The introduction to the system is generally started in single stick. Although training is done with a rattan stick of about thirty inches, training is done with the idea that the stick actually represents a sword. Training can be done with training swords (made of wood or aluminum) which have dulled edges. This will remind the practitioner that there is a blade-orientation for their techniques. Basic core body mechanics are introduced which are intertwined with the various footwork patterns--enabling the practitioner to hit with authority and to establish superior positioning in relation to the opponent. The content for solo baston is as follows:
The Five Attacks Sub-System:
The introduction to the different categories of stick strikes..including slashes, jabs, thrusts, escapes from wrist grabs (weapon retention), simple combinations, basic counters and recounters, and all the associated footwork.
The Abecedario:
... meaning "ABC's"...This is the basic twelve-attack single stick form which pinpoints certain targets and further develops body mechanics. The extended version of the form is one hundred forty four strikes (consisting of twelve sets of twelve strikes each) which show different methods for hitting those targets. For example, one set may use the tip of the stick, another set will use the butt-end of the stick, yet another set will teach a bayonet-style of hitting. Within the set are many knife, walking cane and empty hand applications. These sets essentially provide a physical vocabulary in which the practitioner can practice and apply.
Set One: Forward Basic
Set Two: Reverse Basic
Set Three: Double Force
Set Four: Reverse Doble Force
Set Five: Reverse-Grip
Set Six: Reverse Reverse-Grip
Set Seven: Punyo
Set Eight: Reverse Punyo
Set Nine: Hook
Set Ten: Reverse Hook
Set Eleven: Bayonet
Set Twelve: Reverse Bayonet
The Sixty-Four Attacks:
This is the practitioner's introduction to the intermediate-level stick work. It is yet another "form", which extends the Abecedario into two-person timing drills. Within this form are applications for targeting, defending against attack with counterattacks, dealing with thrusts, how to close the distance between you and your opponent, off-balancing the opponent and quick "whipping" strikes which are difficult to defend against. Upon completion and understanding of this form, it is said that a practitioner can begin their single-stick sparring.
The Seguidas:
...seguida meaning "bridge". These are three sets of twelve techniques each that emphasize certain methods of attacking within a given range. It is here that the Pekiti-Tirsia advanced single stick work begins.
The first set puts the practitioner in "largo mano" or long range. This is the distance in which one can hit only the opponent's hand with the tip of the stick. Hitting to the opponent's hand in this range has several advantages. Evasion of the opponent's weapon becomes significantly easier. Hitting your opponents hand often can result in an immediate disarm of his weapon, thus potentially shortening the conflict and making more injury to any party unnecessary. "Largo mano" entries, combinations and responses to the opponent's attack are the flavor of this set.
The second set involves techniques designed for "medio", or medium range. The standard for this range is that although the practitioner is still able to hit with his stick, the stick is now able to hit the opponent in the head. This also means that the practitioner is now able to use his free hand (also known as the "alive hand", "checking hand" of "third hand"). The alive hand will be able to engage the opponent's weapon hand control it in varying degrees.
The third set takes place in "corto" range, or short range. This is the range where punches, elbows and knees can all happen. This is also where chokes, neckbrakes, locks and takedowns will occur. The third set emphasizes the multitude of stick chokes in the Pekiti-Tirsia arsenal, as well as opportunities for takedowns.
The Contradas:
... literally meaning "counters". This also consists of three sets of twelve techniques each. An analogy of this set might be likening it to the way a light machine gun fires...many multiple hits for every on of your opponent's. The theories behind these sets are good for practitioners who must face larger and stronger opponents. Smaller and faster practitoners tend to favor the types of techniques featured in the Contradas. The sets also contain footwork theories which are also good against multiple opponents. The majority of the techniques take place in long or medium range.
The first set of Contradas teaches multiple hit patterns to the weapon arm and sometimes the head. Each Contrada theory in this set is against each of the four basic angles of attack.
The second set of Contradas takes the multiple hit theory of the first set and puts them in the context of multiple opponents. Learning how to make your footwork apply to several attackers and how to disengage from one attacker to engage another sets the tone of this set.
The movements of the third set of Contradas are virtual move-for-move counters to the first set of Seguidas. Whereas the first set of Seguidas are "largo mano" attack theories, this set teaches the counters/defenses in long-range. Note: This set was originally the first set of Recontras.
The Recontras:
...meaning literally "recounters". As with the Seguidas and the Contradas, the Recontras are also three sets of twelve techniques each. The techniques of these sets are typified by very powerful, "bullying", timing-dependent entries that usually end with some sort of break lock or takedown. If the Contradas are similar to a light machine gun, then the Recontras are akin to a sawed-off shotgun with a bayonet attached. Big, strong practitioners tend to favor these techniques. Recontra techniques tend to occur in medium to close range.
The first set of Recontras are entries generally leading into an arm break. Note: This set was originally the third set of Contradas.
The second set of Recontras are entries typically done with various two-handed, bayonet-type grips on the stick.
The third set of Recontras are oriented toward using the alive hand (and it's variants: e.g. forearms, elbows, knees, et cetera) as an offensive weapon.
Pekiti-Disarma:
This set demonstrates the various sword/stick disarms for the four basic slashes and the three basic thrusts. The disarms are shown stick versus stick, then knife versus stick (in various grips in either hand), and finally empty hand versus stick. As is the philosophy in Pekiti-Tirsia, all disarms are shown with the counters and recounters.
Alphabito:
...literally, "alphabet." Traditionally, Alphabito was a manner of moving the weapon to resemble the letters of the alphabet. Warriors would move their weapon using these letters to "spell" attacking patterns. Thus, a fighter would attack an opponent with the word "kill" or "avenge", as examples. This was believed to have some magical properties, known in the Philippines as "anting-anting". The patterns would depend if one was using English characters, Sanskrit, or the Baybayin script of the islands. The original idea was changed when it was brought to the United States to have a more practical approach. Currently, this has become a set of twenty-six attack combinations (one for each letter of the alphabet) designed with the theory of inhibiting the use of the alive hand of the opponent. In concept, it picks up where the third set of Recontras leaves off: the third set of the Recontras teaches the use of the alive hand, while Alphabito theory attempts to destroy the alive hand.
Numerado:
...literally meaning "numbers". It is similar to Alphabito in idea: this set uses the shapes of numbers as attacking patterns, but this time the intended targets are the legs/knees (to reduce the opponent's mobility).
Offensa-Defensa:
This is a set of twelve techniques that demonstrate ways to protect one's weapon hand from being hit while maintaining an offensive mindframe. The core of the form is taken directly from countering the Abecedario. It is trained with both advancing and retreating footwork.
Other Applications:
There are other applications for solo baston that are adapted from other parts of the system. For example, one may see checking hand applications from doble baston, or breaks or chokes from espada y daga. One can also apply techniques from solo baston to other weapons, such as the chokes from the third set of Seguidas to using a walking stick, or performing techniques from the five-attacks subsystem with a shoe or car antennae. It is precisely the theories of the system that enable a practitioner to turn common, everyday items into potential weapons for self-defense.