Awayan Seminar

Sining ng Awayan (Ah-wah-yahn) (the Art of Fighting) is a combination of several different types of open hand martial arts styles. Sining ng Awayan teaches blocking, punching, kicking, wristlocks and takedowns.

Awayan is a Filipino word meaning “the Art of Fighting”. Awayan integrates all styles of martial arts in order to create a self-defense method that is applicable for any conflict situation. Contrary to the Hollywood representation of Martial Arts, the purpose of studying Awayan is not to fight others, but to discover inner-peace. Essentially, Awayan means “Learning to fight yourself”.

The essence of the awayan is Respect. Learning awayan begins with a student’s first class. Awayan means adhering to the rules of the dojo, bowing, standing at attention (tayo-position), listening to your instructors uncritically, and doing your best. As a student of awayan matures he or she begins to practice the principals of awayan outside of the dojo. This means the student will not be overwhelmed with fear or anger. The student will listen to others, as well as his or her own inner thoughts, and will continue to strengthen the mind through education.

Confrontation results when two egos are at odds. From childhood we are trained to resist our opponent in a confrontation. Anger and fear are the emotions that are associated with resistance. When we give in to anger or fear, whether or not we overcome our opponent or are overcome, we have already lost what is most important.

Awayan teaches keeping our center when we are involved in a conflict. Through awareness and clarity of mind we are able to deflect or redirect attacks. Awareness is our best defense. The best block is not being in the way of a punch or kick. The best rebuttal to argumentative words is silence. 

Awayan embodies the principals of yin and yang. When we are confronted with hardness we block with softness. When we are confronted with [passive-aggessive behavior, manipulative behavior – what is this word?] we ask the other to clarify his or her thoughts and feelings, in order for us to understand the other better.

When attacking, students of awayan use misdirection and feints in order to keep our opponents off balance. We control the tempo of a match by speeding up and slowing down. We use combinations when attacking so our opponent never knows where we will be striking next. When we make up our mind to punch, we punch with resolve (without second-guessing our actions).

Martial Arts stresses a blending of Eastern and Western attitudes towards life.

Through the practice and philosophy a greater inner peace and freedom will be reached.

For the serious student of awayan self-discipline and the proper attitude are more important than precise punches and high kicks.