Eskrima: Filipino Martial Art

by Krishna Godhania

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.

Genres: Martial Arts

418 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 9, 2010

Reviews

[J.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, this may sound weird, but I think any person studying any traditional martial art should read this book. Why? Because Eskrima was a real active martial art until recently, and as of the writing of this book, there were people alive who did actually use it in actual combat, and it's a great example of how martial arts had to be in order to be useful, vs. how they are when they are sport-ready. I learned more about general martial arts from this book than from any other book I've read. It puts a lot of stuff in context. I never studied Eskrima except for a few practices in class with the sticks, but this book I would consider a must-read.

[Miroku Nemeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most systematically organized and useful book on Eskrima that I have read thus far. Very accessible and useful for learning the history, philosophy, and terminology of Eskrima; it also contains much practical advice on FMA combat techniques.

[Rai Keyri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teachings are mostly from Kalis Ilustrisimo, Doce Pares and Balintawak styles. History is introduced but short and sweet. I like the part where Mang Romy Macapagal taught him something. I also like the situational awareness, Eskrima tools as a weapon-based art, self defense-physical assault law distinction and also improvised tools for solo practicing parts.

[Cloay · Rating 4 out of 5]

- available in SG NLB 796.815 (Sengkang)
- this book is a good reference if u are already learning & training in the art of Eskrima/Balintawak.
- without going through formal training, u may not appreciate much of this book.
- Chapter 11 provide some additional, not so common training methods I find interesting.

[Nathan Thirkill]

Great book about FMA

This book belongs in every martial artist/combative system students library. A really well organised book on the history and principles of Eskrima. The author shows his knowledge and dedication of the art through the descriptive words and photos throughout this book.