Eskrima Training

Eskrima is a martial art originating in the Philippines that relies heavily on hand-to-hand weaponry in its training methods. While many other styles do not train in weapons until a student is already advanced in the style, Eskrima starts its training with a 30-inch stick called a rattan. The stick is both a weapon in its own right and can also simulate a short sword. Eskrima training is very demanding and requires constant repetition.

  1. Well-Rounded

    • While Eskrima is known for the use of the rattan and its emphasis on weapons training early-on, it is also a surprisingly well-rounded system that incorporates striking, grappling and ground submissions into its overall repertoire. This does differentiate Eskrima training from other martial arts styles such as Tae Kwon Do or Jiu Jitsu, which focus almost entirely on stand-up fighting and ground grappling respectively. For example, Eskrima will teach a practitioner to choke out an opponent with a rattan or to use the stick for leverage in a throw, allowing the student to finish the fight on the ground.

    Use of Forms

    • Many martial arts styles rely on forms, or katas, in their training. These are arrangements of predetermined movements that a student practices over and over again to demonstrate disciplined motion and mastery of art. Eskrima largely abandons these principles in favor of two-person forms, which are combat simulations designed to specifically get a student accustomed to various attacks so he automatically responds with the proper defense and counterstrike. The emphasis on two-person forms helps simulate combat situations more realistically, which better prepares the student for self-defense.

    Weaponry First

    • Eskrima teaches weapons immediately because the student has to learn and demonstrate speed, timing and coordination in the handling of the rattan and other weaponry to develop skills that will aid the student in unarmed combat, as well. If the student gets accustomed to the handling of the rattan, his arms and hands will move faster when not carrying the rattan's weight and this adds speed to strikes.

    Multiple Opponents

    • Eskrima places an extra emphasis on the defense against multiple opponents. This is useful in many street situations where you could be realistically facing more than one attacker. Eskrima also focuses on strikes and techniques that are intended to be disabling or lethal when the student is outnumbered. While this could result in legal issues when misused during self-defense, it can also save the life of the practitioner when placed in a situation where his own life is endangered.