Etiquette

Because the Filipino Martial Arts began as village systems and family arts, they do not generally involve complex forms of ritual or etiquette. However, we do have a simple form of salutation, influenced by Spanish fencing, that we use at the beginning and end of classes, and when engaging in drills, and especially sparring, with a partner.

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The salute involves bringing our left foot together with our right foot, and our right fist up to our left chest (symbolically over the heart), with the tip of our weapon pointed upwards if a stick. We then offer a slight bow, and say "Saludo!"

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If you want to thank someone, the simplest expression to use in Ilonggo is "Salamat!" (thank you) or "Madamo nga salamat!" (Many thanks). In other parts of the Philippines the word "po" is added (ie. "Salamat po!") when you want to show extra respect. However, this is not typical in Ilonggo, the language used in Negros where Bernas Estocadas is from.

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Instructors may be referred to by their given name, martial art "nickname" if they have one, or their rank: "Manunudlo" (Instructor), "Agalon" (Master), or "Lolo Amo" (Grandmaster). The equivalent English terms can also be used. Fellow students may be referred to likewise by their given name, martial nickname, or "Kumpadre" (a close male friend or buddy of a similar age and status) or "Kumare" (a close female friend of similar age and status), or "Amigo" (a male friend) or "Amiga" (a female friend). These latter terms can also be used when you are unsure of the training partner's name or martial art nickname.