Eskrima

About the class

The main skills you will develop from starting these classes is, practical and effective self defence skills, better co-ordination, increased confidence, increased levels of fitness and conditioning, and stress release. The option to enter into a belt grading system is also there for you if you so desire.

History

The history of the Filipino martial arts can be seen as highly controversial due to the differing terms used when referring to them (Kali, Eskrima, Arnis) Records of Philippine history date back to 900AD. It is clear that fighting arts have always been an integral part of the Filipino society. The fighting arts of the Philippines, like in many other places, were influenced by many different cultures and made uniquely Filipino by the Filipinos their weapon systems and surroundings.

Filipino Martial arts are known to the Pinoy as its warrior art system and the most recognized name for it in the Philippines is Arnis. The arts are anchored deeply within Philippine culture and history. They have been developed for centuries by a highly civilized people who have constantly fought to defend its self against many oppressors including Spain and America. These factors are responsible for the highly technical and pragmatic outlook of the Filipino Martial Arts.

Filipino martial arts have become increasingly popular not just in the media in films such as The Hunted and Resident Evil but are also taught to military organizations in the USA, Philippines, and elsewhere. The reason for this is down to the arts simplicity and economy of motion. There is the misconception that it is just merely stick fighting, however, the Filipino Martial Arts contain a whole lot more and realistically is one of the worlds most complete martial arts forms. The sticks are just one element of it, empty hand striking, kicking, grappling, locking, throwing and disarming are some of the other elements.

Our comprehensive syllabus has been put together by our Chief Instructor after several years of training within various systems of Filipino Martial arts taught here in the UK and also from training trips to the Philippines for both tournament skills testing and training in with various Masters and Grand Masters of the arts. Some of these include Master Rodel Dagooc, Tony Diego, Yuli Romo, and Jon Escudero. Our unique Filipino Martial Arts syllabus includes principles and techniques from the following styles, Rapid Arnis, Doce Pares, JKD Kali, Illustrisimo, Modern Arnis Classical, Dekiti Tersia Serrada, Arnis De Abanico, Lightning Scientific Arnis and reality based Arnis.

The sport side of Arnis promotes discipline, sportsmanship, loyalty, etiquette, self-control and self-confidence.

These are considered as the Six Cardinal rules of Arnis; it is an art of the Philippines has been represented well by our chief instructor and students globally on the competition circuit as well as within the class as an art form.

Please note that you must purchase membership and insurance if you wish to participate in sparring and certain partner drills in class.

For information about how you can enrol in our Eskrima Class click here.

Timetable for this class: