FMA History

What is Eskrima?

When someone says “Eskrima” (a Spanish word meaning “fencing” or “fighting with blades”), most who have heard the term will think “stick fighting”.  This is true in part, but there is so much more to the art than the swinging of a stick.

Eskrima is a martial art that originated in the Philippine Islands as a means of self-defense, and the preservation of life in a time of war.  

The Origins of Eskrima are centered on the use of a bladed instrument (i.e. sword, knife, or spear).  It was when the Spanish occupied the Philippines and outlawed its people from carrying the longer swords or spears that the use of rattan sticks became the new weapon of choice.  From this, new concepts and techniques that are stick oriented (cannot be performed with a blade) were developed and practiced.

The more modern history of Eskrima has this art being brought over to this country in the late 60′s and early 70′s by masterful practitioners and duelists as Max Sarmiento (master of Kedena de Mano), Leo Giron (master of Larga Mano), Angel Cabales (master and founder of Cabales Serrada) and Remy Presas (master of Kali) who have in turn taught and made other great martial artists such as Dan Inosanto (founder of Inosanto Kali) and Mike Inay (founder of Inayan Eskrima).

What is the Equilibrado Orihinal System of Eskrima?

Equilibrado Orihinal System of Eskrima encompasses the use of the “simple stick”, blades (knives, machetes, and swords), and unarmed combative concepts, techniques, and tactics.  The idea of “make this art your own” and “Your Eskrima” are stressed heavily without limitation to body type, physical capability, or age.  It is the goal of E.O. Eskrima to create a balance of knowledge and application in the practitioner while focusing on timing, flow, and range.  There is a great deal of interaction training to provide that “human element” as well as constant exposure to attack recognition and functional/efficient defense.  From day one the student will jump right in and learn useful and effective concepts for self-defense.