Stick Sinawali

Sinawali Angle Definitions

Our training focus is on self-defense applications, so only blocking techniques are listed.  As students develop their ability to understand and recognize the angles of attack, blocking is of paramount importance.  Once solid blocking ability is established students can explore a multitude of counter-strikes, trapping, locking, take-downs and pain compliance follow-ups.

All angles are defined from stick in right-hand grip and the left hand (alive hand) on the chest palm down.

Single Sinawali Angle Combination Sequence:  1 > 4 > 2 > 3

Angle 1

Downward diagonal forehand strike targeting the head and/or neck.  Angle 1 ends in a chambered position on the left hip.

Angle 4

From the left hip chambered position, angle 4 strikes at an upward diagonal backhand targeting the knee and/or hip.  Angle 4 ends with the stick in left shoulder chambered position.

Angle 2

From the left should chambered position, angle 2 is a downward diagonal backhand strike to the head and/or neck.  Angle 2 ends with the stick in low guard position (right hand just outside the right hip).

Angle 3

From the low guard position, angle three is an upward diagonal forehand strike targeting the knee and or hip.

Single Sinawali + Center Line Attacks

  • Attacking Sequence:  1 > 4 > 2 > 3 > 9 > Roof Block
  • Blocking Sequence: 1 > 4 > 2 > 3 > Parry > 8

Angular Relationships for Blocking & Counter Striking

There are 4 angular relationships evident in the Single Sinawali drill.

  1. Angle 1 > 4
  2. Angle 4 > 2
  3. Angle 2 > 3
  4. Angle 3 >1

With these relationships in mind, we will apply 3 main blocking concepts (weapon combat ranges).

  1. Strike the Hand (Long Range)
  2. Passing (Middle Range)
  3. Attack the Attack (Close Range)

Single Stick:  Angles in Combination

  • Drill #1: Stick to Stick Only
  • Drill #2: Stick & Alive Hand Touch
  • Drill #3: Crossada (Angle 1 & 4) (Angle 2 & 4)
  • Drill #4: Supported Blocking
  • Drill # 5: Roof Block & Drop Stick R, Crossada L

Single Stick: Angles in Isolation

  • Angle 1
    • Hit the Hand
    • Passing  (Pass > Check > Counter)
    • Attack the Attack (Supported Block)
  • Angle 4
    • Hit the Hand
    • Passing  (Pass > Check > Counter)
    • Attack the Attack (Supported Block)
  • Angle 2
    • Hit the Hand
    • Passing  (Wing Block)
    • Attack the Attack (Supported Block)
  • Angle 3
    • Hit the Hand
    • Passing  (Pass > Check > Counter)
    • Attack the Attack (Shield Block)

Double Stick: Angles in Combination

Combination Sequence: 1 > 4 (right side) + 1 > 4 (left side)

  • Drill #1:  Stick to Stick Only
  • Drill#2: Double Sinawali Drill
  • Drill #3: Crossada
  • Drill #4: Roof, Wing & Crossada
    • Roof + Crossada 2x
    • Use Wing Block in for 3rd Sequence
  • Drill #5: Double vs Single Sinawali