description Yaw-Yan Overview
Yaw-Yan is a Filipino martial art developed by Napoleon Fernandez and introduced publicly in 1972. Its name is commonly expanded from sayaw kamatayan, translated as "dance of death," and its training centers on striking rather than weapon-focused practice. The style is associated with punches, elbows, and forceful kicks, including downward-cutting kicks, and is studied by practitioners of Filipino combat sports and self-defense.
help Yaw-Yan FAQ
Who founded Yaw-Yan and when was it created?
Yaw-Yan was developed by Filipino martial artist Napoleon Fernandez and introduced publicly in 1972. It is one of the homegrown Filipino fighting systems created in the 20th century, alongside better-known arts like Arnis/Eskrima.
What does the name Yaw-Yan actually mean?
The name is commonly expanded from 'sayaw kamatayan,' which translates as 'dance of death.' The name is often shortened to 'Yaw-Yan' in everyday use in the Philippines.
How is Yaw-Yan different from Muay Thai?
Both are striking-heavy arts that use fists, elbows, knees, and shins, so Yaw-Yan is frequently described as the Philippine answer to Muay Thai. Yaw-Yan places distinctive emphasis on a wide arsenal of kicks, including spinning techniques, and some schools also incorporate weapon work drawn from traditional Filipino blade arts.
Can you still train or watch Yaw-Yan competitions today?
Yes, gyms in the Philippines still teach it, with organizations tracing lineage back to Napoleon Fernandez keeping the style alive. Yaw-Yan-trained fighters have appeared on Philippine fight cards over the years, including events run by promotions such as URCC.
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