This special 3 part series will explore Filipino and Indonesian blade combat while drawing connections to European fencing traditions. Whether you practice Southeast Asian martial arts, Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA), or simply love the study of swords, this seminar offers a deep dive into the combative principles, techniques, and cultural history of these living traditions.
The three 90-minute elective session can be taken as a series or attended individually. Each will connect to the others but also stand on its own.
What You’ll Learn:
Kalis Ilustrisimo – A Filipino blade art known for its efficiency and adaptability. Influenced by Spanish and Italian swordplay, Kalis Ilustrisimo retains elements of historical European fencing while maintaining its uniquely Southeast Asian approach to combat.
Beledah Belabang – A military sword system unique to the Banjar people of Borneo. This system is highly efficient and adaptable to land and sea combat, with a training method so compact that I can be delivered in 21 hours of intensive training. This 1200 year old system has unique blade engagements and principals that enable a skilled practitioner to quickly capture an enemy blade, close and finish a fight in single or mass engagements.
Mandau – A rare, living blade system from the Dayak people of Borneo, with well over 1,000 years of history. This traditional mandau-based art offers a fascinating perspective on sword combat that is still actively practiced today. This fighting method could be described as a quick draw system, comparable to the pistol legends of the Wild West, tho is has aspects of art and beauty in its ceremonial, tribal presentation.
European Connections – Philipino martial arts evolved independently out of earlier Malay systems but later absorbed techniques from, Spanish and Italian swordsmen through colonial relations, trade and conflict. This seminar highlights the intersections of these traditions, revealing a hidden layer of European influence in Filipino blade techniques.
Ottoman Connections – Islam predates Christian colonial ambitions by several hundred years in the Malay Archipelago, as it sought alliances with distant societies in Southeast Asia. In this region he Ottoman Empire adopted an approach, sharing technology, knowledge, and ideology to cultivate global alliances. Silat systems in the archipelago were significantly influenced by Ottoman technology and methods.
Required Equipment:
Swords, sticks, or blades
Fencing masks, gloves, arm protection.
Accommodations can be made for those with less equipment.