Fighting is in our blood as humans, and we have been developing different forms of fighting as long as we have been on this planet.
Almost every region of the world has its distinct style of combat.
The Chinese have Kung fu, the Japanese have Judo and karate, Brazilians have capoeira, Russians have Sambo, and so on.
However, one martial art, having its origins in the Philippines, is not as common as the others.
We are talking about Escrima.
And in fact this martial art takes a completely backward approach when compared to a lot of other martial arts styles – and NOT in a bad way. But a unique and effective way.
You may not have known it but Escrima has appeared in the fighting scenes of different big movies.
This includes:
- Netflix 2020 – The Old Guard
- Used by Batista in The Scorpion King 3
- 2011 movie Hanna with Eric Bana
- 2010 by Denzel Washington in Book of Eli. According to Wikipedia, Washington trained for months under grand Master Dan Inosanto.
It was even used against Bruce Lee in Game of Death where fights his student and friend and Escrima Masters Dan Inosanto.
What is Escrima?
Escrima is the national martial art of the Phillipines and the name is a localization of the Spanish word for fencing, esgrima.
This martial art focuses on fighting with weapons, primarily sticks, swords, and knives.
It is known in the Philippines by many names like FMA, Arnis de Máno, which translates to“harness of the hand;” and Kali.
Weapons Before Fists
In this Filippino martial art, weapons are actually taught before hand to hand fighting.
This is almost completely backward to what is taught by most other martial arts which focus on empty hand techniques first.
It is also believed that sticks or really any weapons taught in this style are “extensions of the hands” themselves.
And as such training with the sticks also allows you to train without weapons by applying principles and technique.
Origins of Escrima
One theory on the origins of this Fillipino fighting style which makes sense is that it came from India via Indonesia and Malaysia.
It is believed by some that this style may have its roots in the ancient Indian stick and satff based fighting style known as Silambam.
It is believed that the Indian stick fighting style of Silambam also influenced the Indonesia/Malay martial art style of Pencak Silat.
History of Escrima
This ancient martial art predates the Spanish occupation in 1521 and was quite popular in the country.
The practitioners, also called Escrimadors or Kalistas used to wield sticks and daggers, but the most common and deadly weapon of choice was the bolo knife, which is a large blade similar to a machete.
The Filipino people used Escrima to fight against the Spanish invasion, however, after Spain occupied them, its practice was banned, and carrying Bolos or other similar weapons was also illegal.
However, the Filipino people were resilient, and they continued to practice the martial art in secret.
In many uprisings and revolts during the Spanish rule, the Filipino people used local and national martial arts to up rise against Spanish rule.
Though the Practice of Escrima was allowed after the US took over the Philippines in 1898 the Filipino people still continued to practice the martial art in secret.
Philosopohy and Practice of Escrima
The philosophy and fighting concepts of this style are quite simple since the martial art was formed for battle when you need to train soldiers effectively and quickly.
Though the basics can be taught in a short period of time, and are great for self-defense, the high-level techniques, and their mastery can take quite a long time.
Escrima gives importance to footwork, which is essential to get the right angles for an attack in battle.
The practitioners use a lower stance and are trained to fight with multiple attackers, using weapons and their hands as well.
Here is a fun fact, the great Bruce Lee also learned this Fillipno style from his student and good friend, Grand MAster Dan Inosanto.
Inosanto is a high level Master in Fillipino martial arts and many other styles including Jeet Kune Do and BJJ.
The Fillipino style and can be seen showcasing its techniques during Bruce and Insoanto’s stick fighting scenes in the film Game of Death.
What is an escrima stick?
Escrima Sticks are the popular weapon of choice for most practitioners these days.
They are the easiest to get, can be carried easily, and are ideal for self-defense.
Traditionally, these sticks were made of lightweight and flexible wood like rattan and wax wood, however, these days other materials like aluminium, plastic, and steel may also be used.
There is no specific length for these sticks however, usually, they are 26 inches long and about an inch thick.
The techniques learned for Escrima Sticks can also be performed with simple retractable batons, which are a lot easier to carry, and are more concealable.
Are Escrima sticks illegal?
Well, that might change depending on where you are from.
But at least in the US, and most other countries in the world, it is not illegal to own or carry Escrima sticks.
These sticks are quite simple, and though carrying them is legal, you could get into trouble if you hurt someone with them.
But there is a case for self defense in terms of legality. And if the escrima sticks were used mainly for self defense against an attacker.
Learn Escrima Online
Escrima is not an easy martial art to find in terms of teachers and instructors or schools and academy’s.
So if you want to get an introduction to Escrima or even to take online learning serio0usly with dedicate practice, below are some great places to learn Escrima online.
Escrima Online Academy
The Escrima Online Academy is run by Grandmaster Rene Latosa. Based in the United States, Grandmaste Latosa is one of the most prominent figures in the Esrcima martial arts scene today.
he has also made Escrima martial arts available to be learned at home through his online academy.
https://www.escrima-online.com/
Hybrid FMA Gym
Based out of London, England, 6th degree blackbelt and World Champion Master Alex, has made the Escrima Fillipino martial arts available to learn online,
this online platform allows you to learn online at home from teachers with over 20 years experience in Escrima and Filippino martial arts.
