Introduction: What Is Panantukan and Why It Matters

Panantukan, often known as Filipino dirty boxing or mano-mano, is one of the most practical and effective striking systems in the world of self-defence. Unlike traditional boxing, Panantukan DVDs incorporate elbows, headbutts, shoulder bumps, hand traps, low kicks, and limb destruction into their arsenal. It’s a system born from the Filipino martial arts (FMA) family, including Eskrima and Kali, but adapted for empty-hand combat.

Unlike competitive fighting styles you see in rings or tournaments, Panantukan was shaped by everyday reality. It’s built for the kind of messy, unpredictable situations that happen up close — where there’s no referee, no rules, and every second matters. It’s not flashy but technical useface, which is why people who train in it aren’t just fighters. Who are working regular individuals, want to feel safer walking home at night, others are martial artists looking to expand their skill set, and some work in security or law enforcement, where real-world effectiveness truly counts. And one of the best ways to learn it without needing a local instructor is through Panantukan DVDs.

Why Learn Panantukan from DVDs?

If you don’t have a local Filipino martial arts school or prefer learning at your own pace, Panantukan DVD training courses are a powerful option. They offer structure, progression, and flexibility that online clips or random tutorials often lack.

Structured, Progressive Learning

Most quality Panantukan DVD sets follow a step-by-step approach. They start with fundamentals like stance, guard, and footwork, then build into advanced trapping, limb destruction, and dirty boxing combinations. This progression ensures you develop a strong foundation before moving to more complex techniques.

Train Anytime, Anywhere

With DVDs or downloadable training videos, you can train at home, in your garage, or even while travelling. The ability to pause, rewind, and rewatch techniques makes it easier to master difficult details.

Replay and Review for Faster Mastery

Because Panantukan relies heavily on angles, timing, and subtle movement, the ability to repeatedly watch techniques is a major advantage. Unlike live classes, DVDs let you review the same lesson as many times as necessary.

Perfect Supplement to Live Training

Even if you attend regular classes, DVDs help reinforce what you’ve learned. They allow you to study techniques in depth and catch details you might have missed during live instruction.

How to Choose the Best Panantukan DVD Set

Not all Panantukan training materials are created equal. To get the most out of your investment, look for DVDs with the following qualities:

• Expert Instructors: Choose a DVD taught by someone with real-world FMA experience and proven fighting credentials.
• Step-by-Step Curriculum: The best DVDs guide you from basics to advanced levels logically.
• Clear Visuals and Angles: Look for videos with multiple camera angles and slow-motion replays.
• Real-World Application: Techniques should include context, partner drills, and scenarios.
• Supplementary Materials: Bonus PDFs or training guides can help structure your learning.

When these factors come together, you’ll get a training experience that rivals an in-person class.

Top Panantukan DVDs for Learning Filipino Dirty Boxing

Choosing the right training material can make all the difference. Here are some of the most popular and highly regarded Panantukan DVD sets available today:

Dirty Boxing Mastery Course by Daniel Sullivan

One of the best-selling Filipino dirty boxing courses on the market, this 4-disc series takes you from basic trapping and eye jabs to advanced elbow flows and counterattacks. Sullivan’s teaching style is clear and practical, focusing on real-world self-defence.

Why it’s worth it:

• Progressive lessons for all skill levels
• Partner drills and scenario training
• Bonus downloadable training guides

Ron Balicki’s Panantukan Vol. 1–3 Series

Ron Balicki’s series is perfect for both beginners and advanced practitioners. It covers fundamental striking, footwork, trapping, and flow drills with detailed explanations.

Highlights:

• Strong emphasis on trapping and transition work
• Practical drills for real-world application
• Clear instructions and an easy-to-follow structure

Ted Lucaylucay’s Filipino Dirty Boxing DVD

A concise yet powerful course that blends blade awareness with empty-hand fighting. Lucaylucay’s approach teaches you how traditional weapons training enhances hand-to-hand combat.

Best for: Martial artists looking to combine weapon defence principles with dirty boxing skills.

GM Angelo’s Filipino Dirty Boxing Digital Series

If you prefer online learning, GM Angelo’s downloadable video series is an excellent alternative. It includes detailed breakdowns of angles, trapping, and real-life application drills.

Benefits:

• Instant digital access
• Easy to store and train anywhere
• Updated techniques and ongoing additions

How to Train with Panantukan DVDs Effectively

Watching a Panantukan training video is just the first step. To truly absorb the material and build real skill, follow a structured training approach:

Start with Fundamentals

Spend the first few weeks mastering the basics: stance, guard, movement, and simple strikes. These are the building blocks of every technique that follows.

Practice Slowly and With Intention

Don’t rush. Focus on correct angles, body mechanics, and timing. Use mirrors or film yourself to check your technique against the instructor’s demonstration.

Add Resistance and Pressure

When you’re ready, introduce partner drills, pad work, or light sparring to test your techniques under pressure. This helps you bridge the gap between practice and reality.

Create a Weekly Training Plan

Break your training into clear phases. For example:

• Weeks 1–2: Basic punches, movement, and defence
• Weeks 3–4: Trapping, limb destructions, and clinch work
• Weeks 5–6: Combinations, counters, and sparring integration

This structured approach ensures consistent progress over time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Training from DVDs

Even with the best Panantukan DVD set, many learners make avoidable mistakes. Here are the top ones and how to fix them:

• Skipping Basics: Don’t jump into advanced techniques too quickly. A strong foundation is essential.
• Practicing Without Purpose: Always know what you’re trying to improve in each session.
• Ignoring Defence: Panantukan is as much about defence and control as it is about offence.
• Not Recording Yourself: Self-review is one of the best ways to identify and fix mistakes.
• Lack of Realistic Practice: Techniques must eventually be tested against resistance and unpredictability.

Conclusion: Start Your Panantukan Journey Today

Panantukan is more than just another martial art — It’s a total root system of self-defence in centuries of Filipino combat tradition. Its emphasis on close-range striking, trapping, and real-world application makes it one of the most effective martial arts you can learn. And with high-quality Panantukan DVDs, you can study this powerful system from anywhere, at your own pace, and with a structured plan that ensures steady progress.

If you are a fresher or a beginner looking to create a valuable and strong foundation or an experienced martial artist adding new tools to your arsenal, learning Filipino dirty boxing through DVD courses is one of the smartest ways to elevate your training. Start with a reputable instructor, follow a progressive plan, and practice with intention. Over time, you’ll develop the timing, precision, and confidence that make Panantukan one of the most respected and practical martial arts in the world.

Now is the perfect time to press play on your journey. Explore the best Panantukan DVD sets, dedicate yourself to consistent practice, and master the art of Filipino dirty boxing — one lesson at a time.