Bunal (Stick Fighting) is a Cebuano term that could mean the weapon itself (either as a wood, hard plastic, metal or any material that has an elongated shape regradless of the length, size, color, diameter, or made); it could also mean the way these weapons are being systematically used in fighting.

But what we are about to write is the stick fighting system or method taught by Jose Go Milan, the PalakaBanate. This stick fighting system or method was derived from Anciong Bacon’s Balintawak. Anciong Bacon is a very good friend of Joe Go Milan.

Joe Go Milan and Anciong Bacon

Joe Go with his extraordinary gift tried to combined both Balintawak (Cebuano) and Kung Fu (Chinese) into one unique practical stick fighting system.

 

Joe Go with his PalakaBanate

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I hope this blog post would serve as a friendly warning to those students who have been quite comfortable with their knife fighting lessons. Yesterday, we had a video on one of our weekend knife fighting practices and we realize that most of our friends who were just new to knife fighting were awkwardly shivering. Not that they were literally shivering (well there was one who was all wet with his sweat and with hands so cold).

Why am I telling you this?

Not to embarrass them of course. I told them of my observation the moment we watched the video during our break.

This do not concern pretty much on the beginners of knife fighting, but on the more advanced students of knife fighting.

For the beginners who were shivering during the palakaw (a close one on one series of knife fighting movements that do not have any counting; free style knife fighting executions yet slower than padagan), no worry. You will soon be comfortable with the knife pointing and slashing toward you to cut you. Hehehe. I mean... you will soon get over it and find yourself more comfortable with the knife and confident against it. Remember, our first enemy in a knife fight is ourselves. If we are too afraid even with the sight of a well sharped knife and the glittering blade, then better run away faster than road runner. It is very normal to be afraid when a knife is pointed on you. I am afraid too. But it is always good to be composed that is controlling our fear so that we can decide what to do.

First, we can ask the person for a compromise. Find a way to cool him down; try talking to the opponent. This is applicable for a quarrel. Relax but be ready for anything.

Second, you can try to stay away from him as far as you can; away from the fighting arena. Find ways to evade him. But do not run. Don't turn your back on an opponent with a knife (likely you cannot run that fast on your back; too dangerous.) Better walk away from the fight if possible.

Third, try all means not to start a fight. All means.

Fourth, and this should not be fourth after trying all the means to stay away from a knife fighting scene. Defend yourself as much as you can employing all your knowledge for survival and self preservation in the quickest most simplest way you can. Practicality is simplicity in most cases; and simplicity of execution in movements and defense in most cases is quickest defense. It is then more efficient. I remember one my mentors once said when I was still starting self defense lessons, "ang bani sa saging mas gahe pa sa tao kung dung-gabon." To translate: "the banana (tree or trunk, how it is called) can be more hard to penetrate with the knife comparing it with the body of a person."

So find the most simple move to defend yourself. That which is easy and quick to apply. We cannot afford to get a cut during a knife fight.

So, for the students of knife fighting who have been very comfortable with themselves; that is good. But do not be over confident with knife fighting. Knife fighting knows no black belt. Once you get a deep slice, then you really get a slice in knife fighting. Many of the more advance students have the tendency to be over confident. Remember, the person trying to cut you with a knife is so different from the person you are to fight during actual knife fights. I am not talking about the physical built. I am talking perhaps on the realm of psychology.

In an actual knife fight, your opponent has the intention of killing you or at least really cutting you with the knife right at the abdomen area or chest.

In knife fighting practice, your opponent does not have that intention to kill you or harm you in any way. In fact, most of those new students do not want knives. They are afraid of them. That is why they want to defend themselves and learn knife fighting.

In an actual knife fight, the knife attacker can be very angry at you and very aggressive. He won't mind what you are and what training you have. The more he knows that you are trained in knife fighting, the more he will find ways to gain advantage over you. Perhaps throwing a towel or an item over your face before he is to strike you with a knife. Remember, his other hand is buhi (meaning live); that empty hand can do anything he wants more than the knife. It is not restricted and can far be more dangerous.

In knife fighting practice, your colleague is not angry with you. He is a newbie and he respects you. The more he knows how long you have been in knife fighting, the more he will shy away in fear of being hurt. What will come out. The knife attacker is the one trying defend himself against a supposed to be knife victim who is supposed to be defending himself against a knife attack.

So if you are a more advanced student in knife fighting too. Be careful with this. Practice well; don't execute moves like you are in the movies. Be confident; yet don't try to think that you are invincible.

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