?

• Stiff and not very fluid movements
• Lack of coordination between hands and feet
• Don’t hit with the end of the stick
• Neglecting defense while attacking
• Do not rotate your body in the strikes

14. Is Sinawali useful for real combat?

Yes, but it depends on the context. Sinawali helps develop:
✅ Speed ​​and reactivity
✅ Skill with double and single weapons
✅ Accuracy in strikes and coordination
✅ Transitions between attack and defense

However, in real combat you have to adapt your movements and not rigidly follow drills .

15. Where can I learn Sinawali?

You can learn it through:

• Kali, Eskrima and Arnis Schools
• Seminars and specialized courses
• Video tutorial and booklet
• Training with an experienced practitioner

If you want a practical guide, you can contact me for training or further information!

Sinawali is much more than a simple series of choreographed movements: it is a fluid, effective and adaptable fighting system . Whether you want to improve your coordination, explore weapon combat, or integrate new tools into your training, Sinawali is an invaluable resource.

Street Fight Mentality & Fight Sport!