That which differentiates many amateur and advanced Filipino martial arts practitioners is not the number of techniques learned, but rather the extent to which a technique can be used effectively. It is up to each practitioner to determine which of the basic techniques are most appropriate to his or her abilities, and to apply them appropriately. There were 12 basic areas of combat in traditional Filipino martial arts, and all of today's systems draw on some combination of these 12 areas. Weaponry still figures prominently. These sticks are made of rattan, a hard and lightweight wood.
Some systems apply the use of ropes, rolled-up newspapers, or other improvisational weaponry.
Crucial to the Filipino martial arts is that both hands be fully involved in combat. At times this may mean the use of weapons in both hands. The live hand actively participates in blocking, striking, and disarming opponents. Single stick, sword, etc. 2. Double stick, sword, etc.