Eskrima or Escrima refers to Filipino Martial Arts that emphasize stick and sword fighting. Other terms which have common usage include Kali (martial art of the Philippines) and Arnis de Mano (harness of the hands), occasionally the abbreviation FMA (Filipino Martial Arts) is used. Eskrima and Arnis are some of the many names primarily used in the Philippines today to refer to these arts.

This type of training is super – especially for beginners – as it is actually easy and very natural to learn, unlike some styles of Karate and Kung Fu. No training in static postures or stances. It allows a person with a light baton of rattan, or a modern, lightweight telescopic steel baton to face down multiple attackers at one time and will defeat any other weapon short of a gun against most attackers. It is the preferred weapon for defense against a knife as well – since the reach advantage is in the hands of the stick fighter. The learning time is minimal to attain enough skill to defend yourself from “most” attackers too! 

Using a simple steel baton for self defense purposes is very good choice. The baton is used as an extension of your arm, and lends itself to a natural and swift learning curve. It doesn’t take long to learn a few of the basic strikes and blocks. Although some formal training is excellent, it can be learned by watching a video tape – it’s really easy to learn if you give it a fair try!

The weapon, whether rattan or lightweight steel is light and almost anyone can swing one with devastating force in a very short time.  A strike to the head is going to be the end of the fight and possibly the attacker’s life – use caution with power shots to the head and neck – unless your life is on the line!