Testimonials

We are pleased with the quality and standard of the products, both the padded training stick and dagger. We will commence using these products in Bakbakan sponsored and hosted tournaments as our OFFICIAL TOURNAMENT EQUIPMENT. We look forward to additional collaboration with your firm in the design of training equipment specifically geared for use in the intense and demanding arena of the Warrior Arts of the Philippines. Reynaldo S. Galang Bakbakan International (WHQ) Lodi, New Jersey Bakbakan International

From an aesthetic value to structural integrity to impact stability, SMAK-Stiks is by far the finest full contact impact weapon I have had the honor to use. Mabuhay ang SMAK-Stiks. Master Jaime Tacosa Tacosa Cadena Eskrima Pacific Eskrima Academy Hawai'i

SMAK-Stiks X-Series are a great training tool for the serious FMA student! In the last 10 years, I have purchased and tested many padded sticks from various martial arts companies promising realistic training and durability. Unfortunately, most have failed the rigorous training in my Laban Laro sessions. In fact, some broke within the first 2 minutes of a match. The Laban Laro training I teach can be construed as more aggressive and realistic than most, hence employing an equally tough and durable product is essential to the maintenance of real FMA training. The modified SMAK-Stiks X-Series survived my field test! I have endorsed and included SMAK-Stiks as the official provider of the World Filipino Martial Arts Association Exposition & Laban Laro, August 12 - 14, 2005 held in Anaheim, California. Punong Guro Myrlino P. Hufana WFMAA President & Director of Events www.Worldfma.com

Our February 2006 tournament was a huge success. The tournament was held in beautiful Las Vegas, NV. The fight capitol of the world and no better place to hold a full contact stick fighting tournament. This tournament included punches, kicks, takedowns and stick fighting with your SMAK-Stiks. WOW!!! It was exciting. We used special head gear that could take the kicks and punches as well as protect their eyes from the stick and 4 oz gloves. That was only protection they could wear and we had one knock out, several bruised fighters from the SMAK-Stiks but no major injuries. Thanks to your sticks we were able to put on a realistic stick fight and keep it exciting for the audience as well. Master Ed Goco Galang Chinese Kickboxing and Filipino Combat Escrima Chinese Kickboxing International, USA

The Smak-Stiks products have been put through rigorous testing and usage at Bakbakan International's World Headquarters (WHQ) in Lodi, USA. We are very pleased with the durability and functionality of their products and unconditionally recommend it to FMA practitioners as the training equipment of choice. We have also selected Smak-Stiks products as the official tournament equipment for all Bakbakan hosted tournaments. Christopher Ricketts Chief Instructor Bakbakan International

As one of the original Dog Brothers, I have spent a lot of time sparring hard with real rattan. Nothing prepares you for fighting like full contact sparring. Drills are good, but there is no substitute for actually playing the game at full speed and intent. Unfortunately, this kind of extreme training is tough on the body. Most people, including myself, don't want to endure the wrath of rattan each week. This is why using a good safety stick is so important for consistent improvement in functional stickfighting. Over the last twenty years, I have tried every soft stick available, but I was never quite satisfied, as the sticks were either too flexible, too brittle, too bulky, or too light. Thankfully, that problem no longer exists. I am extremely pleased to tell you that the SMAK-Stiks are by far the best training stick I have ever encountered. Correct size, weight, and stiffness. Highly durable. Top quality materials and craftsmanship. This may sound like an ad, but let me assure you that I am not being paid for this endorsement. I just want to let everyone know that SMAK-Stiks take away any excuse to avoid stick sparring. If you want to become a competent stick fighter, I strongly urge you to get some SMAK-Stiks, put on good protective equipment, and enjoy applying your art in real time against an opponent who is fighting back. Aloha! Burton Richardson President JKD Unlimited Creator of the Battlefield Kali fighting programs www.jkdunlimited.com

Before Smak Stiks came along, my students, teachers, and fellow classmates were practicing with real weapons, making it extremely risky. Now, we can practice all of the movements, with none of the risks, which makes it easier to keep the skills up. Smak Stiks are now the only training instruments of this type that we will use. Thanks guys, it's been a long time coming. Just what the martial arts needed. Chris Washington 8th Dan SanDoKan Karate Owner of SDK Martial Arts

Stick-fighting is an integral part of training in the Filipino Martial Arts. However, safety should never be compromised. One way to ease a practitioner into stick-fighting while avoiding the damaging affects of a rattan stick is to utilize safety or padded sticks. Having tested most if not all of the safety sticks on the market, Smak-Stiks surpasses the qualities most desired and more. From the basics of grip diameter, weight and length to the quality workmanship including ballistic nylon, Smak-Stiks offers a high-end solution to realistic training equipment. Designed by FMA practitioners, Smak-Stiks not only exceeded all standards but improved functionality. Its no doubt, they will quickly become the choice of Arnis, Kali & Eskrima arenas all over. Whether for drills or combat sport competition, I see no substitute for Smak-Stiks! John G. Jacobo School for the Warrior Arts & Combatives (SWACOM) www.swacom.com

This product is very good training tool. It allows me as a trainer to feed/attack with more realism and know that my student will not be hurt if they fail to make their block or evasion. At the same time, I'm safer from the "accidental hits" that can always happen because of the student's lack of control or coordination. Guro Victor Gendrano,Jr. Inosanto Academy www.inosanto.com

I have been in search of a soft stick, that when I closed my eyes, moved, connected, and felt like a real rattan stick. When the first SMAK-STIK was placed in my hand, I knew my search was over. In my eyes, SMAK-STIKS are the only soft stick on the market today that can be treated like a real rattan stick. While training for competition and practicing stand up sparring, clench work and stickgrappling, the only sticks you will find in my hands are SMAK-STIKS. Guro Ryan Gruhn REAL CONTACT FIGHTING / TITAN FITNESS 1st Place Winner MD Open 2005 (KALI WORLD COUNCIL)

A couple of my students (Federico Malibago and David Hunter) purchased the 28" Smak-Sticks for the weekly sparring sessions we've been engaging in. As an instructor, I've been sparring with a variety of padded stick designs over the past 10 years and have to tip my hat to you folks for creating a superior and more durable product. Prior products were too flexible or had a rubberized coating that created drag with contact. The heavy nylon sheath is perfect providing the right ammount of slip while the core of the stick remains rigid enough to perform Serrada counters much more accurately! We have recently begun implimenting grappeling in out sparring sessions and last nights session caused a stick to flex fairly aggressively. We were all amazed when the weapon came back to true without any hint of damage or weakening. Congratulations gentlemen, and thank you for creating a superior product! Chris McWethy Instructor of Eskrima Minneapolis, Minnesota

The SMAK-Stiks are excellent - and without a doubt the best padded training sticks I've ever seen! They combine great quality, durability and safety, with a very realistic and stick-like feel. Finally, a padded training stick that can be used not only for full-contact strikes and blocks, but also for disarms, locks and chokes. We use our SMAK-Stiks a lot - not only in stick sparring, but also in our baton, knife and unarmed training - and we recommend them without reservation! Fabian Tell Stockholm Blade Arts www.bladearts.com