The Martial Effectiveness of Drills in Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) - From Martial Journal

[Xue Sheng]

The Martial Effectiveness of Drills in Filipino Martial Arts (FMA)​

As a Dekit Tirsia Saradas Kali practitioner, we have our own set of drills to increase our martial skills. However, we must realize that each of the Masters who came before and those who are still alive today would have their own thoughts on how to make their art the best, whether that be for survival or self-defense. Below are some fundamental drills used in many FMA systems

 

[ap Oweyn]

What are your thoughts on that article, Xue Sheng? And do you think that the rationale and/or critique presented in it are different for FMA than they would be for other martial arts? Or is the discussion around drills essentially the same no matter what the style?

 

[Xue Sheng]

What are your thoughts on that article, Xue Sheng? And do you think that the rationale and/or critique presented in it are different for FMA than they would be for other martial arts? Or is the discussion around drills essentially the same no matter what the style?

I have always been impressed with FMA, and I think the FMA drills are what makes it rather effective. The critique, yes there are alway critiques, some good some bad. But building muscle memory is always a good thing. The rhythmic drills I do not see in a lot of martial arts, especially with weapons. You drill applications but not in a rhythmic way. Some do, Wing Chun has Chi Sau, Taiji has push hands and 2 person forms and xingyiquan has 2 person drills and push hands, although a bit more aggressive that Taijiquan. Is that reality? Well no, but they can give you reflexes to respond, they can give you what to expect when hit. They have a place in training and what little I know about FMA they are very good at this.