Sibat

A "sibat" is a Filipino staff or spear, used as a weapon or tool by natives of the Philippine Islands. It also called "bangkaw", "sumbling" or "palupad" in the island of Negros.

It is typically made from rattan with its tip sharpened to form a point, or a head made from metal. These heads may either be single-edged, double-edged or barbed. The "sibat" also varies in style and function, depending on what area of the Philippines it is found. For example, the "sibat" used for hunting fish in beaches may not be the same as the "sibat" used in hunting game or wild boar in mountainous regions.

Martial arts

Since the "sibat" was designed for hunting prey, many fighting techniques utilizing this weapon uses motions that is similar to hunting movements. Thrusts were designed to puncture soft targets, such as the throat or neck. These attacks are reinforced by crushing blows using the blunt portions of the weapon to incapacitate at closer ranges. These attacks can be used in conjunction; a strike with the blunt portion can be used to block an enemy's weapon and then followed with a thrust into the flesh.

Some of the more prominent Filipino Martial Arts that offer instruction in the use of the "sibat" are San Miguel Eskrima, Inayan Eskrima, Pekiti-Tirsia Kali and Lightning Scientific Arnis.

Resources

* Mark V. Wiley (1997). "Filipino Martial Culture", ISBN 0-8048-2088-0 Tuttle Publishing.
* [http://www.martialartsresource.com/anonftp/pub/eskrima/digests/fmafaq.htm Eskrima Digest]

External links

* [http://www.psdtc.com/MALAYU.SIBAT.filipino.weapons.htm Malayu Sibat]