Eskrima (aka kali, arnis de mono) is a philipino form of fighting that prodomanetly uses a stick as its main weapon. They do teach empty hand techniques, but later on in training. Alot of people say its very good, esspecially www.dogbrothers.com (they are pyscos :P)
Escrima or Eskrima Means to "skirmish" or "to fight". In 1543, Ruy de Villalobos, sailed from New Spain (Mexico), landed south of Mindanao and proceeded to name the entire archipelago the Philippines afer King Phillip II of Spain. It was not until 1565 that Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, authorized by Phillip II, colonized the island of Cebu, and a foot hold was secured in the Philippines. When the Spaniards traveled to the island of Luzon in 1570, they found it inhabited by Filipino, Chinese, and Indonesian cross-cultures, and upon thier arrival they were confronted by Eskrimadors (eskrima warriors) whose fighting methods were far more advanced and exceeded their own. But the spaniards, using firearms, defeated the people of Luzon. From then on, the art of Eskrima was prohibited, but still was practiced and profected by a dedicated few. The art were then preserved in native ritual dances called sinulog that had mock battles with swords as finales. These performances were Ironically performed for the spaniards enjoyment. During the 330 yr of Spanish reign, after many skirmishes w/ the Spanish fencing exponents and after a careful observation, the art was then altred. Many training methods were dropped and amny new concepts and techniques were added. This, coupled wth the influence of the spanish culture and language (Escrima) aka (Arnis de Mano-"harness of the hand"). It was the Spanish Rapier and dagger systems that had the greatest influence on the development of Escrima/Eskrima. The use of numbered angles of attack as well as what have become traditional escrima uniforms were both influenced by the Spanish. Many of the top Filipino Martial Artist who teach Escrima today still use Spanish terminology rather then the native Tagalog. (history of Eskrima)
There are many different variations of the Filipino Stick/Knife fighting arts that are termed Kali-Escrima-Arnis. The thing to realize is they are simular yet different. Serrada Escrima, Giron Escrima, De Cueradas Escriam, Espada Y Daga, Lamaco Eskrima, Largo Mano, Medio, Corto Eskrima, are just a few that are called Escrima/Eskrima that have simulariteis and differences. KALI which has many different names and variations are mostly looked at as the Bladed Mother Art of the Philippines. Arnis another system of the FMA that is based on the stick where as Escrima focuses on a shorter version stick w/ shorter movements and usually has use of a dagger in the other hand ie. Espada Y daga an Spanish term for Sword and Dagger.
I hope this somewhat helps you......I konw its long...but I have found that the Filipino Martial Arts have deep history and is known as some of the fiercest forms of combative Martial Arts that are still used today and taught to the Military and Police forces the world over.
Thanks for the history my question does a boxing foot i.e. ali style footwork complement kali stick fighting. Double stick. I know that dan inosanto respect his sifu footwork does this modern concept adds another angle.
The flow is continous and is not interrupted and predictable. Is this how you express yourself, i.e. your martial art. 4 before you can be an ass and to one. Like that one no logic but see that your answered your own conclusion without answering(understanding of self and reactions). Yes thinking is an art that must be recovered just like JKD.
This message has been edited by paksao on Apr 24, 2004 6:18 AM
