"Espada y Daga" literally means "sword and dagger". Espada y Daga is considered to be one of the two "crown jewels" of the Pekiti-Tirsia system (the other being Daga). Like knife-work, there are many intricacies in Espada y Daga that make this part of the system one of the more complex areas of study in the Filipino martial arts. The simultaneous coordination of two weapons--each of a different length and offensive property--is similar to playing chess with the right hand while playing backgammon with the left. There are similarities to European sword play, which may use a rapier with the dominant hand and a parrying dagger with the other hand. This is in part to the Spanish occupation of the Philippines, with influences also coming from Italy. The Filipinos already had an indigenous form of espada y daga, but they adapted some of the theory and pedagogy of the conquistadors. The ability to adapt to and assimilate the techniques of the Spaniards created an effective sword and dagger system...a conglomerate of many sources but truly Filipino in spirit.
Pekiti-Tirsia's Espada Y Daga curriculum is split into three levels and classified by the knife grip orientation of both combatants. Each level is diveded into Attacks, Disarms, Contradas and Recontras. In level one, the practitioner and the opponent both have their knives in sak-sak (hammer grip). In level two, the practitioner has his knife in pakal (ice-pick grip) and the opponent has his knife in sak-sak. Finally, in level three, both combatants have their knives in pakal.
-Level One (Sak-Sak Vs. Sak-Sak)-
The Attacks:
This is a set of twelve attack forms that teach, among many things, basic footwork coordination with the weapons, and how to insert the use of the knife in between sword attacks.
Disarms:
There are two sets of twelve disarms each...the first set teaches disarms against the opponent's sword, while the second set teaches disarms against the opponent's knife.
The Contradas:
The Contradas for Espada Y Daga are somewhat different from the Contradas in the other parts of the system. The set is based on quick, multiple hits, but it also deals with some of the "what ifs"/contingencies that may happen in a combative engagement. For example, after dealing with the opponent's sword thrust, the Contradas may suggest that the practitioner may attack the opponenet's back...unless the opponent delivers a knife thrust to the practitioner's mid-section, and the Contradas will show some possible solutions to that particular problem.
The Recontras:
Once again, the flavor of the Recontras here is similar to the Recontras set in the other parts of the system: timing-dependent, heavy-hitting, full-body committing techniques that mangle an opponent. Only this time, there are knives involved: yours and his...
-Level Two (Pakal Vs. Sak-Sak)-
The Attacks:
Because Level Two is the practioner's introduction to Espada Y Daga with the knife in pakal, the Attacks in this part of the system have the practitioner learning some of the benefits and peculiarities of the pakal hand. There are parts of this set that demonstrate the knife switching from pakal to sak-sak, sak-sak to pakal. These are practices in the transition from grip ro grip, although the system does not advocate the switching of grips in the middle of combative techniques. Rather, the switching is to occur (if necessary) at the end of an engagement, when the opponent is disabled or pinned. The switching also serves to show that both grips have an interchangability to them, and that many pakal and sak-sak techniques can be translated to the other--if one knows how to do just that accurately, and not in a haphazard manner.
The Disarms:
The main differences between the disarms here and the first level disarms is that the practitioner is learning how to use the pakal hand to disarm, as opposed to using a sak-sak hand. In addition, instead of a set of twelve disarms against the sword and twelve disarms against the knife, it is one set...six disarms against the sword and six disarms against the knife.
The Contradas:
Like its counterparts in the other parts of the system, this set of twelve Contradas is based on quick, multiple hits and various angles of entry. The difference here is that the practioner practices using the pakal hand to aggressively negate the sword or sak-sak knife of the opponent when appropriate. Several "contingency" plans are explored that show some of the advantages a pakal grip has over a sak-sak grip.
The Recontras:
Keeping with the spirit of Recontras theory, this twelve-technique set of Recontras contains direct heavy-hitting, coupled with some chokes and locks. The practioner's pakal hand becomes even more offensive. The entries are typically timing-dependent and are very aggressive.
-Level Three (Pakal Vs. Pakal)-
The Attacks:
Once again, there is a set of twelve attacking combinations that demonstrate the use of the pakal hand. It should be noted that the set also keeps in mind that the opponent is in pakal grip as well, which complicates matters for both combatants.
The Disarms:
The mechanics for disarming are somewhat different in reference to the opponent's pakal hand. This set of disarms relies more on joint manipulation to avoid being cut by his knife, disabling cuts to the tendons and some interesting use of the espada for leverage.
The Contradas:
Much like previous Contrada sets, there is emphasis on the "rapid-fire" striking, but there is emphasis on staying outside of the opponent's guard to avoid being hooked and ripped by his pakal hand (while trying to place the opponent in the practioner's guard, of course).
The Recontras:
It is here that Espada Y Daga will resemble a boxing match with a sword/stick and a knife. Both combatants will attempt to avoid being within the other's guard and end the conflict quickly with a power hit, break or take-down.
Other Applications:
With the advent of new technologies (in particular, firearms), many wonder where the practicality of learning espada y daga lies. Some consider it an obsolete pursuit, preferring to study single stick or knife for obvious pragmatism. However, within the realm of espada y daga lay the theories for every other aspect of the Pekiti-Tirsia system. The study of espada y daga improves one's single stick skills by improving the aggressiveness of the alive hand (or free-hand), since the espada y daga knife hand is trained to be more offensive. Espada y daga movements translate nicely into double knife techniques--both in pakal (ice-pick) and sak-sak (hammer) grips. Double knife techniques can also translate into single knife techniques...and many single knife techniques influence the nature of Pekiti-Tirsia empty hand techniques. Although espada y daga studies directly influence the rest of Pekiti-Tirsia weapon curricula, there are other practical applications. Mataas Na Tuhon Leo T. Gaje had demonstrated to law-enforcement personnel how espada y daga theory applies to the simultaneous use of the ASP baton and pepper spray, to the use of the ASP baton and stun gun, and to the use of the ASP baton and handcuffs..among many other applications. In the end, this most classical Filipino art form has it's roots firmly planted in the reality and history of armed combat.