Eskrima, which is also known as Arnis (De Mano) or Kali, is the indigenous martial art of the Philippine Islands. Dynamic and flexible, with a wide range of training methods it can be practised by students of all ages and levels of fitness. Well known and respected as a highly practical weapons-based system, Eskrima is practised worldwide by civilians, law enforcement personnel and special units within the military. Eskrima uses training weapons (rattan sticks and daggers) from the earliest stages, alongside purely unarmed techniques. These training methods have been found particularly effective at increasing co-ordination and reflexes, providing a fast track to developing the qualities needed for practical self-defence. This fascinating book traces the history and evolution of this art form. It highlights Eskrima's essential principles and concepts. The instructional section illustrates how the Eskrimador is able to succeed in a wide range of combat situations involving fighting with both weapons and open-hands. Techniques, two-person flow drills, self-defence applications, training with specialized equipment, the philosophy of the art and 'self-defence and the law' are all covered in depth.

Sonny Umpad's Eskrima provides insight on Maestro Santiago “Sonny” Umpad's life, philosophy, and teaching methods, as well as the structural underpinnings of his system. Born with the soul of a warrior, the intellect of a scholar, and a zealot's devotion to his art, Maestro Santiago "Sonny" Umpad forged an enduring contribution to the rich and colorful history of Filipino martial culture. In 1976, after immigrating to the United States, Sonny founded the school of Visayan Style Corto Kadena & Larga Mano Eskrima—rooted in his training in the Philippines and tested by a hard and dangerous life on the streets, Sonny's system was above all else practical. As Sonny's reputation as a talented fighter became well-known, he began to cross-train with masters of other martial arts, including Jesse Glover (Bruce Lee's first student) and Wally Jay (founder of Small Circle Jujitsu). One of the most innovative and visionary exponents of the Filipino arts, Sonny pioneered the concept of "mixed martial arts" long before the term was in use. Instructor George Yore has assembled the writings of six of Sonny's students (including Wade Williams, 2012 nominee for the U.S. Martial Arts Hall of Fame) to create a biographic homage to this remarkable martial artist; basic techniques and applications are also demonstrated, accompanied by 130 step-by-step photos. Practitioners of Filipino martial arts—as well as mixed martial artists and security specialists—will find valuable instruction in techniques and applications, while the thousands of people touched by Sonny's teachings will gain a new understanding of this notoriously reclusive master's life—and how his experiences informed the development of his system.

Kabaroan is the Filipino martial art and system of fencing and self-defense. Specifically, it is the traditional way of fighting with hand weapons or hand-arms (armas de mano), such as bolos, swords called kampilans (cutlasses), spears, iron-wood sticks, and fire-hardened staves. This comprehensive weapon system is broken down into techniques of Sensilla, Bambolia and Compuesta with methods known as Tiradin and Todasan. No wonder the May 1990 issue of Black Belt Magazine saw fit to write on its front cover that Kabaroan is "The Best of Filipino Arnis." Illustrated with over 400 photographs, this book offers deep insight into the history, art, training and techniques of Kabaroan Eskrima as taught by GM Ramiro Estalilla, Jr. All FMA practitioners need to learn this rare and unique Eskrima system.

Cebuano Eskrima: Beyond the Myth boldly unravels with compelling and provocative hypothesis on the Hispanic origins of the Filipino Martial Arts known as eskrima, arnis and estokada The last vestiges of the extinct European medieval fencing could be found indirectly linked to Filipino eskrima The authors present prima facie evidence on the fraud of the supposedly precursor art called kali A more plausible theory on the origins of eskrima are presented in startling detail from its early beginnings as a defense against Moro pirates and slave traders and its later fusion with Spanish fencing through the Jesuit warrior priests during the pivotal years 1635-1644, the height of Spanish rapier fencing in Europe during the Renaissance It also presents a comprehensive chronology on the development of eskrima in Cebu, a meticulous commentary of Cebuano pioneers and innovators of eskrima and elucidates the pre-eminence of Visayans in the art of eskrima / arnis / estokada As both authors are practitioners of this martial art, technicalities in eskrima never before detailed in other materials on the subject are carefully discussed in the book Other interesting topics related to eskrima like the esoteric practices and healing modalities are also explained in fascinating detail.

Covering a variety of preparatory stretches and warm-up exercises, the 12-zone striking and defense systems, hand-to-hand combat ("trapping hands”), flow-practice drills, sinawali and redonda, this 160-page, fully illustrated text gives novices a tangible amount of self-defense skill through specific drills. For example, the sinawali is taught without sticks, in empty-hand fashion, to illustrate how its weaving motions can be easily translated into empty-hand movements for blocking, punching, and takedowns. He discusses the 12 important angles of attacks on the human body, 12 basic ways of dealing with each angle, plus stick and sword disarming techniques.

Sonny Umpad's Eskrima provides insight on Maestro Santiago “Sonny” Umpad's life, philosophy, and teaching methods, as well as the structural underpinnings of his system. Born with the soul of a warrior, the intellect of a scholar, and a zealot's devotion to his art, Maestro Santiago "Sonny" Umpad forged an enduring contribution to the rich and colorful history of Filipino martial culture. In 1976, after immigrating to the United States, Sonny founded the school of Visayan Style Corto Kadena & Larga Mano Eskrima—rooted in his training in the Philippines and tested by a hard and dangerous life on the streets, Sonny's system was above all else practical. As Sonny's reputation as a talented fighter became well-known, he began to cross-train with masters of other martial arts, including Jesse Glover (Bruce Lee's first student) and Wally Jay (founder of Small Circle Jujitsu). One of the most innovative and visionary exponents of the Filipino arts, Sonny pioneered the concept of "mixed martial arts" long before the term was in use. Instructor George Yore has assembled the writings of six of Sonny's students (including Wade Williams, 2012 nominee for the U.S. Martial Arts Hall of Fame) to create a biographic homage to this remarkable martial artist; basic techniques and applications are also demonstrated, accompanied by 130 step-by-step photos. Practitioners of Filipino martial arts—as well as mixed martial artists and security specialists—will find valuable instruction in techniques and applications, while the thousands of people touched by Sonny's teachings will gain a new understanding of this notoriously reclusive master's life—and how his experiences informed the development of his system.

In the art of Eskrima, few names stand out like the late Edgar Sulite's. He dedicated his life to mastering the art of Eskrima and put his reputation on the line, taking challenges for money and honor. He earned the confidence of a collection of legendary grandmasters of the day, and earned the mutual respect of his era's newest masters. When Sulite came to the United States he took the country-and then the world-by storm. In this unique book, Guro David E. Gould recounts the life, the art and the legacy of Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite and his Lameco Eskrima system. Broken down into 10 distinct chapters, Lameco Eskrima: The Legacy of Edgar Sulite, presents the evolution of a fighter and his art, from his early days in Tacloban City and Ozamis City, through his middle period in Manila, and finally his later years in the United States. Additionally, the book delves deep into the Lameco Eskrima system and the reader will learn a great deal about the 5 major influences credited with the creation of Lameco Eskrima. Primarily, Sulite Rapelon (GM Helacrio Sulite Sr.), De Campo 1-2-3 Orehenal (GM Jose D. Caballero / Mang Eric Olavides), Pekiti-Tirsia Kali (Tuhon Leo T. Gaje Jr.), Modernos Largos (GM Jesus Abella / GM Pablicito Cabahug) and Kalis Ilustrisimo (GM Antonio "Tatang" Ilustrisimo). These systems and there Grand Masters are heavily delved into to reveal much about their methodologies and training ideology, identifying some of the more important lessons which Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite took away from them during his astute training over a period of numerous years.

Eskrima stick fighting is indigenous to the Philippines and in the 1950s one of the most popular styles emerged: Balintawak. To appreciate Anciong Bacon's Balintawak Eskrima, you have to understand set-ups, anticipation, the art of outwitting through ruses and lures; economy and simplification of motion, sans lavish and squandered movements; effective strikes fused and bonded with speed, power, elegance and grace. That is the essence of Anciong's Balintawak and these are the methods Sam Buot explains and demonstrates in this book. Written from the author's half-century of personal experience and hard-earned knowledge, Balintawak Eskrima presents the art from origin to modern times, as a fighting art, as cultural tradition and a means of personal development. Illustrated with nearly 700 historical and instructional photographs, this book is a must-have for all martial artists and those interested in the history of a people and their fight art.

Filipino martial arts are now among the most popular in the world. Yet, as their popularity grew so did the need to open commercial classes. As a result, these arts in many cases have become commercialized, watered down, and their curriculum changed from its intended use to keeping students. Eskrima Street Defense is geared for the street. It offers readers dozens of practical techniques for dangerous street encounters in six categories: 1) Hand vs. Hand, 2) Hand vs. Knife, 3) Hand vs. Bolo, 4) Knife vs. Knife, 5) Bolo vs. Bolo, and 6) Improvised Weapons. These techniques are backed up with key principles for application, discussions of the most vulnerable striking points on the body, pointers for becoming aware of your surroundings in common public spaces where attacks occur, and rules for common sense self-defense. When applying Eskrima for street defense-as opposed to sport competition-simplicity is the key to survival. This book, like street techniques, is direct and to the point. It focuses on developing safety, awareness, and skills to survive on the street when you suddenly find yourself in a bad situation.