Escrima is a martial art developed in the Philippines. This style incorporates the use of weapons training from the start. Most sytems begin with open hand training and at advanced levels add the use of weapons. With Escrima this practice is reversed. In Escrima, the use of stick, bo, and knife training enhances hand/eye coordination through the use of the most efficient and realistic weapons training styles in the world. Escrima also is the choice training method for many special forces military units where close range combat can be common place.

History:

It originally was developed by the peoples native to the Philippine Islands centuries before the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan and the Spanish in 1521. At that time, it was in part based on a wavy-edged sword about 30 inches long made of wood called (in at least one dialect) a "kalis" a modern derivative of which is the "kris". Upon their arrival, Magellan's force was engaged in a ferocious battle (or so the legend goes) by the islanders wielding such weapons. Their leader Lapu Lapu killed Magellan and the Spanish were repelled even though the heavily armoured Spanish had superior metal weaponry. Today Lapu Lapu is considered by many to be a national hero of the Philippines (Dr. Jose M. Rizal is the official national hero).

Eventually the Spanish did take over the island, escrima was banned, and the traditional weapons confiscated. The art was subsequently taken underground. The use of kalis shifted to sticks or "baston" commonly made of rattan. Through the years the name of the art changed to the Spanish derivative "arnis de mano". But the martial art and spirit lived on. Today escrima, arnis and, as it is also known, kali continues to be taught in the Philippines and around the world. Masters like the Canetes and Leo Gaje jr. have ensured that escrima/arnis/kali will remain an active and vital martial art.