Equipment Requirements
Practitioners should gather a rattan stick or training bolo to represent the espada (long weapon) and a training knife for the daga (short weapon). Acceptable substitutes include PVC pipe, broomstick sections, or any objects that effectively represent long and short implements. Proper training equipment ensures safe technique development and authentic weapon feel.
Drill One: Open Daga Striking
The first drill combines espada strikes down the X pattern (angles one and two) followed by a high daga thrust, then espada strikes up the X (angles three and four) with a low daga thrust. The knife hand must remain chambered at the hip during espada strikes to prevent self-injury, with the blade tip pointing downward. Proper hand positioning and sequential striking create the foundation for espada y daga coordination.
Drill Two: Daga Passing
The second drill introduces weapon passing by executing angle one, then passing the daga overhead while striking angle two with a high thrust. Practitioners continue with angles three and four, transitioning from a low thrust to a high thrust in rapid succession. This drill develops the ability to transfer the daga while maintaining offensive pressure with the espada.
Drill Three: Complex Tatlo Trace
The third drill combines elements from drill two while introducing a broken angle four retraction and an inside jab with the daga (which may be executed as a jab, cut, or thrust). After the inside strike, the practitioner circles angle two outward, passes the daga overhead again, and concludes with angle two and a final high thrust. This advanced sequence develops transitional fluidity and defensive awareness.
Progressive Training Methodology
Instructors should ensure students master each individual drill independently before attempting to flow between them. Once fundamental coordination is established, practitioners progress to sia or karenza (solo free-flowing) transitions between the three drills. This structured progression builds solid technical foundations before introducing dynamic combinations.
ESCRIMA Espada Y Daga Drill
Key Takeaways
- •Equipment Requirements
- •Drill One: Open Daga Striking
- •Drill Two: Daga Passing
- •Drill Three: Complex Tatlo Trace
Espada Y Daga is the 3rd area of Kali and is considered the most sophisticated of the areas. Here are 3 great basic drills to get you started with this weapon category! Find out here how to Join My Online school for just half price! https://www.kaliapex.com/ For 1 on 1 Kali Coaching go here: https://www.patreon.com/kalicenter Make sure to download the Patreon app to keep Kali Apex in your pocket 24/7 JOIN our YouTube Channel Membership Area and become a sponsor of the channel and receive access to many perks and exclusive videos and live-stream training classes, discounts on products, seminars and training camps and more! Join here! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvpvytLAAvsxTMA-YtUAs5w/join Purchase your Kali training gear here: https://trigonalgear.com/ Join my Online School and train with me today at: https://www.kalicenter.training/ To purchase any of our beginners and advanced training courses, programs and DVD downloads go to: https://www.kalicenter.com/ Stay connected throughout our social media Instagram: @kalicenter https://instagram.com/kalicenter Facebook: https://facebook.com/kalicenter YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/kalicenter Website: http://kalicenter.com/ *** *** *** *** *** *** Subscribe to my New VLOG Channel here! https://www.youtube.com/c/paulingramkali and Follow my new Vlog social media Instagram: @paulingramkali https://www.instagram.com/paulingramkali/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulingramkali Mindset Coaching Website: https://www.paulingram.com/
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about standard espada y daga technique?
This video covers equipment requirements, drill one: open daga striking, drill two: daga passing. It provides detailed instruction from Kali Center.
How long does it take to learn standard espada y daga technique?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 5-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing standard espada y daga technique?
The third drill combines elements from drill two while introducing a broken angle four retraction and an inside jab with the daga (which may be executed as a jab, cut, or thrust). After the inside strike, the practitioner circles angle two outward, passes the daga overhead again, and concludes with angle two and a final high thrust. This advanced sequence develops transitional fluidity and defensive awareness.
