THE HISTORY OF ESKRIMA MARTIAL ARTS
It is always helpful to know the origins of any martial arts style. It helps you understand the reason behind the moves, stances, and weapons used in the art form.
The same applies to Eskrima Martial arts.
The various styles of Eskrima originate with the indigenous tribes that inhabited the Philippines. Each tribe had a particular fighting style. The Philippines or the Republic of the Philippines as it is officially called is an archipelago country. It consists of several islands. The islands are categorized into 3 island groups:
• Luzon (North)
• Visayas (Central)
• Mindanao (South)
The styles vary depending on whether they were started in the north, central, or south of the country.
It is believed that Eskrima has been around for quite a long time. Historians state that the first weapon used in Filipino fighting was the Kris (a bladed knife) and its usage dates back to 200 BC.
Europeans came up against the Eskrima martial arts technique when the Portuguese Ferdinand Magellan was soundly defeated by the Raja Lapu-Lapu's men.
After the Philippines islands were colonized, the style was preserved by hiding it within the cultural activities of folklore and dance. The Spanish outlawed the use of swords during colonialization. However, the style endured because the use of rattan sticks was always used in combat among the warring tribes. With the restrictions placed on swords, the use of sticks also evolved.
As with the introduction of a new people into the demographic, culture also changes. The northern tribes integrated European fencing techniques into Eskrima. The southern people who inhabited Mindanao practiced Eskrima that more closely resembled the Malay martial arts techniques.
American soldiers were exposed to Eskrima during World War 2. The rest of the non-Filipino community was introduced during the 1960s.
The sport was recognized as the Philippines National Martial Art and Sport in 2010.
THE 12 ESSENTIAL PRINCIPLES OF ESKRIMA MARTIAL ARTS
Principles are the truths or rules that form the foundation of any system. Principles in martial arts help the student to master the various skills that are taught. While there are subtle variations within Eskrima, there are certain principles that hold across the board.
1. Become one with your weapon
The primary weapon in Eskrima is a stick made of rattan that is roughly the length of your arm. It is called an olise. A student is taught the olise should be considered part of the body. It should never be out of sync with the Eskrimador (the Eskrima fighter). The olise is light so the Eskrimador has exceptional control and it is also unbreakable because it is made of rattan. As such the Eskrimador can depend on his weapon.
( Photo Description
Date 1 October 2011
Source http://www.eskrima.se/
Author Mr.Colling )
2. Senior trains the Junior (Drilling)
The most fundamental drilling exercise is the “1 to 12” In this drill, the student is taught to block 12 basic blows. They usually follow a set pattern. However, as the student improves, moves become more random.
The idea behind these drills is that as the senior teaches the junior student, she perfects her skill with practice. At the same time, the junior is exposed to an advanced skill level and improves faster.
3. There are 12 Angles of Attack
Students are taught 12 angles of attack and their corresponding defenses. The moves are performed with the stick but the skills are transferable to a knife or even bare-handed.
4. Observe your opponent.
The student needs to become a keen observer as an Eskrimador. He/She should maintain eye contact with the opponent. Some fighters look at the position of the upper body or their opponent’s leading elbow. All of these techniques help give the Eskrimador an idea of their opponent’s next move.
5. Clear your mind
Overthinking moves usually end in defeat. A good Eskrimador relies on muscle memory which is way more effective.
6. Make timing and rhythm your ally
A fast move is not necessarily the most efficient one. Learn to utilize the pause when training. A good fighter must learn to spot the opportunity and take advantage of it by using the proper rhythm.
7. The speed of the Eskrima stick is unmatched
A fighter can be struck by an olise before he even knows what is even happening. The blows are unpredictable and faster because the Eskrimador does not wind up.
8. Be economical with your movements
This is one of the fundamental principles of Eskrima martial arts. The Eskrimador should always choose the shortest trajectory.
9. Throws, blocks, and strikes must be delivered with power.
Power is essential in Eskrima martial arts. All arm movements utilize a forceful body twist. Strikes are made more powerful when one slants the body into a blow. Moves also become more powerful when the wrist is twisted or snapped.
10. A relaxed body is mandatory
A relaxed body can speed up faster than a tense one.
11. Control the distance between you and your opponent.
Being able to gauge how far away an opponent is and use the right technique can be the difference between defeat or success. the fighter who controls the distance owns the fight.
12. The right body position is important
The body's position is important whether a fighter is preparing for defense or attack. Proper body position and efficient footwork go hand in hand.
As this Filipino martial arts style becomes more widespread, it is definitely worth looking into.