History
Maharlika Kuntaw is the product of over 3000 years of cultural
trade and diversity.
The island chain now known as the Philippines has served as a
unique social melting pot for centuries. From Islamic missionaries
and Chinese sailors, to Spanish Conquistadors, the Philippines
have endured countless invasions, yet forever persevered by means
of assimilation.
This tenacious ability to adapt and yet preserve that which is
most effective, can be observed in Maharlika Kuntaw's historical
roots and continues today.
Originally descended from a Chinese thread, but heavily influenced
by Indonesian and Malay styles, modern day Maharlika Kuntaw can
be traced back to the southern Filipino island of Mindanao. Before
the Spanish occupation of the Philippines, Maharlika Kuntaw was
practiced openly by the elite ruling class inhabitants of Mindanao
Island. Following the weapons ban and turmoil of later spanish
influence, a man named Yuyong Henyo Lanyada moved to the central
island of Luzon. Yuyong brought with him the bladed weapons techniques
and fighting concepts of Maharlika Kuntaw. Yuyong was later forced
to change his last name to Lanada following the 1849 Decree of
Cognomen, which forced Filipinos, in Spainish dominated provinces
to adopted Spainish surnames. The same decree also carried the
order that allowed people practicing native fighting arts to be
punished by law.
Eventually this ban extended to include all forms of martial
practice. Consequently the masters of Filipino arts, such as Yuyong
Lanada, were forced to study their respective arts in a manner
hidden from public view. The sword was replaced with the stick,
and fighting techniques were hidden within dances. In this way,
fighting arts could be openly practiced, yet still remain hidden
from view! All the while lethal combative methods were practiced
directly under the noses of the Spanish ruling class.
From generation to generation, Maharlika Kuntaw has passed from
Mindanao's tribal elders through Yoyong Henyo Lanada to his great
grandson, Carlito A. Lananda. Through the ages, traditions, and
former ceremonies associated with religious value have disappeared
due to Kuntaw's former underground nature, but the basic concepts
regarding self defense and scientific body movement continued
to be refined to today.
Philosophy of Kuntaw
For a person to be complete and at rest with themselves, they
must find a balance; Health & sickness; joy & sorrow;
love & dislike. If the body is in fine health, then the mind
may function skillfully and quickly. The body is the form and
the mind, which is the spirit, is the actual moving force.
"Never too little, never too much, only that which
is necessary"
Do not criticize, be patient, kind and understanding to your
fellow Kuntawistas as well as others.
Honor
Unlike Japanese, Korean, or Chinese Martial Artists, Filipinos
do not bow their heads to their instructors. This is not a sign
of disrespect, it is a sign of difference in cultures.
In Japan, Korea and China the average person was considered to
be inferior to governors, soldiers, educators and emperors. It
was not uncommon for a soldier to cut off a commoners head if
it was felt that the commoner did not bow down low enough. In
the Philippines, no such culture existed, bowing was not the recognized
sign of respect, as everyone felt that they were/are equal to
one another.
The general salute/honor or greeting is the right hand is held
over the heart then is placed over the left closed hand, about
stomach level in front of you. At the same time, your hands meet,
you are stepping your left foot out to the side. Then, you bring
your left foot back to your right foot, place your hands to your
sides.
In meeting a teacher or respected friend the handshake was used
with the left hand on the back of the other person's hand.
The Honor means "Friend (open hand) or Foe (fist) - you
be the judge". It also means "I come to you with an
open mind to grasp the knowledge you have to offer.
|
