Escrima/Kung Fu?

Question

I spent a few months training in Krav Maga but our instructor moved and the classes no longer take place. I'm interested in practical self defence and have recently become interested in the filipino martial arts

There is a school that teaches Escrima near where I live. But I'm slightly skeptical at the moment as it is actually a kung fu school (UK Kung Fu Federation) which has an escrima option. They charge £30 a month and claim to be a non profit organisation, which initially looks promising.

Here is some info

http://www.ukkff.org/faq.html

I'd like to know from people who've had experience in Escrima whether or not this looks genuine. There is a 4 week free trial so I can easily go and find out for myself but I just want to know peoples initial impressions from looking at the site.

thanks

Answer 1

So I took a quick look and, bottom line, it seems these guys will teach you how to swing a stick.  In that you've trained in Krav Maga, I doubt you'll be training in the same atmosphere and with the same principles in the facility as you're more than likely accustomed to.  I can't be positive, and this is all dependent on you, but your best bet is to give it a shot and see how you like it.

In regard to it being "genuine Filipino Martial Arts," I would have to see the instructor's credentials, which I couldn't find.  In that the synopsis stated that the instructor "developed" the system himself, I'm doubtful.  In all honesty, many training facilities simply pick up a book or series of instructional DVDs, learn as much as they can and proclaim themselves to be experts.  This doesn't fly by me.  I train with an individual who not only trains with numerous instructors from the Philippines, he is from the Philippines.  As such, this would be my definition of "genuine" or "authentic."  Problem is, not too many instructors like mine are easily found.

So what it boils down to is, if this is the only facility in your area that trains in escrima and this is what you're really looking for, you've got no choice.  Give it a shot and see if you like it.  With the thousands of islands of the Philippines and numerous systems in FMA, these guys have got to have at least something right.  Again, at least they'll teach you how to swing a stick.

I also know that there are instructors certified by Guro Dan Inosanto in the UK.  You could search his website (www.inosanto.com) for instructors in your area, which you may prefer given your martial arts experience.

Good luck!  Keep swingin those sticks!

X + .

Answer 2

Ok escrima is or Filipino escrima is a martial art that uses sticks nothing else as far as I'm aware or should i say to my knowledge there is no Kung Fu involved there is Wing Chun Kung Fu, ordinary Chinese Kung Fu, Praying Mantis Kung Fu i can go on and on and on...... I can see why your apprehensive I've never heard of this Kung Fu with a option of escrima 2 different cultures/country's and styles mmmmm.....? Strange never heard of that one buddy, Sorry

Answer 3

Escrima is primarily a weapons system using short sticks or daggers. The few hand to hand techniques that it does have are deadly and meant to seriously injure or kill your opponents. So I don't usually recommend that people train in Kali/Arnis/Escrima unless they are looking for a deadly weapon art. I looked at the web-site a noticed that the same school also teaches Wing Chun (wing tsun), that is a very good form of kung fu that can be used in combat and street fighting. See if you can sit in on a class there, most schools allow prospective students to just watch a class in progress to see if they like the curriculum. You could probably sit in both of the classes and pick one youe like, or neither if you don't like them.

Happy Training

Answer 4

The company might not be making a profit but the the folk in charge might be paying the instructors, who could just happen to be the same people, a better than pretty decent wage and it isn't being done out of the goodness of their heart to spread their art.

And From what I see you only get one 2 hour escrima class per week. This seems a little expensive to me. There are many other Kali/eskrima/arnis schools in the london area.

Check out a few and try their free trials then pick the one you like the best.

From what I see on their website they have over elaborated on some simple ideas, but I have heard some good things about Steve tappin who was their instructor. But then again some people are good at the old self promotion.

I guess i am saying suck it and see.

Answer 5

escrima/arnis/kali is ALOT more than just swinging a stick.

you learn all of them at once. stick movements are also dagger movemetns and fist movements. they are all linked.

it is a complete art containing strikes, locks, throws and more.

Answer 6

You need to try UFAF the best kind of martial arts that trains in everything. It is founded by Chuck Norris and I trained there for 7 years and I got my black belt. It teaches you to every weapon and self-defense. Chun k*k Do is the style.

Type in UFAF karate in google and you will get good results.

Answer 7

I do balintawak arnis what is a type of escKrima and you use your hands for punching but thers no kung fu in it

Answer 8

well i go to shaolin temple uk in london which teaches sanshou and shaolin kung fu, which i love so i'm going to say kung fu for the win :)