The name of the Filipino sword and dagger technique is “espada y daga”, which is sometimes also practiced with a stick and dagger instead of a sword and dagger combination. It is one of the more advanced techniques taught in escrima, and is very effective once the user is able to close the distance and enter the vulnerable zone of the opponent. At such close range the technique becomes almost unstoppable.

You can find this technique in many of the major styles of escrima, such as Lightning Scientific Arnis, Modern Arnis, and Lameco Eskrima. But this is only taught much later in the training of the fighter, after he has become fluent in the basics of pure stick fighting. And usually it is taught first with just a stick and an open palm. The last stage of training may include training with live blades which could injure the person wielding them if he’s not careful.

Those who have mastered the espada y daga are able to perform a series of alternating attacks at great speeds, which completely overwhelm the opponent. In fact in the Lightning Scientific Arnis style they even have a drill called “kadenilya” or little chain, which means a chain of attacks which also instinctively reacts to any counter-attack that the opponent may try to make. The goal is to keep on doing the espada y daga regardless of any defensive maneuver the opponent may attempt.

Though some have claimed that espada y daga reveals Spain’s influence in the Filipino Martial Arts, it has been conceded that Spanish sword fighting is very different and could not have been the origin of this technique. Rather, the espada y daga has its roots much further back, perhaps in the native warrior clans that lived in different islands of the Philippines. Only the name was changed, which is understandable given the almost three-hundred years of Spanish colonization. In fact, many escrima moves were also given Spanish names, such as “serrada” (closed fighting), “kambio” (angular footwork), and “segida” (linear footwork).

Of course, some may ask whether this technique is still practical today since it is illegal to carry a knife in many countries, let alone a sword and a knife combination. And also, this technique might not be effective when confronted with a firearm. To that our usual answer is it really depends on the practitioner. Some may see the espada y daga as just a relic of the past which needs to be preserved for the sake of tradition, while others might actually be able to use it in a real fight, say with police implements such as a baton and a spray bottle.

As always, we emphasize responsibility when using such techniques. These techniques were meant to be deadly, and it was traditionally taught only to those who were mature enough in mind and spirit. Maybe you’re the kind of person who is mature enough in his inner character to learn this art.