Espada y Daga
Espada y Daga
A fighting method using a long weapon (sword or stick) in one hand and a short one (knife) in the other.
Quick Facts
CategoryConcept / Principle
Pronunciation/[es-pah-dah ee dah-gah]/
Definition
Espada y Daga (Spanish for "sword and dagger") is an advanced fighting method in Filipino martial arts. It has roots in Spanish fencing, which was assimilated by native fighters in the Philippines. The longer weapon primarily serves to maintain distance, block, and attack at range, while the shorter dagger is deadly at close contact. This style demands perfect coordination of both hands, divided attention, and excellent footwork. The fighter constantly moves between the different ranges of the two weapons.