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 usies 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 tract to developing the qualities needed for practical self-defense. The instructional section illustrates how the Eskrima martial artist 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-defense applications, training with specialized equipment, the philosophy of the art and 'self-defense and the law' are all covered in depth.

Genres: Martial Arts

160 pages, Paperback

First published July 9, 2010

Reviews

[Joy Perrin · 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.