A kata is not fixed or immoveable. Like water, it's ever changing and fits itself to the shape of the vessel containing it. However, kata are not some kind of beautiful competitive dance, but a grand martial art of self-defense - which determines life and death.
Kenwa Mabuni
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Sikaran: The Ancient Filipino Art of Foot Fighting

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Guest Blog Post

Sikaran is a traditional Filipino martial art that emphasizes foot fighting as its primary combat method. The term "Sikaran" derives from the root word "sikad," which means "kick" in Tagalog, Capampangan, and Cebuano languages. This ancient martial art originated in the agricultural town of Baras in Rizal Province and has been practiced since before the Spanish colonization of the Philippines in the 16th century.

Unlike most other martial arts that combine punches and kicks, Sikaran is unique in its emphasis on 90% foot techniques for fighting, while hands are primarily used for blocking and parrying attacks. The art has evolved from a simple recreational activity among rice farmers to a sophisticated martial art system that is now practiced internationally.

Historical Origins and Development

Pre-Colonial Roots

The origins of Sikaran can be traced back to the rice farmers of Baras, Rizal who developed this art as both entertainment and practical self-defense. According to historical accounts, the art was practiced long before the Spanish arrival in 1521, making it one of the oldest indigenous Filipino martial arts. The farmers initially played a game involving kicking mud at each other's faces while working in the rice paddies, which gradually evolved into a more structured fighting system.

The early practitioners would draw circles on the ground, with one fighter standing inside attempting to kick opponents positioned around the circle's perimeter. The objective was to either knock the opponent out of the circle or deliver effective kicks while maintaining balance and position. This circular combat format helped develop the distinctive footwork and kicking techniques that characterize Sikaran today.

Development Through the Centuries

During the Spanish colonial period, like many Filipino martial arts, Sikaran was practiced in secrecy to preserve its techniques and cultural significance. The art was passed down orally from generation to generation, with no written documentation, following the traditional Filipino method of knowledge transmission.

The modern development of Sikaran is largely attributed to Meliton C. Geronimo, a retired Lieutenant Colonel of the Philippine Air Force. In 1958, Geronimo established the World Sikaran Brotherhood and is credited with transforming the traditional art into a modern competitive sport while preserving its cultural authenticity. Under his leadership, Sikaran gained international recognition and was acknowledged by the Asian Karate Association in 1966 as a distinct Filipino martial art.

Core Principles and Philosophy

Fundamental Concepts

Sikaran is built upon several core principles that distinguish it from other martial arts:

Balance and Coordination: Practitioners develop exceptional balance through extensive footwork training, enabling them to execute powerful kicks while maintaining stability. This principle is crucial for the effective execution of Sikaran's signature techniques.

Fluidity and Adaptability: The art emphasizes smooth transitions between techniques, allowing practitioners to adapt quickly to changing combat situations. This fluidity is essential for maintaining continuous offensive and defensive capabilities.

Economy of Motion: Sikaran teaches practitioners to achieve maximum effectiveness with minimal effort, conserving energy during combat while delivering powerful strikes.

Awareness and Timing: Practitioners develop heightened awareness of their surroundings and opponents, learning to time their attacks and defenses with precision.

Fighting Classifications

Traditional Sikaran recognizes two primary classifications of techniques based on their intended effect:

  • Panghilo (Paralyzing Blows): Techniques aimed at less vital areas of the body to disable or immobilize opponents
  • Pamatay (Lethal Kicks): Techniques targeting vital points such as the heart, neck, head, groin, and spine

Animal-Inspired Techniques

The art incorporates movements inspired by farm animals that were familiar to its agricultural origins:

  • Side Thrust Kick: Mimics the defensive kick of a cow
  • Back Kick: Inspired by the powerful backward kick of a horse
  • Jumping Front Kick: Copies the rearing motion of a horse

Signature Techniques

The Biakid Kick

The Biakid (also known as "Biyak Patagilid" or "dragon whiplash") is Sikaran's most distinctive and recognizable technique. This signature kick is executed by pivoting completely to the back in a spinning motion, similar to a spinning hook kick, but specifically targets the back or side of the opponent's head.

What makes the Biakid unique is its ability to maintain power regardless of the opponent's distance. Unlike straight kicks or side kicks that lose power as the opponent moves away, the Biakid's spinning motion ensures consistent impact whether the target is near or far. This technique is considered so effective that it has been called "the only martial art move in the world of its kind".

Here's a full length tutorial of this kick:

Fundamental Kicking Techniques

Sikaran employs three fundamental kicks that form the foundation of the art:

  1. Frontal Kick (Siparap/Sipang-paharap): Direct forward kick
  2. Side Kick (Sipalid/Sipang-patagilid): Lateral kick targeting the opponent's side
  3. Roundhouse Kick (Sipakot/Sipang-paikot): Circular kick delivered in an arc

Advanced Combinations

Modern Sikaran training incorporates complex kick combinations that blend the fundamental techniques. These combinations include:

  • Roundhouse-Biakid combinations: Flowing from circular kicks into the signature spinning technique
  • Side kick-Roundhouse-Axe kick sequences: Multi-directional attacks that challenge opponents' defenses
  • Double Biakid techniques: Advanced practitioners can execute multiple spinning kicks in succession

Training Methods and Practices

Traditional Training Approaches

Historical Sikaran training involved practical exercises that developed the necessary skills for effective foot fighting. Practitioners often trained using the traditional Filipino dance called Tinikling, which required dancers to move quickly between bamboo poles being clicked together. This training method developed the light footwork and agility essential for Sikaran techniques.

Modern Training Structure

Contemporary Sikaran training is organized into progressive phases that build upon fundamental skills:

Phase 1: Foundation training covering basic blocks, coordination, and fundamental techniques
Phase 2: Intermediate training with advanced combinations and defensive applications
Phase 3: Advanced training incorporating complex combinations and advanced applications

Integration with Other Filipino Martial Arts

Modern Sikaran is often taught in conjunction with other Filipino martial arts to provide comprehensive combat training:

  • Kali/Arnis: Weapon-based fighting systems
  • Panantukan: Filipino boxing techniques
  • Dumog: Filipino wrestling and grappling
  • Kuntaw: Additional empty-hand techniques

Modern Development and Organizations

World Sikaran Brotherhood

The World Sikaran Brotherhood (WSB), established by Meliton C. Geronimo in 1958, serves as the primary organization for promoting and preserving Sikaran. The organization has grown to include thousands of members across Asia, Australia, North and South America, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.

Global Sikaran Federation

The Global Sikaran Federation, led by Grandmaster Hari Osias Banaag, represents another major organization promoting Sikaran internationally. This federation has been instrumental in spreading Sikaran to various countries and organizing international competitions.

Competition and Tournaments

Modern Sikaran competitions are held regularly at regional, national, and international levels. Recent tournaments include:

  • National Sikaran Championships: Annual competitions featuring participants from across the Philippines
  • Regional tournaments: Competitions organized by province and region
  • International championships: Global competitions that showcase Sikaran on the world stage

Recognition and Legislation

In the Philippines, there have been legislative efforts to promote Sikaran as a national martial art. Proposed legislation includes integrating Sikaran into school physical education curricula and creating a National Sikaran Training Institute to preserve and promote the art.

Cultural Significance and Preservation

Filipino Identity and Pride

Sikaran represents an important aspect of Filipino cultural identity, demonstrating the connection between the Filipino people and their agricultural heritage. The art serves as a source of national pride in the field of martial arts, showcasing the Philippines' unique contributions to the global martial arts community.

Challenges and Preservation Efforts

Like many traditional martial arts, Sikaran faces challenges in maintaining its authenticity while adapting to modern times. The art has had to adopt certain structural aspects from more mainstream martial arts, including belting systems, uniforms, and formalized training methods to gain wider acceptance.

Despite these challenges, dedicated practitioners and organizations continue to work toward preserving Sikaran's traditional essence while making it accessible to modern practitioners.

Modern Applications and Self-Defense

Practical Self-Defense Applications

Modern Sikaran training emphasizes practical self-defense applications that can be used in real-world situations. The art teaches practitioners to:

  • Maintain proper distance and positioning
  • Use effective striking techniques with minimal telegraphing
  • Develop situational awareness and threat assessment skills
  • Apply principles of timing and control in confrontations

Watch this amazing video of Sikaran practitioners sparring with Karate, Muay Thai, and Taekwondo fighters:

Integration with Contemporary Training

Contemporary Sikaran programs often integrate the traditional kicking techniques with modern training methods. This includes:

  • Structured curriculum progression
  • Video-based instruction platforms
  • International certification programs
  • Specialized training modules for different skill levels

Conclusion

Sikaran stands as a testament to the rich martial arts heritage of the Philippines, representing centuries of development from its humble origins among rice farmers to its current status as an internationally recognized martial art. The art's emphasis on foot fighting, combined with its signature Biakid technique and philosophical foundations, makes it a unique and valuable addition to the global martial arts community.

Through the dedicated efforts of organizations like the World Sikaran Brotherhood and Global Sikaran Federation, Sikaran continues to evolve while maintaining its cultural authenticity. As practitioners around the world embrace this ancient art, Sikaran serves not only as an effective self-defense system but also as a bridge connecting modern martial artists to the traditional wisdom and fighting spirit of the Filipino people.

The future of Sikaran lies in balancing preservation of its traditional essence with adaptation to contemporary training methods and global accessibility. As interest in Filipino martial arts continues to grow worldwide, Sikaran's unique approach to foot fighting and its rich cultural heritage ensure its continued relevance and practice for future generations.

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