Single Sinawali

Genus

シングルシナワリ(Shinguru Shinawari)

Transliteration

Translation: single sinawali

Overview

Single 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]

Also known as

Single Weave^[1]Basic SinawaliFMA^[2]Heaven Six^[3]

Used in

Eskrima Arnis Kali

History & Origin

Single sinawali is the most fundamental double-stick pattern in Filipino martial arts, taught as the introductory doble baston technique in virtually every Arnis, Eskrima, and Kali system. ^[1] It is often the first technique demonstrated to new students and public audiences. ^[2],[3]

Effectiveness

Single sinawali (one-count weave) is the simplest sinawali pattern: simultaneous diagonal strikes from opposite directions, creating a continuous alternating rhythm. ^[1] It develops basic double-stick coordination and timing, serving as the gateway to more complex sinawali patterns. ^[1]

Lineage

Single sinawali is the foundational double-stick weaving pattern in FMA, teaching coordination and timing between both hands. ^[1]

Competition Record

Single sinawali patterns are the basis of double-stick competition and form work at FMA events. ^[1]

Images

No images yet for this technique.

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

JoeyBslash 3

SINAWALI Technique Breakdown | Filipino Martial Arts

Single Sinawali·JoeyBslash 3

Hey FIT-GAMERS, In this video, we are breaking down two techniques from a previous double sword video, found right here…

MATTI San Juan Official

SINGLE ADVANCE SINAWALI TUTORIAL

Single Sinawali·MATTI San Juan Official

FMA Pulse

Single Sinawali Variations and Box Pattern Sumbrada in Filipino Martial Arts | Kali | Eskrima

Single Sinawali·FMA Pulse

TAKE OUR FREE ONLINE COURSE: Fundamentals of Stick Blocks and Counters https://bit.ly/3sLbEAn Breakdown EP 48: There ar…

1 / 2

3 videos

What Instructors Say

Single Sinawali is a fundamental coordination drill in Filipino martial arts that teaches alternating forehand and backhand striking patterns with double sticks. FMA Pulse defines the basic progression as a stationary drill combining forehand high strikes with retractions followed by backhand low strikes with retractions, performed in a continuous eight-count rhythm. The instructor emphasizes starting slowly before adding footwork and speed. FMA Pulse also introduces a "tuck" variation where one stick is chambered under the armpit while the other hand strikes, then the hands exchange positions—developing upper and lower body coordination simultaneously. Variations presented include striking the floor between high and low strikes, sliding techniques along the ground, and twirling motions that incorporate stick-to-stick contact. JoeyBslash 3 focuses on weaving applications within Sinawali, demonstrating slash-thrust-slash-jab combinations and diagonal uppercut exchanges where hands cross and uncross in coordinated patterns. JoeyBslash 3 emphasizes maintaining grip security with all fingers rather than relying on thumbs alone, and stresses progression from rattan training sticks to aluminum or dull training blades only after achieving proficiency. Both instructors agree on the importance of slow, stationary practice before advancing complexity, though FMA Pulse provides more detailed drill mechanics while JoeyBslash 3 contextualizes Sinawali within practical blade applications.

Synthesized from 3 instructors

FMA Pulse — Single Sinawali Variations and Box Pattern Sumbrada in Filipino Martial Arts | Kali | Eskrima: Detailed breakdown of basic single Sinawali pattern (forehand high-retract, backhand low-retract), tuck variation with chambering, floor-striking variations, and twirl techniques incorporating stick contact; emphasizes slow stationary practice before footwork addition.
JoeyBslash 3 — SINAWALI Technique Breakdown | Filipino Martial Arts: Demonstrates weaving applications including slash-thrust-slash-jab combinations and diagonal uppercut exchanges; emphasizes proper grip maintenance and progression pathway from training sticks to training blades to live blades.
MATTI San Juan Official — SINGLE ADVANCE SINAWALI TUTORIAL: Title indicates coverage of advancing/footwork variation, though audio content unavailable for synthesis.

Learn This Technique

No instructional courses yet for this technique.

Ratings

Danger Rating

Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to

Very High8/10

Arnis/Escrima/Kali stick and blade techniques; designed for close-range lethality

Difficulty

Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably

Intermediate

Competition Legality

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

✓Single sinawali (solo sinawali) is the foundational weaving pattern — one high strike followed by one low strike, alternating hands in a continuous figure-eight (Wiley, Filipino Martial Culture, 1997)

✓The single sinawali pattern: right high forehand, left low backhand — creating the simplest and most fundamental crossing pattern

✓Single sinawali is taught first because it develops the basic coordination needed for all other sinawali variations

✓The pattern naturally develops the concept of combination striking — high-low, left-right — which is the basis of effective weapon fighting

✓Single sinawali at speed generates a protective figure-eight in front of the body — simultaneously attacking and creating a defensive screen

✓The rhythm of single sinawali — one-two, one-two — is the heartbeat of Filipino martial arts; it appears in nearly every drill and technique

✓Single sinawali practiced with a partner develops the ability to read and respond to incoming angles in real time

Common Mistakes

!Making both strikes the same angle — the high and low strikes should clearly target different levels

!Not crossing the centreline — the strikes should cross the body's centreline to create the weaving pattern

!Using only wrist movement — single sinawali requires whole-arm movement with wrist snap at the end

!Not maintaining a consistent rhythm — the one-two timing must be steady; erratic rhythm shows poor control

!Striking too wide — the pattern should be compact and efficient, not exaggerated

!Not progressing to partner practice — solo practice has limits; partner training develops timing and range

!Stopping at single sinawali — this is the foundation, but progression to double and reverse is essential

Related Techniques

Guard Position — the ready stance from which this technique is initiated Parry — defensive blade/weapon action that counters this attack

Counter Techniques

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

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] 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] 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What grip should I maintain when practicing Sinawali?

Keep your grip firm with your last two fingers staying on the weapons rather than just holding on with your thumbs or thumb and forefinger. This ensures proper control throughout the weaving movements.

What training tools should I use to practice Sinawali before moving to live blades?

Start with rattan sticks, training sticks, or training swords like aluminum or dull swords to build coordination safely. Only progress to live blades very slowly once you're really proficient with training tools.

How does the Single Sinawali work?

Single 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. 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.

Where does the Single Sinawali come from?

Single sinawali is the most fundamental double-stick pattern in Filipino martial arts, taught as the introductory doble baston technique in virtually every Arnis, Eskrima, and Kali system. It is often the first technique demonstrated to new students and public audiences.

Is the Single Sinawali legal in competition?

WEKAF: legal — Legal in padded stick competition; HEMA: legal — Legal in applicable weapon categories

How dangerous is the Single 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 Single Sinawali?

The standard setup chain: Grip and Stance → Chamber → Strike → Recovery.

How do I defend against the Single 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 Single 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 Single Sinawali in competition?

Single sinawali patterns are the basis of double-stick competition and form work at FMA events.

What are common mistakes when doing the Single Sinawali?

Top errors to watch for: Making both strikes the same angle — the high and low strikes should clearly target different levels / Not crossing the centreline — the strikes should cross the body's centreline to create the weaving pattern / Using only wrist movement — single sinawali requires whole-arm movement with wrist snap at the end / Not maintaining a consistent rhythm — the one-two timing must be steady; erratic rhythm shows poor control.

What are other names for the Single Sinawali?

The Single Sinawali is also known as Shinguru Shinawari, Single Weave, Basic Sinawali, Heaven Six.

single sinawali shinguru shinawari weapon filipino martial art double stick doble baston sinawali eskrima arnis kali single weave basic sinawali heaven six