In Praise of Integrated Eskrima
Robert Chu, February 18th, 2008
Integrated Eskrima is the type of Filipino martial arts developed by Guro Mark Wiley on the basis of Kalis Ilustrisimo and years of study with other great masters of the arnis and escrima systems here and in the Phillipines . Many WCK’ers actively crosstrain in the Filipino Martial Arts, and I was introduced to Pekiti Tirsia back in my college days by Leo Gaje and Greg Alland. Throughout the years, I have met some practitioners, but not with the level of skill and passion and willingness to teach like Mark Wiley. Since meeting Mark in person over the publication of “Complete Wing Chun” of which he was editor, it was this art that he introduced to me. Integrated Eskrima is also the system that Alan Orr and Dave McKinnon and my other students and grandstudents have actively trained in and I wholeheartedly recommend this training.
The core of Integrated Eskrima is footwork and the various methods of offense and defense. The art is based on Antonio Ilustrismo’s Kalis (Sword) art and is different than most contemporary forms of Arnis or Escrima, in that the main focus is the sword. We use the stick like a sword and not vice versa. Uniquely, the art contains major strokes that are used for both defense and offense. Methods like the lutang footwork keep one in range to strike at all times, and the methods in many ways are taught like Gu Lao WCK - that is point by point, until mastered. Although there is a numbering system used, the core are the 27 major motions of attack and defense, and some have no equivalent to other arnis systems. Freestyle sparring is encouraged in this art.
It is not to say that WCK weapons are not practical - they are, and can be readily applied in all situations if trained realistically. But one of the best ways to to develop skill in weapons is to study various weapons systems. The Wing Chun pole and knives I have practiced for decades is a great art, but I see the similarities and universalness of timing and positioning to make the the arts practical when you train in the various ranges with weapons.
Mark’s a class act, and a serious student of all things martial. I’ve only gotten to see a little of his Eskrima, but what I saw was very impressive.
Thanks for the overview, RC!
I’ve really only seen one practitioner of Doce Pares (live) and have to say that what I saw was almost identical to our Six Point methods used with the pole.
I’m all for the ‘idea’ of crosstraining, as long as your foundation WCK knowledge is strong. Personally though, I feel that I have enough to look at with our own Seurng Gwan (double club) that is within the Lee Shing Family.
Most of what I see in Escrima/Kali/DocePares seems to be breakdowns of certain postures or movements that are trained interactively similar to the common chisau (but with sticks) and dulien two man sets fo Wushu. Obviously the scope for this training is within the Wing Chun I know, but it would take years to develop a curriculum with all the correct terms. Lucky for us we have a little help from past practitioners.
All the same Martial moves imho, just varied languages and specialities…
TiFei,
Without a doubt there is overlap in most martial arts. But some training methods are better for the individual and more geared to that individual.
I have been practiceing both wing chun,and kali,for over three decade,and will agree with Mr.R.Chu,once you develop and understand weapons your approach in fighting is comparative easier,because of what more or less to expect of your adversary.
I also have to agree that weaponry training is important, but for me I personally do not need to research into other ways as I’m happy where I am.
Lee Shing was a specialist in this area too, as was my Sifu, so I can only hope I do them both justice by even being here yapping about my personal views on weaponry training.
I have to say though, I feel that any double stick/club or pole/rattan ring training is, with all repsects, ‘equipment’ or apparatus we use in WCK to develop an understanding of the weapons while remaining ’safe’. A Pole translates to single-handed long weapons like Gwan Do or spear and the Rings translate into shorter ‘double-handed’ weaponry like the Knives or axes.
Throw in the flexible weapons like the chain-whip and throwing darts and we have some other type of discussion brewing…
TiFei,
I’m sorry, but do not agree with you. But its okay, we can agree to disagree.
I respect your opinion, but I have to say the long pole is not like the Kwan Dao at all, and they are used two hands on a single weapon. The pole and spear are similar, but obviously, the spear has a cutting and piercing edge! When we meet, I will be happy to share the difference with you - thre is a difference, and you do not want to use a spear like a pole, or vice versa. And certainly the short knives of WCK are not similar to the Dan Dao or Gim, as they have a special function of trapping and cutting/stabbing at the same time.
You can also study your family’s weaponry system, but in the old days, a disciple later became a journeyman to hone his craft. Getting experience along the way, and then finally coming forth with his own mastery, he became a craftsmaster. The same is true with martial arts and weaponry.
I still feel I am am WCK, and loyal to it, even if I studied other weapons. It is all in part of becoming familiar with tools that might be used against you, that you should study humbly, others’ crafts. WCK does not have the gim, kwan dao, dan dao, spear and other weapons (except Pao Fa Lien and a few other offshoots). If you want to study those, you have to go out of your family.
Best regards,
I can see why you answered the way you did here Robert, but I wasn’t saying that the LDBG is the same as the Guan Do in its use, nor the BJD as the Dan Dao. I know the practicalities of each varies, but what I was implying here is that the core groundwork for training them all is the same imho. Long two-handed weaponry and short double handed weaponry are the key apparatus in most Martial Arts. All empty hand techniques can trace their origins in some way back to the weaponry, especially the Wing Chun style.
Logically, I guess what I’m saying is that my stick plays tend to work both hands together, as a unit for the most part and my knives work both hands individually with their own rythms. Of course, both can do either but I’m talking in a general sense. I understand that WCK is only recognized for our LDBG & BJD Forms, but I believe that the reason they are even present in modern WCK is a signature if you like. A sign to tell us that we are Generals of Martial Arts. Original MMA practitioners in our day!
Many people I have talked to have gone outside to research more in depth. Learn speciality tactics from different families. But one thing they all have in common is that they return to their WCK more regularly. Even using it to maintain the info, especially on ‘how to use’ it all! We have something very special here. Now in the modern world. It’s my dream that someday other families will come to us, but WCK practitioners need to be together first.
BTW, that’s the first time in ages that I’ve heard someone refer to the ‘Journeyman’ in WCK! Nice to meet you! I am very honoured actually, to have this opportunity to exchange experience. Maybe this site is a new beginning for us both.
Cheng.*fist2palm*