Monday 18:30 – 20:00
Eskrima (sometimes referred to as escrima, kali, or arnis) is the national martial art of the Philippines and is one of the most interesting and varied martial arts a person can study. Whilst it is predominantly focused on using the stick as a weapon it also delves deeply into unarmed combat, grappling and the use of knives and other edged weapons. It is a true hybrid martial art.
Eskrima draws heavily on influences from other martial arts and has done throughout much of history starting with the initial origins of the art, right through Spanish colonisation from 1521 to 1898, and it continues to hybridise itself to this day, taking useful techniques that are effective and relevant and incorporating them into itself. This continual reinvention ensures that the art stays fresh and relevant whilst still being deeply respectful to its traditional roots.
In the styles of eskrima that we study at the York School of Defence the single stick is used as the primary tool for understanding techniques. We also explore the unarmed side of eskrima with punches, kicks, elbows, knees and grappling, as well as considering the use of two sticks, longer sticks, knives, and improvised weapons. No matter where your interests lie eskrima features something for everyone.
Traditionally eskrima schools do not spar, however we try to incorporate it frequently into our training at the York School of Defence. Unless a technique can be pressure tested it is arguably useless, and as such whilst sparring is not mandatory it is highly encouraged. For safety reasons varying levels of protective equipment and padded sticks can be used for sparring.
Absolutely no equipment or experience are required for our eskrima classes, just get in touch and let us know you would like to try a session. Sticks are provided and the club has protective equipment we can loan out should it be required. Eskrima is great fun and our syllabus ensures that you will learn a variety of different weapon and unarmed based skills all based on the same body mechanics and martial principles.