Sibat

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Sibat is a Filipino spear, used as a weapon or tool by natives of the Philippine islands. It is typically made from rattan (but also bahi, kamagong or malave) with its tip sharpened to form a point, or a head made from metal. It was called sibat in Indonesian or Filipino dialects, but in the Negros islands it is called the Bangkaw, Sumbiling or Palupad.

There are many varieties of these Filipino spears, varrying in length and function. Some of these spears feature metal heads in a wide variety of differing style and size. Natives designed the spearheads based on the shapes of leaves or flowers in some cases. There are also single edged and double edged heads, as well as heads with barbs.

The style and function of the spear depends on what area of the Philippines it is found. Natives who hunt and fish on the beach may employ an entirely different spear than those in the mountainous or inland regions who hunt wild boar and other game.

1 Martial Arts
2 See also
3 Resources
4 External links

[edit] Martial Arts

Many of the fighting techniques taught for the Sibat are the very same motions translated from the hunting movements for killing wild boar and other prey. Thrusts designed to puncture soft targets, such as the throat or neck are reinforced by crushing blows using the blunt portions of the weapon to incapacitate at closer ranges. These attacks are sometimes used in conjunction; a strike with the blunt portion used to block an enemies weapon being immediately followed by a thrust into the flesh.

Some of the more prominent Filipino Martial Arts that offer instruction in the use of the Sibat are Inayan Eskrima, Pekiti-Tirsia Kali and Lightning Scientific Arnis.