REVERSE DOUBLE SINAWALI - TUTORIAL
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Reverse Sinawali·MATTI San Juan Official
Reverse Double Sinawali Tutorial
Reverse Sinawali
Genusリバースシナワリ(Ribāsu Shinawari)
TransliterationTranslation: reverse sinawali
Overview
Reverse 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]
History & Origin
Effectiveness
Reverse sinawali reverses the weaving pattern, creating different timing and angles that are difficult for opponents accustomed to standard sinawali. [1]
Lineage
Reverse sinawali was developed as an advanced variation of the basic sinawali double-stick patterns. [1]
Competition Record
Reverse sinawali is demonstrated at FMA events and used in double-stick competition. [1]
Images
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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
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
Videos
REVERSE PERIPHERAL SINAWALI | ARNIS TUTORIAL
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Reverse Sinawali·MATTI San Juan Official
Reverse Peripheral Sinawali | Arnis Tutorial #arnis #eskrima #kali #filipinomartialarts #sinawali #arnisbasic
Arnis Double Stick Reverse Sinawali with X- Footwork/Self Defense
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Reverse Sinawali·Master Tirso Tv
Arnis Double Stick Reverse Sinawali with X- Footwork/Self Defense
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3 videosWhat Instructors Say
Reverse Sinawali is a double-stick Filipino martial arts technique that inverts the striking and blocking patterns of standard Sinawali. MATTI San Juan Official demonstrates the fundamental mechanics: the pattern begins with the left hand striking over the right hand, followed by a right forearm downward strike, then a left back-hand downward strike, with the right hand transitioning to block over the right side. This sequence reverses on the opposite side, with left forehand and back-hand strikes followed by right-hand blocking over the left side. MATTI San Juan Official emphasizes footwork integration, including right foot forward stance and switching stances to facilitate fluid movement transitions. Master Tirso Tv expands the technique's application by combining reverse Sinawali with X-footwork and articulating the distinction between standard double-stick patterns and their reversed variants. Master Tirso Tv notes that reverse Sinawali can be performed in repetitive 12-count cycles and integrated with shadow work and self-defense applications. Both instructors stress the importance of precise hand sequencing and footwork coordination as foundational to executing the technique effectively.
Synthesized from 3 instructors
- MATTI San Juan Official — REVERSE PERIPHERAL SINAWALI | ARNIS TUTORIAL: Detailed breakdown of hand sequence (left over right, right forearm strike, left back-hand strike, right block, etc.) and footwork variations including right foot forward stance and stance switching.
- MATTI San Juan Official — REVERSE DOUBLE SINAWALI - TUTORIAL: Secondary instructional content on reverse double Sinawali pattern execution.
- Master Tirso Tv — Arnis Double Stick Reverse Sinawali with X-Footwork/Self Defense: Articulation of the distinction between standard and reverse Sinawali patterns, integration with X-footwork, 12-count cyclic structure, shadow work practice, and self-defense applications.
Learn This Technique
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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
✓Reverse sinawali inverts the standard pattern — strikes come from low to high rather than high to low, training ascending angles of attack (Inosanto, The Filipino Martial Arts, 1980)
✓The reverse pattern: right low backhand rising, left low forehand rising — then cycling through the pattern continuously
✓Reverse sinawali develops power in upward strikes — these are the angles most often neglected in training but common in combat
✓The ascending strikes in reverse sinawali target the opponent's weapon hand and forearm — embodying the FMA principle of 'defanging the snake'
✓Training reverse sinawali after standard sinawali creates a complete understanding of all striking angles — ascending and descending
✓The reverse pattern is more physically demanding than the standard — it requires greater wrist strength and shoulder endurance
✓Reverse sinawali is tactically important because rising strikes are harder to see and defend against — they come from below the opponent's line of sight
Common Mistakes
!Using the same mechanics as standard sinawali — reverse requires different body mechanics for the upward motion
!Not developing sufficient wrist strength — the upward strike demands wrist endurance; condition gradually
!Rising too high with the strikes — the rising strikes should target specific zones, not flail upward aimlessly
!Mixing up the pattern with standard sinawali — keep the patterns distinct until both are mastered individually
!Not using hip rotation on the upward strikes — hips drive power in reverse sinawali just as in standard
!Practising only one side — train the reverse pattern starting with either hand
!Rushing through the pattern — reverse sinawali is technically harder; slower practice produces better results
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] 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 speed, hand coordination (especially double stick), cardiovascular endurance
Favours
quick hands, conditioned forearms, coordination
Key muscles
forearms, wrists, shoulders, core rotators
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Reverse Sinawali work?
Reverse 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. 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.
Where does the Reverse Sinawali come from?
Reverse sinawali developed as a complementary pattern to standard sinawali, ensuring practitioners could weave and strike from all angles and directions. It is taught in most Filipino martial arts systems as an essential variation that completes the sinawali skill set.
Is the Reverse Sinawali legal in competition?
WEKAF: legal — Legal in padded stick competition; HEMA: legal — Legal in applicable weapon categories
How dangerous is the Reverse 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 Reverse Sinawali?
The standard setup chain: Grip and Stance → Chamber → Strike → Recovery.
How do I defend against the Reverse 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 Reverse 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 Reverse Sinawali in competition?
Reverse sinawali is demonstrated at FMA events and used in double-stick competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Reverse Sinawali?
Top errors to watch for: Using the same mechanics as standard sinawali — reverse requires different body mechanics for the upward motion / Not developing sufficient wrist strength — the upward strike demands wrist endurance; condition gradually / Rising too high with the strikes — the rising strikes should target specific zones, not flail upward aimlessly / Mixing up the pattern with standard sinawali — keep the patterns distinct until both are mastered individually.
What are other names for the Reverse Sinawali?
The Reverse Sinawali is also known as Ribāsu Shinawari, Reverse Weave, Earth Pattern, Low Sinawali.