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In cockfighting, the gaffer is the person responsible for attaching blades or gaffs to the rooster’s legs before a match. Their skill can determine not just how long a bird lasts in the pit, but whether it wins at all.
Across different countries, gaffing methods have evolved based on local preferences, cultural traditions, and fighting styles. From the swift-slashing techniques of the Philippines to the knife-heavy duels of Mexico, regional gaffer techniques vary in blade type, tying style, and ritual.
This article explores the fascinating world of cockfighting gaffers and how their methods differ around the world.
Philippines: Fast Hands, Razor Precision
In the Philippines, cockfighting—locally known as sabong—is not only legal but also deeply rooted in tradition. Gaffers, referred to as mananari or taga-tari, are prized for their speed, precision, and intimate knowledge of the sport.
The typical blade used is a single-edged, curved slasher called a tari, designed to deliver quick, clean kills. Gaffers attach these blades using a fine cotton thread, wax, and glue, ensuring they remain secure through the flurry of motion in the pit.
Birds are held upside down during the tying process to align the blade with the natural angle of the leg movement. Filipino gaffers often develop loyal followings, with breeders trusting them based on their experience, game farm familiarity, and handling of specific bloodlines.
Mexico: The Art of the Short Knife
Cockfighting in Mexico features a very different pace and strategy, typically centred around the short knife, or navaja corta. These blades are thicker and designed to penetrate deeply rather than slash. Gaffers in this region focus on tightly binding the gaff with coarse thread and adhesive tape to ensure maximum blade stability.
Roosters are often trained to carry the heavier blades, and the gaffer’s role extends into preparing the bird for this added weight. Many Mexican gaffers are affiliated with specific breeders or fighting circuits and may even travel across states or countries for major derbies.
There’s a ritualistic element as well, where the gaffer is often responsible for cleaning and maintaining the blades post-fight.
United States (Southern States): Long Knife and American Gaff
In parts of the southern United States where cockfighting continues underground, gaffers typically employ either long knives or American-style round-tip gaffs.
Long knives are tied using multiple loops and strong adhesive, with a focus on precise alignment for maximum striking efficiency. Round-tip gaffs, meanwhile, are curved and resemble a rooster’s natural spur, often preferred for matches judged on endurance rather than fast kills.
Gaffers in this region commonly use jigs or positioning frames to standardise the angle and length of each gaff, reducing human error. Some also use a “safety tie” technique to secure the blade even further. The best gaffers earn reputations not just for successful ties but also for their role in repeated winning streaks.
Puerto Rico: Lightweight Precision and Formality
In Puerto Rico, cockfighting is regulated by law, and the role of the gaffer is formalized. The most commonly used gaffs are lightweight and flat, designed for speed and agility rather than brute force. Gaffers must match the blade’s size and shape to the bird’s weight and leg length, often performing the entire tying process in front of officials to ensure compliance with strict rules.
Gaffing is done under intense scrutiny, and birds are weighed before the fight to ensure fairness. Many Puerto Rican gaffers come up through apprenticeships, learning from experienced professionals. Their work is meticulous, blending speed with precision while remaining within legal bounds.
Indonesia and Thailand: Bare-Heel and Steel Spurs
In Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia and Thailand, cockfighting often takes the form of bare-heel matches, though steel spurs are sometimes used in specific formats.
When blades are involved, they are typically smaller and attached more loosely than in other regions. The priority is not instant lethality but showcasing the bird’s skill, stamina, and technique. Gaffers in these regions are known for lightweight ties and minimal interference with the rooster’s leg movement.
Traditional balms, oils, or herbs may be applied to the bird before combat, a ritual as much as a practical aid. In some cases, the gaffer may also oversee the bird’s care after the match, further emphasising their holistic role.
Africa and Latin America: Adaptation and Ingenuity
In parts of Africa and Latin America where cockfighting occurs informally or semi-legally, gaffers often work with limited resources, making adaptability a crucial skill. Techniques are often passed down locally rather than through formal training.
Blades vary in shape and size, and gaffers might modify tools on the spot to suit the bird or the conditions of the pit. Tying techniques are adjusted for each match, with some gaffers innovating with locally available materials. There is a strong emphasis on improvisation, and many gaffers earn respect not just for clean ties but also for their ability to work under pressure with minimal tools.
What Makes a Good Gaffer?
Across all regions, a good gaffer combines anatomical knowledge, steady hands, and years of practice. The ideal blade angle, tie tension, and bird preparation all depend on the gaffer’s judgement and experience.
They must adjust to the bird’s body type, leg strength, and fighting style—sometimes in mere seconds. A single misaligned blade can ruin a match. In elite circles, breeders and handlers often remain loyal to a trusted gaffer whose methods align with their bloodline and philosophy.
Final Thoughts
Gaffers may work behind the scenes, but they’re vital to the outcome of every cockfight. Each region brings its own traditions, techniques, and expectations—from the swift slashing precision of Filipino sabong to the calculated endurance battles of American-style bouts.
Whether legal or underground, formal or improvised, gaffing is an art—one that reflects both the heritage and the evolution of cockfighting culture.
