Defanging The Snake: Psychic Self-Defense and Improvised Weaponry in Filipino Martial Arts
for Self Defense Series at Creative Time HQ
2023
This workshop explored the potential of establishing one’s own martial-spiritual connection by adopting practices from Indigenous Filipino Martial Arts. Prioritizing the unification of mind, body, and spirit as one functioning unit for protection and consolation, participants designed personalized weapons and imbued them with the power of prayer, also known as orasyon. Self-defense requires a level of self-importance that far exceeds the norm, which can be activated by invoking a warrior ethos.
Participants gathered with practitioners from the Philippine diaspora who have borrowed from Indigenous ritual and traditions as part of Filipino American History Month. Offerings included Hilot treatments (Ablon Seated Therapy) provided by Ngani Liwayway (spaces limited), demonstrations by The Chrysalis Kali Collective, and a Kamayan-style Filipino finger-food grazing table.
Self Defense Series
This event was part of an artist-led Self Defense Series at CTHQ. This series considered what it means to come together to form safety of self and safety of the collective through a spectrum of modes of empowerment, collaboration, and healing. These workshops featured artists who provide practical and critical skills to their communities, while challenging traditional definitions of self defense.
Image Credit: Photography by Tina Guytingco, courtesy of Creative Time