PUNYO DISARMING | Filipino Martial Arts
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Standard Disarma·MATTI San Juan Official
Punyo Disarming is close quarter movements that you need to hit the wrist or the hand of your opponent to release the st…
Standard Disarma
Genusスタンダードディサルマ(Sutandādo Disaruma)
TransliterationTranslation: standard disarma
Overview
The Standard Disarma executes the fundamental disarming technique by controlling the opponent's weapon hand after a block, then applying leverage with the stick or free hand to strip the weapon away. [1] The basic method follows the sequence: block the incoming strike, check or trap the opponent's weapon hand with the live hand (free hand), and use the stick or a joint manipulation to peel the weapon free from the opponent's grip. [1],[2] Standard disarma techniques are drilled against each of the numbered angles of attack, so the practitioner has a disarming option regardless of the angle the opponent attacks from. [2],[3]
History & Origin
Effectiveness
Disarming techniques (disarma) are a distinctive feature of Filipino martial arts, systematically developed to remove the opponent's weapon through leverage, trapping, and impact to the weapon hand. [1] FMA disarms are unique in their level of development — no other weapon system has codified as many weapon-removal techniques. [2]
Lineage
Disarming is emphasised in virtually all FMA systems, with particularly systematic treatment in Modern Arnis (Remy Presas), which made tapi-tapi (trapping/disarming drills) a central training methodology. [1]
Competition Record
Standard FMA disarming techniques are demonstrated at FMA events and seminars worldwide. [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 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
Filipino Martial Arts Counters & Disarms
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Standard Disarma·Budo Brothers
Learn More About The Filipino Martial Art Pintados: https://budobrothers.tv/pages/pintados The best defense is offense …
Knife Disarms Part 1 | Sean Elders
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Standard Disarma·PINNACLE COMBAT ARTS
This is a comprehensive lesson on the technical method of a standard grip Knife disarm. We will explore the various type…
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3 videosWhat Instructors Say
The standard disarma is a foundational disarming technique in Filipino martial arts applicable across multiple attack angles and weapon contexts. Budo Brothers emphasizes the importance of body mechanics and positional control, teaching that the disarm works from any of four cardinal angles—practitioners must understand their craft to recognize and exploit these entry points consistently. The technique relies on palming up the opponent's arm while maintaining control to prevent weapon withdrawal, followed by a snap motion or striking combination. Budo Brothers stresses weight transfer and footwork, noting that stepping backward while shifting body weight changes the defensive geometry. MATTI San Juan Official references the punyo (pommel) disarming variation but provides insufficient transcript detail for synthesis. Pinnacle Combat Arts (Sean Elders) extends the application to knife disarms from standard grip, detailing two primary methods: an ejection disarm achieved by striking the hand and passing the weapon away, and a peeling disarm executed by controlling the thumb and rolling the fingers down the blade to separate the weapon. Both instructors agree on the principle of controlling the weapon-bearing arm first, though Budo Brothers emphasizes universal applicability across strike angles while Pinnacle Combat Arts isolates specific directional responses. Both stress the importance of deliberate drilling before pressure testing, though Pinnacle Combat Arts more explicitly distinguishes between technical instruction and combat reality.
Synthesized from 3 instructors
- Budo Brothers — Filipino Martial Arts Counters & Disarms: Detailed body mechanics, four-angle positional framework, weight transfer principles, and the universal applicability of the disarma across different attack vectors.
- MATTI San Juan Official — PUNYO DISARMING | Filipino Martial Arts: Nomenclature reference to punyo disarming variation; insufficient transcript content for detailed synthesis.
- Pinnacle Combat Arts — Knife Disarms Part 1 | Sean Elders: Two concrete disarm mechanics (ejection and peeling methods), hand control principles emphasizing thumb manipulation, follow-up striking sequences, and explicit distinction between technical drilling and pressure-tested application.
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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
✓The standard disarma technique uses a lever strip against the opponent's thumb — after blocking and checking, the stick levers under the opponent's weapon and pries it from the grip (Wiley, Filipino Martial Culture, 1997)
✓Execution: block the incoming strike, check the weapon arm with the live hand, then insert your stick under their weapon and lever upward against the thumb
✓The lever point is critical: the stick contacts the opponent's weapon near their hand, creating maximum mechanical advantage
✓The live hand maintains control of the opponent's wrist throughout — preventing them from adjusting their grip or pulling away
✓The stripping motion is a sharp, quick action — a slow strip gives the opponent time to tighten their grip
✓After the disarm, immediately transition to striking or control — the moment of disarm creates a window of opportunity
✓The standard disarm can be applied from multiple angles — the same mechanical principle works whether blocking angle one, two, or three
Common Mistakes
!Placing the lever point too far from the opponent's hand — the closer to the grip, the better the mechanical advantage
!Not maintaining the live-hand check on the wrist — if the wrist is free, the opponent can adjust and resist
!Using a slow, grinding motion — the strip must be sharp and quick to overcome the opponent's grip before they can react
!Trying to lever against the strong part of the grip (fingers side) — always work against the thumb
!Not securing the disarmed weapon — the loose weapon is a hazard; control it or kick it away
!Attempting the disarm too early — ensure the block and check are solid before committing to the disarm
!Not having a backup plan — if the disarm fails, immediately flow to a strike or another technique
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first if someone is attacking me with a knife?
Run if you can. If running isn't an option, find an equalizer before attempting any technical disarm, according to Sean Elders at Pinnacle Combat Arts.
How do I peel a knife away during a disarm?
Start by using your pinky as the first contact point to peel the knife, then run your fingers down the blade while positioning your thumb on the back end of the attacker's hand. This allows you to control both the weapon and defend against countering punches, as demonstrated by Sean Elders.
What are my options once I've gained control of the knife hand?
You have two main options: eject the knife away from the attacker, or peel it while cutting the bicep to neutralize the threat, according to Sean Elders at Pinnacle Combat Arts.
Is knife disarm training exactly how real fights happen?
No—these are technical pieces of a fight, not necessarily how actual combat will unfold. Understanding the technique is important, but it's one component among many in a real encounter.
How does the Standard Disarma work?
The Standard Disarma executes the fundamental disarming technique by controlling the opponent's weapon hand after a block, then applying leverage with the stick or free hand to strip the weapon away. The basic method follows the sequence: block the incoming strike, check or trap the opponent's weapon hand with the live hand (free hand), and use the stick or a joint manipulation to peel the weapon free from the opponent's grip.
Where does the Standard Disarma come from?
Standard disarma techniques are foundational skills in Filipino martial arts training, taught early in the curriculum because disarming represents one of the most decisive outcomes in weapon combat. The ability to disarm is considered a hallmark of advanced Filipino martial arts skill.
Is the Standard Disarma legal in competition?
WEKAF: legal — Legal in padded stick competition; HEMA: legal — Legal in applicable weapon categories
How dangerous is the Standard Disarma?
Danger rating 8/10. Very High — Arnis/Escrima/Kali stick and blade techniques; designed for close-range lethality
How do I set up the Standard Disarma?
The standard setup chain: Grip and Stance → Chamber → Strike → Recovery.
How do I defend against the Standard Disarma?
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 Standard Disarma?
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 Standard Disarma in competition?
Standard FMA disarming techniques are demonstrated at FMA events and seminars worldwide.
What are common mistakes when doing the Standard Disarma?
Top errors to watch for: Placing the lever point too far from the opponent's hand — the closer to the grip, the better the mechanical advantage / Not maintaining the live-hand check on the wrist — if the wrist is free, the opponent can adjust and resist / Using a slow, grinding motion — the strip must be sharp and quick to overcome the opponent's grip before they can react / Trying to lever against the strong part of the grip (fingers side) — always work against the thumb.
What are other names for the Standard Disarma?
The Standard Disarma is also known as Sutandādo Disaruma, Basic Disarm, Snake Disarm, Strip Technique.