THE EVOLUTION OF SINAWALI
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Sinawali·Mark Anastacio
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Sinawali
SubFamilyシナワリ(Shinawari)
TransliterationTranslation: sinawali
Overview
The 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]
History & Origin
Sinawali patterns are among the oldest and most recognisable techniques in Filipino martial arts, documented across virtually every Arnis, Eskrima, and Kali system throughout the Philippine archipelago. [1] The weaving drills served both as combat training and as the basis for cultural performances and demonstrations. [2],[3]
Effectiveness
Sinawali (weaving) drills develop ambidextrous coordination, pattern recognition, and the ability to maintain continuous offensive pressure with two weapons simultaneously. [1] The interlocking figure-eight patterns train both hemispheres of the brain to coordinate weapon strikes independently, a skill with no parallel in single-weapon systems. [2]
Lineage
Competition Record
Sinawali drills are demonstrated at FMA events and competitions, forming the foundation of double-stick fighting technique. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Striking, blocking, or thrusting with a long rigid weapon — the staff's length creates leverage and reach advantage
Joints Involved — Both hands (sliding and rotating grip positions), wrists (snap for strikes), hips (rotation for power)
Force Vector — The rear hand pushes while the lead hand acts as fulcrum — staff rotation generates speed at the striking tip
Weapon Mechanic — The staff can be used from either end and at any range — versatility from long-range strikes to short-range blocks
Position & Entry
From fighting stance (stick in hand) — Hold the stick in the dominant hand, establish range, execute angles of attack (numbered striking patterns)
As counter (after block) — Block the opponent's strike with the stick, counter-strike to the exposed target immediately
From double-stick position — Coordinate both sticks — one attacks while the other covers or follows up
Videos
X - SINAWALI | ARNIS TUTORIAL
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Sinawali·MATTI San Juan Official
X - Sinawali Arnis tutorial
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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
✓Sinawali (weaving) is the iconic double-stick pattern of Filipino martial arts — the sticks trace crossing patterns that resemble weaving cloth (Wiley, Filipino Martial Culture, 1997)
✓Sinawali patterns train both hands to work independently while maintaining a unified defensive-offensive system
✓The patterns develop coordination, timing, and the ability to track multiple weapons simultaneously — essential skills for double-stick combat
✓Sinawali is practiced with a partner: both practitioners perform complementary patterns, creating a continuous exchange
✓The weaving motion generates power through circular mechanics — each stick follows an arc that builds momentum for the next strike
✓Sinawali trains 'hubud' sensitivity — the ability to feel the partner's energy and adjust in real time
✓The three fundamental sinawali patterns (single, double, reverse) form a complete training system that covers all major angles of double-stick attack and defence
Common Mistakes
!Moving only the arms — sinawali requires hip rotation and weight shifting to generate power and maintain flow
!Losing the rhythm — sinawali is rhythmic; breaking the rhythm means losing the pattern and the drill's benefit
!Not matching the partner's tempo — sinawali is cooperative; both partners must maintain the same speed
!Gripping the sticks too tightly — a death grip slows the wrists and prevents fluid weapon manipulation
!Looking at your own sticks instead of the partner — focus should be on the incoming weapons
!Making the pattern too wide — keep the sticks close to the body's centreline for efficient defence
!Not progressing beyond the basic patterns — sinawali has many variations; staying with only one limits development
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Grip and Stance — hold the weapon in the correct grip with a balanced stance
2Chamber — draw the weapon back to generate striking power
3Strike — deliver the blow along the correct angle of attack
4Recovery — return to guard position and prepare for the next action
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] Wiley, M., Filipino Martial Arts (Charles E. Tuttle, 1994) [2] Inosanto, D., The Filipino Martial Arts (Know Now Publishing, 1980)
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] Wiley, M., Filipino Martial Arts (Charles E. Tuttle, 1994) [2] Inosanto, D., The Filipino Martial Arts (Know Now Publishing, 1980)
Community
Athletics
Requires
wrist speed, hand coordination (especially double stick), cardiovascular endurance
Favours
quick hands, conditioned forearms, coordination
Key muscles
forearms, wrists, shoulders, core rotators
Sub-techniques
Double Sinawali
GenusDouble Sinawali (also called Heaven Six or Redonda) is the sinawali pattern where both sticks strike the same target area simultaneously or in rapid succession, creating a doubled striking pattern that overwhelms the opponent's ability to block both strikes at once. [1] In double sinawali, both sticks swing to the same side — for example, both sticks strike the opponent's left side in succession, then both swing to the right side — creating a powerful, concentrated attack pattern. [1,2] The double sinawali develops power generation with both hands and trains the practitioner to deliver coordinated maximum-force strikes. [2,3]
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Reverse Sinawali
GenusReverse Sinawali (also called Earth or Abaniko Sinawali in some systems) reverses the standard weaving pattern so that the sticks travel from outside to inside rather than the standard inside-to-outside path. [1] The reverse pattern creates a different striking angle and defensive coverage — where standard sinawali tends to generate forehand-dominant strikes, reverse sinawali emphasises backhand strikes and outside deflections. [1,2] Reverse sinawali trains the practitioner to handle attacks coming from non-standard angles and develops the backhand striking power that is often neglected in basic training. [2,3]
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Single Sinawali
GenusSingle Sinawali (also called Heaven Standard or basic X-pattern) is the foundational weaving pattern where the two sticks alternate in a crossing pattern — one stick strikes high on one side while the other passes underneath, then they switch, creating a continuous figure-eight or X-shaped weaving motion. [1] Single sinawali is the first doble baston pattern taught in most Filipino martial arts systems because it establishes the fundamental bilateral coordination and timing that all more advanced patterns build upon. [1,2] The pattern creates a basic offensive-defensive screen: one stick is always striking while the other is in position to block, maintaining continuous coverage. [2,3]
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a single sinawali not effective in a real fight even though everything should hit?
Mark Anastacio explains that while a single sinawali hits when you're squared up in front, this is a bad formula for protecting yourself in actual head-to-head fighting because you're not accounting for defensive positioning and angles.
How can I practice sinawali on my own to understand what techniques work and why?
Mark Anastacio recommends practicing single sinawali drills solo to develop consciousness of which techniques work at different angles and attack positions, building awareness of what adjustments you need to make based on your angle of attack.
How does the Sinawali work?
The 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. 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.
Where does the Sinawali come from?
Sinawali patterns are among the oldest and most recognisable techniques in Filipino martial arts, documented across virtually every Arnis, Eskrima, and Kali system throughout the Philippine archipelago. The weaving drills served both as combat training and as the basis for cultural performances and demonstrations.
Is the Sinawali legal in competition?
WEKAF: legal — Legal in padded stick competition; HEMA: legal — Legal in applicable weapon categories
How dangerous is the Sinawali?
Danger rating 8/10. Very High — Arnis/Escrima/Kali stick and blade techniques; designed for close-range lethality
How do I set up the Sinawali?
The standard setup chain: Grip and Stance → Chamber → Strike → Recovery.
How do I defend against the Sinawali?
Standard counters include: Umbrella Block — raise the stick overhead to intercept a downward strike / Cross Block — meet the incoming strike with a perpendicular block / Disarm — strip the opponent's weapon through leverage on the hand or wrist.
What are the variants of the Sinawali?
Common variants: Angle 1 (forehand diagonal) (downward diagonal strike from the dominant side); Angle 2 (backhand diagonal) (downward diagonal strike from the off side); Angle 5 (thrust) (straight thrust with the tip of the stick); Redonda (continuous) (flowing circular strikes chaining multiple angles).
How effective is the Sinawali in competition?
Sinawali drills are demonstrated at FMA events and competitions, forming the foundation of double-stick fighting technique.
What are common mistakes when doing the Sinawali?
Top errors to watch for: Moving only the arms — sinawali requires hip rotation and weight shifting to generate power and maintain flow / Losing the rhythm — sinawali is rhythmic; breaking the rhythm means losing the pattern and the drill's benefit / Not matching the partner's tempo — sinawali is cooperative; both partners must maintain the same speed / Gripping the sticks too tightly — a death grip slows the wrists and prevents fluid weapon manipulation.
What are other names for the Sinawali?
The Sinawali is also known as Shinawari, Weaving Pattern, Sinawali Drill, Hatid-Sungkit.