Solo Baston - Single Stick

Solo Baston (Single stick) is the primary weapon taught in Arnis training in Kombatan.

Training starts with the 12 basic modern strikes of Kombatan, which cover all angles of striking and defence. Twirling techniques are taught to develop wrist strength, flexibility and coordination.

There are also various other striking systems employing different styles of blocking and counterstriking. Each style or sub-system has an additional unique strike pattern. Classical striking systems are taught as well and can be combined into fast flowing strike transitions.

Solo Baston techniques are practised at all ranges – long, medium and short, utilising the tip end for long range and the butt end (near hand) for close range. Most long range techniques are similar or the same as the Espada (sword) techniques. It is interesting with Solo Baston in that the empty hand known as the “alive hand” is mostly responsible for setting up and trapping an attack, allowing the Baston to counterstrike.

Many disarms are taught also utilising both ends of the stick. These disarms can transcend into locks, chokes, takedowns and restraints.

Palit – Palit (Give and Take) drills are practice regularly to develop evasive movement, angling, blocking and countering in all 3 ranges. Solo Baston has controlled sparring drills for fast flowing exchange that teaches a student, at any given moment to check, grab, disarm or counterstrike.

Solo Baston freestyle sparring (with head and body armour) is required for each grading level.