Open Tuesday

I arrived just before class began. We lined up and greeted and then went down on our elbows and tows to train the core muscles. This was followed by crunches and then push-ups. We stretched and then partnered up. We did some mild body conditioning followed by some combination bunch and block attacks.

We were all still a bit hung over from the grading and the senseis kept the mood light and experimental. We didn’t get to do syllabus work, and we kept to light bag work and more combinations. The combinations are good for flowing one strike into another and it fosters a thinking attitude.

I saw the padded Eskrimas on the table, un attended. In the dojo, when you pick up a weapon, you better be ready to use it, and this rule rung true as my sensei squared off with me as I brought the Kali sticks up to attack. I know it was a loaded situation, with me having a weapon and him defending with his bare hands, but a sense of extreme power came over me.

Eskrima, Arnis and Kali refer to the same family of Filipino weapon-based martial arts. As I dynamically scammed and attack with interchanging hands, I could see why the Filipino natives were banned to carry swords, after driving the Spanish conquistadores back to their ships. This dynamic way of fighting lends itself to both blocking and striking with extended arms and an Eskrima at full swing is not something you want to get in the way of.

I controlled my strikes and we only spared for a few seconds, but the feeling was exhilarating. I look forward to the upcoming course on Eskrima and ASP. Join us if you dare.

Embrace the shadows.