Complete Sinawali: Filipino Double-Weapon Fighting

Good for those who are a little better than begining level. Shows different combinations of Sinawali. Pics are a bit small and had to understand but a mist have book for the developing artist.

I have had the privilege of being one of Master Rey Galang's students for over a year now. We cover many different forms and styles, and sometimes it's hard to remember the exact techniques after class has ended. This book has been very helpful in perfecting my form, and reinforcing my knowledge while training on my own. It clearly demonstrates the techniques that make up this advanced form, and although I do not recommend it for beginners as one cannot truly understand sinawali without being taught in person, it is a very good aid for those familiar with Filipino Martial Arts and who are interested in seeing some of the things we do at Bakbakan.

This in depth book gives a great background on the history of sinawali and has 70 forms in total. The photos are clear and easy to follow- but you will have trouble if no one has shown you the basics in person before. I was very impressed with the two-person drills which accompany the forms as this allows the book to really "come to life" and is a great way to introduce friends to FMA.

Complete Sinawali by Rey Galang describes about two dozen "Sinawali" or double stick drills as done by the Bakbakban group in New Jersey. The sinawali patterns described here are not the usual symmetrical patterns that most beginners are used to, and careful attention should be paid to the footwork, which allows the practitioner to perform the strikes with the proper distancing, timing, speed, and power to make them effective. Bakbakban offers a videotape series that features some of their double stick patterns and there is usually a seminar once a year based on these as well. I would recommend attending a seminar after I had purchased the book and video in order to fine-tune the body-mechanics that are presented therein. All in all, an excellent book that belongs on the shelf of any Filipino martial artist.

This book is very informative. It gives a good understanding of what stick fighting is and how to train in it. With its simple steps it takes you from a drill to its applications. I highly recomend this book to anyone wanting to learn FMA on their own.