Secrets of the Martial Arts

(from guest blogger Barry Gauntt)

Typhoon Gear makes the only ginunting carried by force recon marines. It has an unsharpened false edge and comes parkerized to simplify blade care and lower visibility for night operations. It is considered the most important item alongside the assault rifle and it is used as a machete and as a close quarter weapon. The ginunting is the iconic weapon of the blade system Pekiti Tirsia Kali which has roots reaching back hundreds of years before the first invasion of the Spanish in the Philippines. The balance of these blades is something to be felt and admired; a ginunting could easily sheer off limbs with a one handed stroke. It is also traditionally used to butcher meat and chop firewood so in a way it’s like a Swiss army knife, it is a multifunction tool. Order now because it takes a few months to get it if you live in the States. They just recently started selling to the general public. www.typhoongear.com

You can also find a lovely ginunting that has been polished to a mirror shine by visiting the following site. It is sandata steel and is considered one of the best examples of Philippine craftsmanship you can buy in the States. The owner is a long time student and instructor of Peketi Tirsia Kali which is a blade system designed for warfare. Who better to seek out the best forges and blade smiths? Check out his steel and some of his signature dumog videos at: www.traditionalphillipinoweapons.com

# posted by The guy @ 3:34 PM