SIKO
The category of limb destructions
known as siko is favored by martial art-
ists who prefer to cover while moving in. These fight-
ers also tend to operate at close range, so if you’re one
who favors infighting, I recommend you look into the
siko techniques.
These destructions work by turning your passive
cover into a pointy exoskeleton — hopefully, one that
your opponent will impale a body part on. For a good
visual, picture him punching a rhino’s horn. In one
example, the opponent opens with straight punches.
You execute a destruction, then move inside to get out
of his preferred range. At that
point, if you’re a fan of clinch-
ing, you’ll be at home. Likewise,
those who like to throw hooks and
elbows as follow-ups are likely to
be successful.
I especially like siko techniques
for countering wide hook punches.
The terminal effect is very similar
to a gunting aimed at the biceps,
but it requires significantly less
effort on your part. Depending on
your opponent’s reach and timing,
you might be able to also spike
him in the sternum, thus imped-
ing his forward momentum.
As with the split entry mentioned
earlier, timing and range will deter-
mine what’s most appropriate.
Experience will help you realize that
height and reach are also important
factors. Never forget that the goal
is to prevail. The exact destruction
you use to do that is not important.
Go with what’s most appropriate for
the circumstances.PROGNOSIS
Regardless of which
limb destructions you
wind up favoring, understand that every one that you
add to your arsenal will need to pair well with your
other defensive skills. The methods described here
work off different timing: The gunting are more proac-
tive, while the siko are more reactive. Sometimes the
right choice boils down to that, and sometimes it boils
down to nothing more than personal preference.
No matter which set of destructions you choose to
adopt, don’t dismiss the possibility of mixing them up
in a fight. Moving in and out of the various ranges can
provide opportunities — in other words, a technique you
didn’t consider initially might work later on.
In closing, I would like to remind you these techniques
are just tools in your arsenal. They’re intended to be used
in a fight — not a punching fight, a clinching fight or a
limb-destruction fight. Just a fight. The tool you employ
in any given altercation ultimately is less important than
your survival. Work on developing skills that are congru-
ent with that goal.Tony Torre teaches arnis in Miami.In my arnis classes, I like to introduce a limb destruc-
tion to my intermediate students and have them practice
it in partner drills. Then I have them try it in sparring.
Once we’ve done this with a particular set of destructions
and identified which ones are most suitable for each per-
son, we work on tactics that reinforce those destructions.
At this point, coaching is critical.
It’s essential to remember that not all limb destruc-
tions are suitable for all martial artists. If you’re an
instructor, it’s your job to keep in mind that the focus of
any fight — and the focus of all training — is to enable
the student to get to the finish line as quickly and safely
as possible.
GUNTING
While
it would
be impossible to describe every
limb destruction in the Filipino
martial arts in one article, this
tutorial would be sorely lacking if
it didn’t include at least a few. The
two we’ll explore are the infamous
gunting (Tagalog for scissors) and
the siko (Tagalog for elbow) limb
destructions.
The gunting techniques are
often preferred by counterfight-
ers who use quick footwork and
mobility as their primary defensive
strategy. A gunting depends on
your ability to parry. When facing
an opponent who likes to jab and
run away, a gunting can work espe-
cially well.
Practice the technique as shown
in the accompanying photos.
Make sure your head is off the line
of attack. Remember that a fore-
knuckle punch to the biceps will make that arm heavy
to hold up — and can cause your adversary to drop it
altogether. That makes this move a great strategy for
those who like to counter off their opponent’s jab.
Experiment in class. After the gunting, try a cross, an
overhand or a rear-hand punch of your preference. Then
immediately follow up with more punches.
If your defensive skills include blocking and
exchanging in middle range, try pairing your gunting
with an inside block to stop your opponent’s cross or
straight right. The block can be followed with a lead
hook and a cross.
Often, it’s preferable to punch your opponent in
the face using a split entry because it can lead to a
quicker finish. However, if you’ve already tried it and
he became a little squeamish and no longer closes as
aggressively, this destruction just might be your ticket
to victory.
In training, I’ve seen opponents who let their arms
become entangled when this limb destruction is tried,
especially if both parties are aggressive. In such cases,
a head butt can work wonders. It also can serve as an
entry into a clinch — but that’s best discussed in a sepa-
rate article.
Regardless of which limb
destructions you wind
up favoring, understand
that every one that
you add to your
arsenal will need to
pair well with your
other defensive skills.
64 BLACKBELTMAG.COM § AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019