Sibat

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A sibat is a Filipino staff or spear, used as a weapon or tool by natives of the Philippine Islands. It also called bangkaw, sumbling or palupad in the island of Negros.

It is typically made from rattan with its tip sharpened to form a point, or a head made from metal. These heads may either be single-edged, double-edged or barbed. The sibat also varies in style and function, depending on what area of the Philippines it is found. For example, the sibat used for hunting fish in beaches may not be the same as the sibat used in hunting game or wild boar in mountainous regions.

[edit] Martial arts

Since the sibat was designed for hunting prey, many fighting techniques utilizing this weapon uses motions that is similar to hunting movements. Thrusts were designed to puncture soft targets, such as the throat or neck. These attacks are reinforced by crushing blows using the blunt portions of the weapon to incapacitate at closer ranges. These attacks can be used in conjunction; a strike with the blunt portion can be used to block an enemy's weapon and then followed with a thrust into the flesh.

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