Bruce Chiu Teaching the 12 Basic Strikes of Modern Arnis
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Angle Two Strike·Black and Blue Video
This is from his New Instructional DVD series Bruce Chiu Teaching the 12 Basic Strikes of Modern Arnis. This video was v…
Angle Two Strike
Genus第二角度打ち(Dai-ni Kakudo Uchi)
TraditionalTranslation: angle two strike
Overview
The Angle Two Strike is a backhand diagonal downward strike targeting the opponent's right temple (from the attacker's perspective), travelling from the attacker's left shoulder to the opponent's right temple or collarbone area. [1] Angle Two is the mirror image of Angle One, using the backhand trajectory, and together they form the fundamental X-pattern that defines the basic offensive framework of Filipino martial arts. [1],[2] The backhand diagonal requires more training than the forehand because it travels against the dominant hand's natural mechanics, but it is equally important for developing the bilateral striking ability that Filipino martial arts demand. [2],[3]
History & Origin
Angle Two is the second fundamental strike in Filipino martial arts, paired with Angle One as the two diagonal strikes that form the basic X-pattern of attack. [1] Developing equal power and speed on both the forehand and backhand diagonals is a primary training objective in all Filipino martial arts systems. [2],[3]
Effectiveness
Angle Two (backhand diagonal downward strike to the right temple) is the natural complement to Angle One, attacking from the opposite diagonal. [1] It is mechanically slightly weaker than Angle One for right-handed strikers but essential for creating continuous striking patterns (the 'heaven six' combination of Angles 1-2 in alternation). [2]
Lineage
Angle two (backhand strike to the temple) is defined across most FMA systems as the second of the numbered angles of attack. [1]
Competition Record
Angle two strikes are used in WEKAF single-stick and double-stick competition. [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
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
Basics Of Arnis | Cinco Terro Strike Blocks & Disarming. Arnis Stick / Kali/ Eskrima Training.
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Angle Two Strike·PG-2-GP Fitness
Basics of Arnis Training\ Arnis Stick Fighting | Arnis Advance Strikes | PG-2-GP Fitness Master Rubin Teaches How To Bl…
5 Stick Strikes & Counters In Martial Arts | Kali | Stick Defense| Arnis | Eskrima | PG-2-GP fitness
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Angle Two Strike·PG-2-GP Fitness
Hello Friends, In this video Master Rubin,s demonstrate 5 stick or arnis strikes and counter attacks. Here we discus…
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3 videosWhat Instructors Say
The Angle Two Strike, known as the second angle in the classical cinco terro (five strikes) system of Filipino martial arts, targets an upward or mid-line trajectory and is fundamental to both offensive and defensive training in Arnis, Eskrima, and Kali. According to PG-2-GP Fitness instructors, Angle Two involves a high-line attack where the defender blocks with the stick held upward, allowing the hand to naturally catch and control the incoming weapon. The blocking hand makes contact on the stick and immediately begins a disarming sequence: the defender slides the stick downward, applies pressure, and executes a counter-strike before dropping and removing the opponent's weapon. PG-2-GP Fitness emphasizes that this angle requires the stick to remain engaged with the opponent's weapon throughout the technique, with the blocking hand maintaining constant contact to facilitate both the disarm and the follow-up strike. Bruce Chiu's Modern Arnis framework, while presenting the 12 basic strike system, provides foundational context that angles such as number two (backhand strike to the head) establish the directional patterns that practitioners defend against. Both instructors stress the importance of footwork coordination, hand positioning, timing development, and practicing the technique on both sides of the body to build competency and speed.
Synthesized from 3 instructors
- PG-2-GP Fitness — 5 Stick Strikes & Counters In Martial Arts | Kali | Stick Defense| Arnis | Eskrima | PG-2-GP fitness: Detailed demonstration of Angle Two blocking mechanics, stick engagement, disarming sequence, and counter-attack execution; emphasized the continuous hand contact during the technique and the importance of footwork and timing.
- PG-2-GP Fitness — Basics Of Arnis | Cinco Terro Strike Blocks & Disarming. Arnis Stick / Kali/ Eskrima Training.: Complementary instruction on Angle Two within the cinco terro system, showing the stick-up position, automatic grabbing mechanics, sliding action, and the disarm without counter-attack variation.
- Black and Blue Video — Bruce Chiu Teaching the 12 Basic Strikes of Modern Arnis: Established the foundational 12-strike numbering system and angle definitions (number two as backhand strike to the head) that contextualize Angle Two within the broader Modern Arnis framework; provided instruction on footwork, movement, and the live hand principle.
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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
✓Angle two is the backhand diagonal strike from high left to low right — the natural complement to angle one, creating the fundamental forehand-backhand combination (Inosanto, The Filipino Martial Arts, 1980)
✓This angle targets the right temple, collarbone, or neck — attacking from the opposite side to angle one
✓Angle two requires rotation of the hips in the opposite direction from angle one — developing bilateral coordination
✓The backhand angle is typically slightly less powerful than the forehand but faster to deploy as a follow-up to angle one
✓Angle one to angle two is the most basic FMA combination — the 'one-two' of stick fighting, equivalent to the jab-cross in boxing
✓The defence against angle two mirrors angle one's defence on the opposite side — inside block or pass
✓Training angle two develops the ability to generate power with the backhand — a skill that many practitioners neglect
Common Mistakes
!Generating less power on the backhand than the forehand — train both sides equally for balanced striking
!Using only the wrist for angle two — the backhand requires hip rotation just like the forehand
!Not protecting the exposed side during the backhand — the backhand opens the right side; the live hand must cover
!Pausing between angle one and angle two — the combination should flow continuously without hesitation
!Striking at a different height than intended — angle two should mirror angle one's height on the opposite side
!Not training angle two as a lead strike — angle two can be an effective opening attack, not just a follow-up
!Crossing the centre line too far — the backhand should end at the target, not swing past it
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Ready Position — assume the guard stance appropriate for the weapon
2Distance Control — manage spacing relative to the opponent
3Execute Technique — perform the offensive or defensive action with correct form
4Return to Guard — recover to a defensive ready position
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 Martial Arts Standard Terminology (武道用語)
Established Japanese martial arts naming convention — native Japanese term (和語/漢語)
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
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I disarm an opponent after blocking their stick attack?
After blocking, keep your hand in contact with the opponent's stick and use your free hand to grab it, then pull it away. PG-2-GP Fitness emphasizes that your hand must be touching the stick during the block so you can immediately control and disarm it in one fluid motion.
What should I do immediately after disarming my opponent?
Follow the disarm with a counter-attack strike. PG-2-GP Fitness teaches that disarming and counter-attack are combined techniques—once you've secured the stick, you immediately strike back at your opponent.
How do I practice the footwork and positioning for angle two strikes?
Bruce Chiu teaches using laid-out sticks as guides to ensure proper foot positioning—don't leave your foot behind, trail it, or cross your feet. Step at the correct angle both offensively and defensively to maintain your ability to block, check, counter, and hit effectively.
Should I practice this technique with both hands?
Yes, Bruce Chiu emphasizes that you should always train with your left hand as well as your right hand to develop balanced proficiency.
How does the Angle Two Strike work?
The Angle Two Strike is a backhand diagonal downward strike targeting the opponent's right temple (from the attacker's perspective), travelling from the attacker's left shoulder to the opponent's right temple or collarbone area. Angle Two is the mirror image of Angle One, using the backhand trajectory, and together they form the fundamental X-pattern that defines the basic offensive framework of Filipino martial arts.
Where does the Angle Two Strike come from?
Angle Two is the second fundamental strike in Filipino martial arts, paired with Angle One as the two diagonal strikes that form the basic X-pattern of attack. Developing equal power and speed on both the forehand and backhand diagonals is a primary training objective in all Filipino martial arts systems.
Is the Angle Two Strike legal in competition?
WEKAF: legal — Legal in padded stick competition; HEMA: legal — Legal in applicable weapon categories
How dangerous is the Angle Two Strike?
Danger rating 8/10. Very High — Arnis/Escrima/Kali stick and blade techniques; designed for close-range lethality
How do I set up the Angle Two Strike?
The standard setup chain: Ready Position → Distance Control → Execute Technique → Return to Guard.
How do I defend against the Angle Two Strike?
Standard counters include: Guard Position — return to a defensive ready stance / Distance Management — control the measure to avoid being in range / Counter-Attack — strike during the opponent's recovery or between movements.
What are the variants of the Angle Two Strike?
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 Angle Two Strike in competition?
Angle two strikes are used in WEKAF single-stick and double-stick competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Angle Two Strike?
Top errors to watch for: Generating less power on the backhand than the forehand — train both sides equally for balanced striking / Using only the wrist for angle two — the backhand requires hip rotation just like the forehand / Not protecting the exposed side during the backhand — the backhand opens the right side; the live hand must cover / Pausing between angle one and angle two — the combination should flow continuously without hesitation.
What are other names for the Angle Two Strike?
The Angle Two Strike is also known as Dai-ni Kakudo Uchi, Angle #2, Backhand Diagonal, Numero Dos.