ESCRIMA

Escrima, also spelled Eskrima and closely related to the terms Arnis and Kali, is a Filipino martial art focused on weapons, angles, footwork, and practical self-defense. Training usually involves one or two sticks, but the underlying principles also apply to other tools, empty-hand techniques, distance, timing, and movement.

Unlike many martial arts, Escrima often introduces weapons from the beginning. The stick serves as a training tool for understanding lines of attack, angles, rhythm, positioning, and range. It also develops coordination, body mechanics, reaction ability, and an awareness of how timing and movement change when a weapon is involved.

At Sanchin Budokai, we practice Samahang Tatlong Laban Escrima, our own club adaptation of fundamental Filipino stickfighting. The system is based primarily on Modern Stick Combatives by Guro Jeff Brown and Dynamic Fighting Arts Kali by Guro David Seiwert, adapted to Sanchin Budokai's other training systems and to Swedish association-based martial arts practice.

Escrima complements Sanchin Budokai Kenpo Karate and Jiu-Jitsu. Kenpo provides a foundation in strikes, kicks, combinations, and movement, while Jiu-Jitsu develops grips, throws, locks, and control. Escrima adds weapon awareness, angles, live-hand use, footwork, and transitions between long and close range. Elements of the system are integrated into regular Kenpo training, with dedicated seminars arranged occasionally for students who wish to study stickfighting in greater depth.