Redonda - Whirlwind
One of the most versatile of the double weapon category of Filipino martial arts is the Redonda (whirlwind) pattern. The name depicts the ferocity of a high speed circular attack utilising alternate strikes in a fashion that is as destructive as a whirlwind. Derived from the fundamental magbabayo (downward X) sequence, redonda utilizes both weapons in an alternating pattern of rapid and fluid strikes. Descriptive of this rapid action, redonda suggests great strength in portraying a whirlwind in motion. Redonda can be used both offensively and defensively and while highly effective in its own right, it informs another intermediate technique, bukang liwayway (sun rays) and forms the basis of the more advanced luha redonda (teardrop thrusts with whirlwind) and plumabukang liwayway (pen defence with sun rays).
Structure and mechanics
Redonda comprises three downward, diagonal circular strikes using alternate weapons during execution. Although the technique can be started from an open stance to disguise intent, it generally commences from a high closed position, with both weapons held on the same side and pointing to the rear. If this start is on the right side of the body, then the right stick, which is in the abierta (open) position is held on top at shoulder height and the left stick, which is in the serrada (closed) position is tucked underneath at waist height. The first strike of redonda is performed using the top stick and travels inwards and diagonally downwards from shoulder height to hip height in a circular motion that finishes wrapped around the body with the stick held in a serrada position and pointing to the rear. The alignment of the hand during the first strike is diagonally palm facing upwards and the strike leads with the middle knuckles to ensure a blade orientation throughout the motion. The second strike uses the original bottom cane and follows the same diagonally downward line as the first strike. Starting at shoulder height in a serrada position, the second strike travels in a backhand motion and diagonally downwards in a circular motion from shoulder height to hip height on the abierta side and finishes in the abierta position with the stick pointing to the rear. Hand alignment during the second strike is with the palm facing diagonally downwards and again, this strike leads with the middle knuckle to simulate a blade technique. The third and final strike uses the original top stick, currently held in a serrada position. The strike travels in a backhand and diagonally downwards motion from shoulder height towards hip height in a circular trajectory which then returns to the side from which it started to finally tuck underneath the opposite stick and pointing to the rear. The hand alignment during the third strike is with the palm facing diagonally downwards and the strike leads with the middle knuckles.
Methods of development
The need to develop strong techniques that can be readily and accurately applied in a wide variety of scenarios is an essential aspect of any martial art training. This section will consider some of the myriad of solo and partner-based training methods that can both enhance the development the redonda technique and provide the opportunity to explore the application of this versatile sinawali (double weapon) method. Solo methods of developing redonda include the use of a mirror to develop accuracy, the use of a metal bar to develop wrist strength and the use of a heavy bag to develop impact power. Partner based training methods to be reviewed include use of the same stick to develop timing, fluidity and blocking skills, using the opposite stick to develop advanced timing for parrying, and the application of redonda against individual single attacks.
Solo training methods used to develop the redonda technique commence with practice in front of a mirror. This is an excellent method of checking the alignment of the middle knuckles to simulate a blade orientation and for checking the accuracy of executing each strike in a downward, diagonal and circular motion. Mirror training should be performed deliberately slowly to ensure that each stage of redonda is accurate and correctly aligned. Another solo training method that effectively develops redonda is the use of metal bars. It is important that the movements with the metal bars are executed slowly to ensure the development of strength throughout the entire path of each of the three strikes of redonda. This training method is excellent for developing wrist strength and speed of execution when followed by the performance of redonda using light sticks. The final solo training method to be considered is the use of the heavy bag to develop impact power. Once range and accuracy of striking the bag are achieved, then the redonda technique can be performed at full speed and power.
Partner-based training methods are an important and integral aspect of developing the redonda technique to a standard where it can be readily applied in a variety of combat situations. The first partner-based training method to develop an effective redonda technique is both partners using the same sticks. In this method partners hit right stick against right stick, left stick against left stick and then right stick against right stick when both partners are starting from the right chamber. This is an excellent training method for developing fluidity of performance, understanding the timing of the technique, becoming accustomed to the feel of impact when striking and for developing a fast redonda technique. The second partner-based training method to be considered is the application of the double stick redonda technique against a variety of individual attacks. In this method, one partner serves to feed random strikes at the defending partner, who in turn uses the redonda technique to develop skills in application. This method is excellent for developing range, selecting options, flow under pressure and the timing to either block or parry the initial attack.
