“It’s a happy talent to know how to play.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Panantukan is originally a bare-handed version of Kali, the armed martial art of the Philippines. Filipinos fought with weapons when they could, but when they had no other choice, they fought bare-handed. It is not a sport, but rather ‘street boxing’ where anything goes, hence the name ‘dirty boxing’.
The basic principles are derived from armed combat, but the development of Panantukan during the 20th century was also influenced by Western boxing. It also has elements of wrestling. It is a truly creative and exciting martial art, and its practice can easily get you into the flow.
However, in my view, there is a place and a reason for everything in the system, and nothing is practiced that is not practical.