Date: Fri, 26 Jan 2007 02:58:34 -0800 From: eskrima-request@martialartsresource.net Subject: Eskrima digest, Vol 14 #21 - 1 msg X-Mailer: Mailman v2.0.13.cisto1 MIME-version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain To: eskrima@martialartsresource.net Errors-To: eskrima-admin@martialartsresource.net X-BeenThere: eskrima@martialartsresource.net X-Mailman-Version: 2.0.13.cisto1 Precedence: bulk Reply-To: eskrima@martialartsresource.net X-Reply-To: eskrima@martialartsresource.net X-Subscribed-Address: fma@martialartsresource.com List-Id: Eskrima-FMA discussion forum, the premier FMA forum on the Internet. 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Provided in memory of Mangisursuro Michael G. Inay (1944-2000). See the Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) FAQ and the online search engine for back issues of the Eskrima/FMA digest at http://MartialArtsResource.com Mabuhay ang eskrima! Today's Topics: 1. Lucha del Garrote (serrada.eskrimador@gmail.com) --__--__-- Message: 1 Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 15:09:44 -0800 From: serrada.eskrimador@gmail.com To: eskrima@martialartsresource.net Subject: [Eskrima] Lucha del Garrote Reply-To: eskrima@martialartsresource.net Lucha del Garrote - Canarian staff fighting It is perhaps difficult to imagine the Canary Islands as something else than hotels, restaurants and endless, at times overcrowded beaches. If you stop to have a peak you will find that these islands are surprisingly rich on culture, especially with regard to living traditions. Not only do they have their very own particular styles of sailing and mountaineering but it is difficult to find a European country with such a variety of living martial arts. In addition to "Lucha del Garrote", the most combat oriented system, you can find various styles of "Juego del Palo, also a stickfighting system but more game oriented and with a smaller stick. "Tolete", a system for self-defense using a short heavy stick also originates from these islands, and of course, the very popular grappling art "Lucha Canario", which resembles a mix of Japanese Sumo and Greek-Roman wrestling. "Lucha del Garrote", combat with staff, was practiced by the guanches, indigenous Canary Island population, a long time before the arrival of the Spanish (13th-14th century). Hence, it can be questioned whether this is a European style, or if it is perhaps has a closer relation to the African continent – where we can still find alive stick-fighting traditions. We know that the style is pre-Hispanic, but exactly how old it is and from where it originates we don't know. However, since the Canary Islands now have been part of Spain for about 700 years, we will be referring to Garrote as a European style. Most of us do not associate martial art with Europe; it is more commonly known to originate from the East, but with a little research we soon find an early Europe with a huge variety of combat systems. The way in which the Vikings fought with ax, sword and shield can be seen as the foundation for what was to become very sophisticated and structured systems of combat, more popularly referred to as European martial art. Many of these systems are now experiencing somewhat of a renaissance, especially is this so with regard to styles from the medieval period which are being practiced by thousands of Europeans, Americans and Canadians. We are talking about re-enactment, swordplay that is reconstructed from old scripts and fencing manuals. In the system of Fiore Dei Liberi, a well known fencing master from the medieval period, the focus is on hand to hand combat as well as the sword, dagger and staff. The structure of this system seems to have much in common with many of the Southeast Asian styles that we can see today. It is very likely that the European conquistadors in Southeast Asia had a great impact on the local combat systems. If we take a look at the popular Filipino style of "Espada y Daga", sword and dagger, it is not only a Spanish name that has been adopted; the dominating techniques are very similar to that of fencing from early European renaissance. In much the same manner the Spanish weapons may have influenced the way in which the Garrote has developed. The long sword that was used in this period was not a stranger to confrontations with the staff, a weapon that was well established in the European weapons arsenal. It is therefore possible that special techniques were developed by the islanders to defend themselves against the Spanish and their weapons. A very frontal fighting position, a sophisticated system for thrusting with the staff and a strong focus on using the staff as a shield could witness of a strategy well suited to confront the medieval long sword. With exception from the chord, which pretty much dominates the arena for modern sports fencing, most European weapon based systems have not survived as active systems. Sword and shield was replaced by the long sword which in turn was replaced by chord and sable only soon to be replaced by the rifle with bayonet and other firearms, a development driven by warfare where the ultimate goal has been to develop more efficient weapons for the battlefield. So, what is "Lucha del Garrote", where does it come from and how is it that this particular style has managed to avoid the cutting edge of time. Considering what we have learned and with reference to the history of European martial arts, it is obvious that if a particular weapon is to survive in a society where warfare is the main driver of development it must serve an additional purpose to that of killing. The knife, one of our first and perhaps the oldest surviving weapon, is also considered to be one of our most useful tools through times. Garrote (long staff), has also survived much because of its function as a Shepard's tool. Garrote, was originally used by the native Canarian shepard's as an aid to moving around in difficult terrain, something that is not hard to find on these Atlantic islands. With a very limited access to fresh water conflicts to determine ownership to its source were usual. Hence, the Garrote became useful as a mean to resolve such conflict and soon became the Shepard's chosen weapon for self-defense and tribal conflict. In the 13-14th century, when the Spaniards came to colonize the Canary Islands, the Garrote was the natives' first line of defense. But the guanche, a native islander, did not enjoy the structure of organized warfare as did the Spaniards, and they eventually had to give in to the superiority of the Spanish and their vast resources with regard to such conflict. However, the Spanish had a long and difficult fight ahead, given the nature of the terrain it was not difficult for native warriors to hide out in the mountains and maintain their pressure on the Spanish. Given such circumstances the practice of Garrote as a fighting art was soon to be prohibited by the Spanish conquerors. As a result "Lucha del Garrote" was practiced by the Shepard's in secrecy until it was no longer regarded as a threat. The size of the weapon can vary from chest-height to a weapon that reaches 10-20 cm over the head of the practitioner. The weight is approximately 1½ kg and the Garrote is preferably made from the male olive tree. You might think that the weapons size and weight makes it difficult to handle in an efficient manner, but you will be surprised by the speed by which the techniques are executed. The long reach of the garrote makes it very efficient as a long range weapon, however the style's repertoire of low kicks, sweeps, elbows and throws also makes it very efficient for close range combat. It is interesting to see how much this system resembles oriental styles of combat, especially Southeast Asian arts. In contrast to other styles, where the Staff mostly serves as a complement to the core system, "Lucha del Garrote" is a complete system with only one weapon, one focus and one philosophy. All principals and techniques originate from the actual fight. Over the years ineffective techniques have been removed. Even today, combat is the most important part of the training. A beginner is thoroughly drilled in basic technique and must demonstrate acquired skills in combat before he is permitted to proceed to the next level. There is no form of protective equipment, strikes that are not blocked are marked. There are no serious injuries but a bump in the head, as a result of marking, and sore fingers appear frequently. Pain is something you learn to live with, it has always been an integral part of the art. Practitioners are very specific about passing on a pure system that is not influenced by other styles. The Garrote is regarded as a cultural heritage which is to be passed on to future generations in its original state. Today "Lucha del Garrote" has lost its original purpose, the weapon is not used to defend the right and honor of the individual but it is practiced to keep alive a cultural heritage and to honor the traditions of the islanders. There are not that many practitioners left. The Shepard's era is now nearly past and the few existing masters that have committed to keeping the art alive are very specific as to whom they teach. It is emphasized that it is not to be an art that builds the ego of the practitioner, the goal is not to win over others but to master and control the challenges of a growing ego. To feel the movement of the body, to relax and being able to clear your mind of thought. Let the body work without the obstacles of fear, anxiety and ambition to win. With this focus the instinct is not blocked by the thought, this is how the practitioner of Garrote prepares an automatic response pattern, at pattern that is programmed through practice. --__--__-- _______________________________________________ Eskrima mailing list Eskrima@martialartsresource.net http://martialartsresource.net/mailman/listinfo/eskrima http://eskrima-fma.net Old digest issues @ ftp://ftp.martialartsresource.com/pub/eskrima Copyright 1994-2007: Ray Terry, MartialArtsResource.com, Sudlud.com Standard disclaimers apply. Remember September 11. End of Eskrima Digest