Eskrima (Paperback)

Eskrima or Escrima refers to a class of Filipino Martial Arts that emphasize stick and sword fighting. The term and the art most probably originates from the Spanish word esgrima which is the term for fencing. Other related terms which have entered into common usage include "Kali" and "Arnis de Mno" ("harness of the hand"). Occasionally, the abbreviation "FMA" ("Filipino Martial Arts") is used. Eskrima and Arnis are among the many names often used in the Philippines today to refer to these arts. The teaching of the basic skills in FMA are traditionally simplified. With limited time to teach flashy and intricate techniques, only skills that were proven effective in battle and could easily be taught en masse were used. This allowed villagers, generally not professional soldiers, a measure of protection against other villages, as well as foreign invaders. This philosophy of simplicity is still used today and is the underlying base of the FMA. Because of this approach, the FMA are often mistakenly considered to be "simple" fighting arts. However, this refers only to its systematization, not effectiveness.