Guro Harley Elmore: Doble Baston/Double Stick
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Double Stick — Doble Baston·WarriorswayTX
These clips are from the Doble Baston DVD.
Double Stick — Doble Baston
Familyドブレバストン(Dobure Basuton)
TransliterationTranslation: double stick — doble baston
Overview
The Double Stick (Doble Baston) family covers techniques using two rattan sticks simultaneously, one in each hand, which is one of the most distinctive and visually spectacular aspects of Filipino martial arts. [1] Doble baston training develops ambidexterity, coordination, and the ability to attack and defend simultaneously with both hands, which translates directly to double-weapon combat (two swords, sword and dagger) and empty-hand fighting. [1],[2] The double stick family includes sinawali patterns (weaving drills), flow drills (continuous two-person training sequences), and combative applications (simultaneous attack-and-block combinations). [2],[3]
History & Origin
Double stick fighting was a core component of Filipino warrior training, used both as a combat method and as a training tool for developing the bilateral coordination needed for espada y daga (sword and dagger) fighting. [1] The sinawali weaving patterns take their name from the Tagalog word 'sinawali' (to weave), referencing the woven patterns created by the interacting sticks. [2],[3]
Effectiveness
Doble baston (double stick) provides simultaneous offensive and defensive capability with a weapon in each hand, allowing continuous flowing attacks from multiple angles. [1]
Lineage
Double-stick fighting is a distinctive feature of Filipino martial arts, developed from the dual-weapon traditions of the Philippine islands. [1]
Competition Record
Double stick is competed in WEKAF tournaments and other FMA events as a separate division from single stick. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Cutting, thrusting, or striking with a bladed weapon — edge alignment and trajectory determine cutting effectiveness
Joints Involved — Wrists (edge alignment and rotation), elbows (extension for thrusts, chambering for cuts), shoulders (arc of the cut), hips (power generation)
Force Vector — Varies — downward diagonal cut (kesa-giri), horizontal cut (yoko-giri), thrust (tsuki), or rising cut (kiri-age)
Weapon Mechanic — Edge alignment (hasuji) is critical — the blade must travel along its cutting plane for effective cuts
Position & Entry
From ready stance (chudan-no-kamae or equivalent) — Assume guard position, establish distance (ma-ai), execute the cut or thrust when an opening appears
From engagement distance — Use footwork to close to striking range, execute the technique with proper edge alignment (hasuji)
As counter — Wait for the opponent's attack, deflect or avoid, and counter-cut to the exposed target
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
8
Very High8/10
Arnis/Escrima/Kali stick and blade techniques; designed for close-range lethality
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
WEKAF — Legal in padded stick competition {srcHEMA — Legal in applicable weapon categories {src
Training Notes
✓Double stick (doble baston) is the pinnacle of Filipino martial arts coordination — fighting with two weapons simultaneously requires independent hand movement (Wiley, Filipino Martial Culture, 1997)
✓Both sticks work as an integrated system: when one attacks, the other defends or sets up the next strike — never leave a stick idle
✓The dominant hand typically delivers power strikes while the non-dominant hand checks, feeds, or traps — but both must be equally capable
✓Double stick develops ambidexterity that transfers to all other FMA weapons and to empty-hand fighting
✓Training progression: learn single stick thoroughly first, then add the second stick — rushing to double stick creates bad habits
✓The figure-eight (ocho-ocho) pattern is the foundational movement: both sticks trace continuous figure-eights that generate flow between offence and defence
✓Double stick range is unique — the practitioner covers a wider defensive zone but must manage two weapons' trajectories simultaneously
Common Mistakes
!Focusing only on the dominant hand — both hands must develop equal skill; the live hand is not a passive holder
!Crossing the sticks unintentionally — crossed sticks tangle and create openings; maintain proper weapon paths
!Using the same pattern repeatedly — predictable double stick work is easily countered; vary combinations
!Neglecting the check hand between strikes — the non-striking stick should always be in a guard or check position
!Striking with both sticks at the same time to the same target — this wastes one weapon; stagger strikes for continuous pressure
!Moving the sticks without purpose — every movement should be either offensive, defensive, or transitional
!Not training the reverse (switching dominant hand) — true doble baston skill requires ambidexterity
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Assume Guard (Kamae/Hut) — take the appropriate ready position with the weapon
2Measure Distance (Ma-ai) — establish correct striking distance
3Initiate Cut/Thrust — execute the technique with proper edge alignment or point control
4Follow Through (Zanshin) — maintain awareness and readiness after the technique
Sources & References
Primary Source
The Filipino Martial Arts (Dan Inosanto, 1980)
1BookFilipino Martial Arts (Inosanto, 1980)
Alias sources — [1] Filipino Martial Arts (Wiley, 1994) [2] Filipino Martial Arts (Wiley, 1994) [3] Filipino Martial Arts (Wiley, 1994)
2BookEskrima (Presas, 1983)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Filipino Martial Arts (Wiley, 1997)
3OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
4CitationFilipino Martial Arts (Inosanto, 1980)
Alias sources — [1] Filipino Martial Arts (Wiley, 1994) [2] Filipino Martial Arts (Wiley, 1994) [3] Filipino Martial Arts (Wiley, 1994)
5CitationEskrima (Presas, 1983)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Filipino Martial Arts (Wiley, 1997)
Community
Athletics
Requires
wrist control for edge alignment, grip endurance, footwork precision
Favours
quick wrists, strong forearms, good posture
Key muscles
forearm extensors/flexors, deltoids, core, calves
Sub-techniques
Flow Drill
SubFamilyThe Flow Drill subfamily covers continuous, partner-based training patterns in double-stick work where both practitioners cycle through predetermined sequences of attacks and defences without stopping, developing timing, reflexes, and sensitivity to the opponent's movements. [1] Flow drills are the primary training methodology in Filipino martial arts — they simulate the continuous nature of actual combat by eliminating the stop-start pattern of technique isolation, instead training the practitioner to react fluidly and maintain offensive-defensive flow. [1,2] In double-stick flow drills, both practitioners wield two sticks and cycle through attack-block sequences that build progressively in complexity and speed. [2,3]
1 genera·1 techniquesExplore
Sinawali
SubFamilyThe Sinawali subfamily covers the signature weaving patterns of Filipino double-stick combat, where two sticks are swung in coordinated, crossing patterns that create a continuous offensive-defensive shield of strikes. [1] The name sinawali derives from the Tagalog word 'sawali' — woven split bamboo panels used in traditional Filipino construction — reflecting the visual similarity between the woven sticks and woven bamboo. [1,2] Sinawali patterns are categorised by the direction and sequence of the weaving: single sinawali (basic alternating X-pattern), double sinawali (both sticks striking the same side simultaneously), and reverse sinawali (outside-to-inside weaving pattern). [2,3]
3 genera·3 techniquesExplore
Notes
Double stick (doble baston/sinawali) trains ambidexterity and coordination — both hands work independently with a stick each. The sinawali (weaving) patterns are the fundamental double-stick drills. (Wiley, Filipino Martial Arts; FMA manuals)
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I position my body when practicing double stick to stay safe?
According to Guro Harley Elmore, you should squat on your knees and turn while keeping your head back out of the way to avoid strikes during practice.
Should I aim at my partner's hands or at actual target areas when drilling doble baston?
Guro Harley Elmore emphasizes that you should aim at the actual target (such as the head) rather than avoiding your partner's hands, as this develops proper technique and targeting accuracy.
What are the different strike levels in double stick training?
Guro Harley Elmore teaches that strikes are organized into levels: heaven, six, standard, and earth, with earth representing strikes aimed at lower targets.
How does the Double Stick — Doble Baston work?
The Double Stick (Doble Baston) family covers techniques using two rattan sticks simultaneously, one in each hand, which is one of the most distinctive and visually spectacular aspects of Filipino martial arts. Doble baston training develops ambidexterity, coordination, and the ability to attack and defend simultaneously with both hands, which translates directly to double-weapon combat (two swords, sword and dagger) and empty-hand fighting.
Where does the Double Stick — Doble Baston come from?
Double stick fighting was a core component of Filipino warrior training, used both as a combat method and as a training tool for developing the bilateral coordination needed for espada y daga (sword and dagger) fighting. The sinawali weaving patterns take their name from the Tagalog word 'sinawali' (to weave), referencing the woven patterns created by the interacting sticks.
Is the Double Stick — Doble Baston legal in competition?
WEKAF: legal — Legal in padded stick competition; HEMA: legal — Legal in applicable weapon categories
How dangerous is the Double Stick — Doble Baston?
Danger rating 8/10. Very High — Arnis/Escrima/Kali stick and blade techniques; designed for close-range lethality
How do I set up the Double Stick — Doble Baston?
The standard setup chain: Assume Guard (Kamae/Hut) → Measure Distance (Ma-ai) → Initiate Cut/Thrust → Follow Through (Zanshin).
How do I defend against the Double Stick — Doble Baston?
Standard counters include: Parry (Absetzen) — deflect the incoming blade with a counter-displacement / Void (Step Back) — withdraw from measure to avoid the cutting arc / Counter-Cut (Nachreisen) — strike into the opponent's opening during their attack.
What are the variants of the Double Stick — Doble Baston?
Common variants: Standard cut (primary cutting angle from the ready stance); Thrust (tsuki) (straight thrust targeting the throat, chest, or face); Rising cut (kiri-age) (upward diagonal cut from low to high); Diagonal cut (kesa-giri) (downward diagonal cut following the kimono line).
How effective is the Double Stick — Doble Baston in competition?
Double stick is competed in WEKAF tournaments and other FMA events as a separate division from single stick.
What are common mistakes when doing the Double Stick — Doble Baston?
Top errors to watch for: Focusing only on the dominant hand — both hands must develop equal skill; the live hand is not a passive holder / Crossing the sticks unintentionally — crossed sticks tangle and create openings; maintain proper weapon paths / Using the same pattern repeatedly — predictable double stick work is easily countered; vary combinations / Neglecting the check hand between strikes — the non-striking stick should always be in a guard or check position.
What are other names for the Double Stick — Doble Baston?
The Double Stick — Doble Baston is also known as Dobure Basuton, Doble Baston, Double Baston, Two Sticks.