Initial Hand Position and Weapon Awareness

The instructor begins by establishing the foundational hand placement for Panantukan, positioning the near-side arm to execute a wrench motion while maintaining visibility of the opponent's centerline. This setup mimics a defensive posture against armed threats, with the hands positioned to control potential weapon lines.

Cross-Body Wrench and Offensive Transitioning

From the initial position, the practitioner executes a cross-body wrench while circling the hand inward as if controlling an opponent's weapon. The body shifts offline as incoming strikes are gathered and redirected, establishing the rhythmic foundation (counts 1-2-3-4) that structures the entire combination.

Deflection and Inside Control

When the opponent's punch arrives, the defender moves offline and gathers the strike. The motion then circles inward to establish weapon-line control, maintaining connection as the sequence progresses through multiple strike angles.

Scooping Mechanics and Bilateral Arm Engagement

The instructor demonstrates the scooping technique applied to the bicep and forearm, with the elbow maintaining connection throughout the wrench motion. Both arms work in complementary opposition—as one scoops upward, the opposing arm wrenches downward—creating the characteristic force multiplier of Panantukan transitions.

Controlling the Opponent's Arm Post-Grab

Once the opponent grabs the practitioner's arm, that limb immediately becomes the defender's controlled asset. The wrench is applied instantly upon the grab, preventing the opponent from maintaining control or striking, establishing the principle that any limb entering the defender's space cannot be reclaimed.

Clearing Strikes and Target Transitions

The instructor sequences clearing techniques targeting the eyes and throat using palm strikes and elbow strikes. These movements create space while transitioning into offensive angles, with the body rotation and pivot providing power while maintaining positional advantage.

Weight Distribution and Positional Switching

Through careful footwork and hand placement, the defender maintains arm contact while shifting body weight to transition from inside to outside positioning. The wrist connection guides the opponent's centerline as the practitioner's weight transfers to the opposite side, neutralizing counterattack opportunities.

Head Control and Elbow Striking Sequences

The instructor demonstrates head control techniques where the defender applies pressure to manipulate the opponent's head position, creating clear angles for downward and upward elbow strikes. This wrestling component complements the hand work, allowing the practitioner to set up finishing techniques when arm control alone proves insufficient.

Transition to Takedown When Arm Control Fails

If the opponent maintains a strong grip despite wrench attempts, the defender transitions to a two-on-one control position and drives through the opponent's centerline with a knee strike to the thigh while simultaneously wrenching the arm downward. This kinetic chain application uses full body weight to execute a leg-sweep takedown as a final control measure.

Panantukan: Going From Hubud to Hitting

Coach Kurt

Standard Panantukan

2 min read·9 key moments·PT10M15S video

Key Takeaways

•Initial Hand Position and Weapon Awareness
•Cross-Body Wrench and Offensive Transitioning
•Deflection and Inside Control
•Scooping Mechanics and Bilateral Arm Engagement

This video of classroom content (hence the suboptimal audio) features MKG Detroit Head Coach Kurt Cornwell showing students Daren and Sebastian how to take a single concept or combination and run it through multiple training methods within the scientific and malleable empty-hand Filipino Fighting Method known as Panantukan (aka Dirty Boxing or Street Boxing). Here, only a small grouping of motions are used, but with small tweaks or timing variations, the outcome can be quite different. All movement is shown via Hubud/Hubad styled flow drills, percussive attack/defense drills, as well as one focus mitt application. Thanks for watching!

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about standard panantukan?

This video covers initial hand position and weapon awareness, cross-body wrench and offensive transitioning, deflection and inside control. It provides detailed instruction from Coach Kurt.

How long does it take to learn standard panantukan?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 9-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.