Escrima Equipment & Training: Tips for Beginners

With Escrima, many have the image of a fighter with rattan sticks or a machete in mind. And this is very close to reality, the martial art is designed to be effective in action and simple in practice. Thus, the fight is practiced with classic weapons and everyday objects.

In the following, we will introduce you to the equipment you will need for training, the possibilities for development, and the process of a training session.

Contents

Equipment for Escrima
Graduations in Escrima
Training & Techniques
Defense against/ with weapons
Self defense with everyday objects

Equipment for Escrima

In Escrima, there is traditionally no uniform dress code that is mandatory, as is the case with many other classical martial arts. Filipino martial arts are usually taught with shoes. In addition, depending on which school you train at, there may be a unifying uniform. It is usually in red, because this is the Asian color of happiness.

In the classical art of Escrima, swords were used in particular because of its origin as a martial art. In modern Escrima, however, the focus is mainly on the use of sticks, which are usually made of wood. Therefore, they are part of the basic equipment if you want to learn Escrima.

#	Product	Rating	Price
1	KWON Bo Stab "Rattan", 182Cm Kwon	No ratings yet	43,50 EUR 41,72 EUR	Amazon
2	Lisaro Zeltstangensack/Seesack 115X30cm Packsack wasserdicht/Gestängesack/Beutel für...	No ratings yet	17,95 EUR	Amazon
3	Budoten Shinai- und Jo-Tasche 135 cm	No ratings yet	33,17 EUR	Amazon
4	Sharplace Tasche für Stöcke Schwarz Stocktasche mit Schultergurt 71x12.5cm	No ratings yet	5,69 EUR 5,29 EUR	Amazon
5	KWON Waffentaschen Escrima	No ratings yet	20,90 EUR 20,06 EUR	Amazon

Graduations in Escrima

There is the EWTO Escrima grading system, which is designed to ensure the quality standards of teaching. In this, the various learning contents are taught to the student as soon as he has sufficient skills and abilities. This is mainly for your orientation, so that you know how far you have already progressed in your training.

Beginners in the system can attain the student grades. This lays the foundation for your defensive skills.
After the first level, which is the entry level, there are a total of twelve student grades.
After you have laid the foundation with the student grades, you can hone your skills. In the four higher grades, the techniques become more and more second nature and are taken for granted.
Finally, there are the master grades for participants who possess truly masterful skills. From this point on, you are detached from all techniques.

Training & Techniques

As a beginner in Escrima, you often get a weapon directly in the hand during the first training. This distinguishes this martial art significantly from others, where the weapon techniques are taught only when you already have a long practice path with the hand techniques behind you

In Escrima, the opposite is the case: the hand combat is trained only at the very end and is based on the movements with the weapon techniques. Escrima is also called a living martial art because techniques are constantly being adopted from other martial arts. No emphasis is placed on the purity of the style, which is quite common in other Asian martial arts.

How does a training at Escrima work?

A typical Escrima training session can vary by instructor and school, but there are some common elements found in most training sessions:

Warm-up: As with most physical activities, an Escrima training session often begins with a warm-up to warm up the muscles and prevent injury. This can include general exercises such as running, jumping, stretching, and body weight exercises.

Weapon Handling: Since Escrima is primarily a weapon-based martial art, a large portion of the training will be dedicated to learning and practicing weapon techniques. This may include practicing strikes, blocks, and maneuvers with one or two sticks, practicing knife techniques, or training with other weapons.

Partner drills: Many Escrima techniques are practiced in partner drills where one partner attacks and the other partner defends. These exercises help students practice the techniques in a controlled but realistic context.

Forms and Exercises: Escrima also includes a series of prescribed forms or exercises called “katas” or “sayaws.” These consist of a series of movements and techniques performed in a specific order and are designed to improve the fluidity and precision of the techniques.

Self Defense: Escrima places great emphasis on practical self-defense. Therefore, part of the training may include practicing scenarios in which students learn to apply Escrima techniques in real self-defense situations.

Cool-Down: Training usually ends with a cool-down to relax muscles and promote recovery. This may include stretching or relaxing breathing exercises.

Escrima training can be intense and requires concentration and commitment, but it is also an opportunity to learn new skills, improve fitness, and build self-confidence.

What equipment do you need for training?

The equipment needed for Escrima training can vary from school to school, but generally includes:

Sticks: The Escrima stick, also known as a “baston” or “garote,” is the primary training tool in Escrima. It is usually about 70 cm long and made of rattan, a lightweight but sturdy material. Some schools may also use sticks made of hardwood or other materials.

Protective equipment: sparring or more intense training may require a range of protective equipment, including helmets, gloves, elbow and knee pads, and sometimes body protectors. The exact type of protective equipment needed may depend on the school and the level of intensity of the training.

Training Knife: Many Escrima schools also teach knife techniques. For these, a training knife made of wood, rubber or plastic is often used.

Comfortable clothing: As with most martial arts, clothing for Escrima training should be comfortable and conducive to movement. Some schools may have uniforms, while others may simply allow training pants and t-shirts.

Personal gear: this can include things like water bottles, towels, and personal protective equipment like groin guards.

Before you start training, check with your school or instructor to find out exactly what equipment is needed and if it will be provided or if you will need to bring it yourself.

Defense against/ with weapons

Originally, the techniques taught in Escrima were intended for machetes and swords. However, since the carrying of such weapons was repeatedly banned, after some time sticks were used instead. Today, the standard weapon in Escrima is the stick made of rattan, about 70 centimeters long

The movement patterns that are rehearsed with the rattan stick can then be applied with other weapons. Consequently, the weapons become interchangeable. Depending on the school, the following weapons are taught: single stick, double stick, sword, knife, palm stick, tonfa, kerambit.

Self defense with everyday objects

The weapons training is to train the natural reflexes as well as the coordination skills and the sense of distance. In Escrima training is also always trained to be ready at any time. This self-defense is designed to work without problems, even without warming up and in awkward street clothes. Accordingly, the plan also includes how everyday objects are suitable for defense. These include, for example: car keys, lipstick, lighter, pen, shoes, walking stick, handbag, newspaper

The hand techniques are taught and trained at the very end. They are the movement patterns of the weapon techniques, where the weapon is replaced by the palm, fingers, elbow or fist. Disarming techniques are also an important part of unarmed self-defense in Escrima. Attacks that are made with weapons are not simply repelled with the empty hand, but pursue the goal of snatching the weapon from the opponent.

Update: 2023-06-09 / Affiliate Links / Bilder von der Amazon Product Advertising API