What is bando?

Bando

Bando is a Southeast Asian martial art primarily from Myanmar (Burma). It's a comprehensive system that encompasses armed and unarmed combat techniques, with a strong emphasis on practicality and effectiveness. It is more a name for the martial art but its core principles is considered the most important subject.

Key aspects of Bando include:

• Animal Styles: Bando incorporates movements and fighting strategies based on various animals, such as the bull, cobra, boar, panther, python, scorpion and eagle.

• Forms (Aka): Like many martial arts, Bando utilizes pre-arranged forms that teach fundamental movements, stances, and techniques.

• Weaponry: Bando training often includes the use of traditional Burmese weapons, such as the dha (sword), banshay (staff), and yan pai (shields).

• Theravada Buddhism: It is often associated with Theravada Buddhist monks.