Holding the Bata
The bata is firmly grasped roughly between one third and one half of the way up the stick from the bottom. The thumb should be held along the shaft almost as though one were hitchhiking. It should not be wrapped around the stick. the short end of the stick should reach at least to the point of the elbow when the arm is bent. This is to protect the elbow which was a favorite target. The remaining portion of the stick should should be held free of the hand with the thumb pointing towards the knob or top of the stick. The stick should be held high with the butt end of the stick pointing at the opposition. as can be seen HERE
Prime Targets
The prime targets for attack with the bata are as follows:
1. The head and shoulder area
2. The elbow
3. the hands
4. the knees
5. there are occasional mentions of thrusts into the stomach
6. upward shots into the chin and face area
The boney areas of the body were the obvious targets for the Faction Fighter but I do not think that they purposely kept away from the softer areas of the body as the evidence for thrusts into the body is there.
As in the Philipino traditions the hands, elbows and knees are prime targets. A solid whack in the hand will do more for your cause sometimes than a solid head shot. Also the Faction Fighters were known to stuff their hats with rags or straw to absorb some of the impact of the strikes aimed at the head. A way around the padding is mentioned in some of the descriptions taken down by the Irish Folklore Comission. The stick would be swung low almost touching the ground and then it would quickly be brought up into the face or chin of the opposition.
Defense
Blocks may be made using either the buta (butt) or the ceann (head). While one is not superior for every application there are instances where one is preffered over the other. Of course some attacks will call for certain types of blocks depending on where your bata is in relation to the attack.
If one uses the buta to block or misdirect a strike they will notice that the force of the blow on the buta will cause the ceann of their bata to move a certain way...often in almost an offensive manner. This is one of the reasons I try to use the buta block more often....counterattacks are much easier to achieve when your opponent helps you out.
The left hand is held high in order to protect the upper left side of the body and head (and opposite if you are a southpaw). You can also check your foes stick just as it begins to move. Just make sure you check it close to his hand or you will catch to much of the force.
There is another type of fight called the Troid de Bata which means two stick fight. Another stick is held in the left or offhand and blocks are made with it. I have not experimented too much with this concept yet but plan to do more in the future.
