Eskrima

This philipino martial art is practised with any sort of weapons. It is a synthesis of philipino warriors techniques, and spanish and western fencing of the XVIth century.

Origins

When spanish first landed in the philippines, they proved unable to defeat the local warriors, demonstrating a mastery of the art of fighting. When at last the spanish, back in force, made the conquest of the isles, they forbidden the owning of weapns and teaching of their use. So Eskrima (also called kali or arnis), get into hiding, secretly taught like karate in Okinawa, or integrated in ritual dances, as capoeira. Nowadays it is the national philipino martial art, taught in schools, appreciated in sports demonstrations, or used by elite troups in their fight against terrorism.

Concepts

Eskrima is complementary to Wing Shun. Principles, concepts and martial and self-defence philosophy of Eskrima are universally appliable and in complete harmony with those of Wing Shun, Wing Tsun Kung Fu.
The idea is that everyone is carrying a weapon, in the form of keys, newspaper, umbrella, cell phone… or hands. To know how to use efficiently this weapon can help saving your life or the life of loved ones. Once the concepts integrated, there is almost no difference by using empty hands or a weapon to defend oneself against one or several armed opponents.

Teaching

Eskrima keeps a tradition of Middle Age and Chivalry, the teaching of the fight beginning by weapons in order to deshinibate and improve the perception of the fighting distances of the student. So, it teaches the use of all sort of concussion and slashing weapons. By practicising Eskrima you acquire quickness (timing et distance), concentration, power, balance et adaptability.