Canoe Training
This type of training addressed balance, lower body strength and
endurance. Two canoes are brought together in parallel fashion,
but not tied of fixed in any way. The student is made to stand in
the front, one foot in the prow of each canoe. As the vessels are
propelled forward, the student must hold them together. Note: as
may be expected, the rower in each boat makes no effort to ease
the student's difficulties, often paddling to seperate the boats.
Bamboo Training
This type of training addressed the use of proper stances and balance.
Two wetted bamboo poles are straddled across a fast-moving river.
The student is made to continuously cross the river on the poles,
gripping with his toes,and using the proper footwork. Loss of balance
results in a river ride that can easily carry a man more than a
mile downstream before he can make shore. He then must return to
the poles to try again.
Tamaraw Training
Methods of off-balancing are emphasized in this type of training.
The student is made to wrestle a pygmy carabao (indigenous to Mindoro
isnland only) barehanded. The goal is to take the animal to the
ground by any means.
Log Training
Proper rolling and breathing technique are both emphasized in this
drill. The student is presented with a wooden log approximately
6 feet long and 160 pounds in weight. He is then made to roll, holding
the log pressed to his body, in water approximately knee-high in
depth.
Tree Climbing
The student is taught to climb trees very quickly and jump from
heights greater than 12 feet. His ability to perform this exercise
is continually challenged.
Arnis (Weapons) Training
The student is made to learn, practice, and apply in combat the
Doce Pares style of Arnis de Mano.
Farming
Although unexpectedly common, a good days' work on the farm further
tests the student's endurance and patience. It also re-enforces
established footwork patterns which are just as useful on the farm
as they are in combat.
The student's skills were periodically tested in a ritual manner.
This usually involved the hunting of wild boar, deer or snakes without
weapons. Performance during these tests was used to gauge the students
level of achievement.
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