FMA STYLES
The different styles that comprise the E.O. Eskrima Solution...
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.
The system is derived from seven styles that differ in both range and weapon type. These are:
These styles of Eskrima, and their concepts, have been handed down from Master Instructors Angel Cabales, Max Sarmiento, Leo Giron, and Mike Inay. It is from the teachings of these masters that Equlibrado Orihinal System of Eskrima is based.
Long Range:
- Largo Mano
Largo Mano - "Long Hand" is a long sword/long range style of combat that focuses on distance and reach to achieve its goals. The focus is to stay out of range while evading and dealing damage to opponents who enter into the "zone".
The weapon this style emulated use of is the Kampilan...a long, single edges sword with a hook on the back edge.
Medium Range:
- Dequerdas
Dequerdas - "Rope" or "To Cord" is a short sword/medium range style of combat that focuses on the Basics of the art and sets the groundwork, or fundamentals for the rest of the styles taught. The focus is to use the tool/sword as effectively as possible for the beginner student with evasions, blocks and parry as the primary tools. While considered the more basic of styles, it is n less effective, easier to learn, and highly capable in its own right.
The weapon this style emulated use of is the Bolo, or machete. It is a single edged short sword of varying designs, but meant to be wielded in similar fashion as a machete.
Medium Range:
- Siniwallis
Siniwallis - "To Pattern" or "To Weave" is a short sword/medium range style of combat that uses 2 swords to create a whirling, weaving entity of doom.
The weapon this style emulated use of is the Bolo, Kris, or machete. These can be single or double edges swords of equal length and weight.
Medium/Short Range:
- Serrada
Serrada - "To Shut" or "To Close" is a short sword/medium to short range style of combat that focuses on a more advanced use of the art through use of the live hand as well as the tool. The focus is to be capable of engagement in the short range using advanced techniques and tactics.
The weapon this style emulated use of is the Barong...a "leaf-shaped" blade. It is a single edged short sword that is thick and used for close to medium ranged attacks and counters.
Medium/Short Range:
- Kedena de Mano
Panantukan (Boxing)
Kedena de Mano / Panantukan (Boxing) - KDM translates to "Chain of Hands" and has been nicknamed "Chained Lightning" because of the speed at which the practitioner moves at. The Panantukan section of KDM is also referred to as "Dirty Boxing". The focus of this style is sting, evade, block, punch, and counter-punch using techniques not acceptable in competitive boxing.
Medium/Short Range:
- Kedena de Mano
Empty Hands
Kedena de Mano / Empty Hands - KDM translates to "Chain of Hands" and has been nicknamed "Chained Lightning" because of the speed at which the practitioner moves at. The Empty Hands section of KDM is designed to develop hand speed while also placing a great deal of focus on limb destruction, pressure sensitive nerve attacks, take-downs, throws, locks, and chokes.
A sub-set or "express" version of this style is presented as "PSNA" (Pressure Sensitive Nerve Application) that is offered in a seminar format.
Medium/Short Range:
- Kedena de Mano
Knife
Kedena de Mano /Knife - KDM translates to "Chain of Hands" and has been nicknamed "Chained Lightning" because of the speed at which the practitioner moves at. The Knife section of KDM is designed to teach both offensive and defensive techniques and tactics, safety when working with edged tools, the dangers of a knife wound, and the disarming of an edged weapon assailant.
A sub-set or "express" version of this style is presented as "Reactive Knife" that is offered in a seminar format.
These styles of Eskrima, and their concepts, have been handed down from Master Instructors Angel Cabales, Max Sarmiento, Leo Giron, and Mike Inay. It is from the teachings of these masters that Equlibrado Orihinal System of Eskrima is based.