Eskrima Techniques With Long Sticks

Escrima is a Filipino martial art that primarily involves the use of sticks as weapons. Escrima sticks vary in length with the shortest being around 24 inches and longer sticks being somewhere in the range of 29 to 32 inches. Longer escrima sticks are generally employed for what are known as largo mano, or long range techniques. These techniques allow you to strike opponents from a greater distance.

  1. Proper Grip

    • Having a proper grip on your stick is a fundamental technique that is essential to performing any kind of attack or defense in escrima. There are two basic grips for the long escrima stick. Some choose to grip the stick with about a fist's worth of room left below their grip. Others choose to grip it right at the bottom for more extension. Either way you grip it, it's important that the thumb be extended to brace the stick for leverage. Grip your stick firmly but not tightly to allow some flexibility in delivering attacks.

    Linear Strikes

    • Linear strikes are strikes that are delivered on a straight or slightly angled trajectory. These are the most basic and direct of escrima strikes and can be delivered effectively to the head or body.

    Circular Strikes

    • Circular strikes allow you to generate additional power. They are performed by moving your arm in a circular motion around your head, body or over your shoulder. This circular motion allows you to get more wind up on your strike, similar to what a pitcher in baseball might do. This wind up allows for added power and penetration when you strike. Circular strikes make good follow-up strikes when they are delivered immediately following a linear strike.

    The Hook

    • The hook is delivered by employing the butt end of your escrima stick when you have choked up on it. By stepping in close to your opponent you can use the short end of your stick to hook them around the neck and bring them to the ground. It's also possible to use the hook to control an opponent's limb or disarm them.