For the Community!

Hi Jeff,

Arnis or Eskrima is an indigenous martial arts of our Filipino people. Learning Arnis is touching back to our roots. My million thank yous for your workshop given to the Filipino Youth Initiative group last Sunday. The teachers and students enjoyed the time with you. From what I heard, they commend your work and dedication. I, especially appreciated the brief history of Arnis that you gave. I did not know any history before the workshop. I learned a lot from it. Your generosity of time, talents and expertise are very much appreciated.

Grateful,

Fe Rowland
Philippine American Community Center
Southfield, Michigan

The Badik

Some badik(s) from my collection:

From the top:

- "Raja Beradu" (The Sleeping King), a gift from Mas Martin Lubis of Pojok Keris Singobarong in Solo, Java.

- "Kiai Bugis" (The Honorable Bugis), a gift from Mas Reno Notohardjo.

- "Mayimbe Venenoso" (The Poisonous Vulture) forged by Manong Panday Stephen Renico.

- "Etutu" (Atonement) forged by Manong Panday Stephen Renico.

The Badik is a traditional dagger which originates from the coastal tribes of southern Sulawesi such as the Bugis and the Makasarese. Because of their trade relationship with other tribes, it has reached the coasts of Sumatra, the Malay Peninsula and to some extent Borneo, Java and Bali.

The blade can be in iron, steel or pamor. It is also believed the Badik has mysterious power such as for the Keris.

The Bugis Badik has a 90° pistol grip with round edges, whereas the Makasarese badik has a 45° conic pistol grip. The Sumatra and Peninsula Badik is very similar to the Bugis.

The Badik is also part of the traditional clothing and is wear by the bride for the wedding ceremony in Sulawesi or Sumatra. It is worn in front of the stomach into the pleats of the sarong.

One of the traditional way of fighting with the Badik is to have the two opponents enclosed in sarong with a Badik in a hand while the other hand holds the sarong with no possibility to escape.