COOLSHACK.COM

Eskrima (Doce Pares)

In the past, challenge matches called ‘Juego Todo’ were very common in the Philippines. No holds barred and without he aid of protective equipment, the winner was determined either by submission or death. Anyone claiming to be an expert in Eskrima was fair game and could be challenged to engage in Juego Todo.

However, this practice has now been outlawed and traditional challenges are now a rare occurrence. Fear of being challenged to defend one’s claim, had in the past, protected the art from being exploited. Unfortunately, today there is little to prevent lesser exponents from claiming to be Masters in the deadly Art of Eskrima. So many people are now available to teach that locating a genuinely qualified Instructor in the Philippines today is not an easy task; finding a really good one is extremely difficult. To the new student with a desire to learn, investing time and money in a teacher can therefore be something of a risk. The realisation later that nothing of any real value has been learnt can be so demoralising that they conclude their practice of the art.

Therefore, in order to preserve the true art of Eskrima some of the great Masters are now coming out into the open. An organisation under the title Institute of Philippine Martial Arts (IPMA) has recently been incorporated in Cebu City. Founded by one of Eskrima’s leading exponents - Grandmaster Abner Pasa, the Institute aims to act as an intermediary through which visiting Eskrimadors from all over the world can gain access to legitimate Masters.

                               A typical training routine with Grandmaster starts with an early morning programme of physical activities designed to develop flexibility, endurance and strength. Essential skills such as grips and the execution of strikes are drilled until they are performed naturally. The premise of his training methodology is that all technique is basically the acquisition and development of motor skills. The repetition of drills and exercises is designed to develop muscle memory so that the appropriate response to any situation is smooth, fluid and almost instantaneous. The lessons are realistic and straight forward, simple but deadly. On one occasion when playing double dagger (‘playing in Filipino means sparring), I asked Grandmaster what he wanted me to do. In a very casual manner he replied, "I am your enemy. Do you really expect me to answer that question?" I almost burst out laughing with the realisation that my attitude in this particular instance was not appropriate. His training approach when sparring the knife is to simulate the stress of a live-threatening situation, using one’s imagination to arouse the survival instinct.

"How long it takes to be classed as an ‘expert’ in Eskrima - how do you determine who is ahead or who is better than the other ?"
 His reply was quite revealing. He said it takes one’s lifetime to fully develop one’s true potential. It is senseless to attempt to measure one’s progress in terms of skills learned or time spent in studying Eskrima, as one merely sees the physical manifestations of skills development and mistakes the techniques for the Art. Having practiced for so many years does not necessarily mean that you are better than others who have spent less years practicing than you have. The quality of practice and instruction is the essence of perfection, and not necessarily the quantity of time spent in practice. Later in the day the training shifts to the subjects of balance, posture, distancing and body movement essential to defensive skills development. 

Traditionally, the ultimate test of one’s skills in Eskrima has been having the ability to avoid being hit.  In the past, the favourable attraction during Fiesta celebrations was for a local expert in the art to challenge one and all to a friendly match. The object was for the Eskrimador to defend and counterstrike without being struck or losing his balance. Such was the skill that, often when even balanced on a triangle of coconut halves, he rarely lost.