Self Defence Called Eskrima

Eskrima is a traditional Philippine martial art/self defence. It utilises simple tools that you can find everyday such as sticks,knives, Bladed weapons and various improvised weapons. It also include hand-to-hand combat and weapon disarming techniques.
I grew up learning Tae Kwon Do in lower secondary and stopped right before i went to Royal Military College. I then pick up Jit Kwon Do from my uncle which is already second Dan in TKD. I always believe the human body is already a deadly weapon if we know how to use them. Picking up Eskrima was influenced by my buddy Kelvin Tan. He assured me that it's easy and fun and the hardest part was learning the Wing Chun footwork.
So, about four months ago, i signed up with Sensei Paul Ang - which practices among other, KendoKenjutsu and Eskrima. Eskirma is actually esgrima which is fencing in Spanish. When Philippine were colonized by the Spaniards, they banned all sort of martial arts and the peasants found ways of incorporating the self defence into the Moro-Moro dance, which utilises wooden sticks.
I don't believe there are any Eskrima classes being conducted in Malaysia short of the one that i attended. Here is a video example of the class that has (taught and) made us practice to disarm and counter attack in five swift combination. The weapon used is a 1.25inch rattan stick. Used correctly, it is lethal and able to fend of even if someone were to charge at you with a parang or machete.

don't be fooled by the lady - she is a hard-hitter

Rattan sticks are easily available and they are tough and lethal. It is not illegal to use it as they can be used as hiking sticks as well. Rattan is a cheaper substitute compared to getting an IronWood or Kamagong. However, within the first month of me practicing Eskrima, I have totalled two sticks. The pattern went on the second month when i again, cracked two more rattan sticks. It usually happen when the exponents hit hard enough and with the correct wrist flick to transfer all power to the stick.

Rattan in pieces. Be glad it's not your head.

I am now confident enough to use whatever stick i have to fend for myself should i be attacked. I just hope the person attacking is worthy of the swing.

From the rattan sticks, we progressed to (mock) knife fight. It is more of sharpening the senses and fending off any attack at close quarter.

Some of us were unfortunate enough to be mugged at the ATM in the banks or even when walking down the streets in shadier part of town. The most obvious choice of self defence is aways to RUN. If you could not do so, some of the moves below could help. Just remember that the attackers, unless they are high on drugs, will be as afraid as you. It is like facing off with a dog ready to pounce on you. Whoever that is a tougher fighter will win.

The class is fun with like-minded people practising. There is no dress code as you don't "suit up" in event of being mugged or being robbed. Best is to come as you are. I am usually in my sandals as that is how i am outside of office. 

Sensei Paul is starting another batch of class for all those interested to pick up the martial art as a form of self-defence or to get a good sweat. Location will be at Taman SEA, Petaling Jaya on Sunday Morning. It is RM120/month with classes conducted once a week. Email Sensei Paul Ang if interested.

Customised graphic by one of the Eskrima exponent

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Escrima As Self Defence

I've started to take up a self defence class. I would not call it martial art though the class discipline includes mastering the Wing Chun 16-steps leg work and also a couple of "lion dance" like leg movement. The 90minutes of workout on basic footsteps and stick work sure burns the core muscle and also the upperbody.
What is escrima? Escrima is actually a martial art originated from The Philippines. It has Chinese kungfu influence with the fluid movement and it relies alot of usage of sticks, knife or any handheld weapon. It was taught to the peasants as a way to protect themselves from baddies or invaders. It is simple enough but requires a systematic approach to it.
My decision to pick this up was very much influenced by a buddy that has been training under a sensei that has been practicing this for the past 10 years at least. The thought of using basic everyday items, such as pipes, sticks, rattan, or whatever you can get hold off is what makes it very very practical. A simple tactical torchlight or a 6-inch wood would be a weapon to protect one-self if the exponent are trained to use them.
For the class, i have two sticks of rattan, measured at 26inches each. 26inches is ideal (while some would swear with 27 or 28inches sticks) as it imitates the reach and length of a machete. I've learnt to respect this simple rattan as a weapon. It could be used to disarm and disable a person attacking you. We are taught to face weapon such as machete, cangkul sticks and also another set of rattan. Best defence is always to run away, but if pushed to a corner, rest assured those trained will not hesitate to use what they learnt!
Sensei Paul demand commitment with every swing and stroke we do. Shoulder following through, hip flexing, legs position and wrist snapping is just fundamental. Accuracy, fluid action and power will come with enough practice.
Yesterday, after 3 lessons and a lot of secret training by myself and visualizing how to get things correctly, i never felt more "in one" with the rattan stick. Sensei Paul offered many advices and improvement on technique and i am just eager to learn more. So eager that I cracked both my rattan sticks...and in process, broke one of my sparring partner. I had blisters on both my thumbs due to the flicking motion and today, i woke up with a sore shoulder - a testament on how hard i swung the day before. That too, i was at my 70% to 80% of my full actual power. Time for more refinement got to use more smooth strokes, than brute force.

Each of the rattan above is 1.25inches diameter. Myself and Kerby, my sparring partner found out that if the rattan were hit correctly...it will have burnt smell...and produces smoke, and that is when the rattan will splinter and break.

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