THE SIMPLICITY OF BEING SIMPLE AND RELEVANT IN THE ART OF ESKRIMA

Eskrima is a fighting system that allows one to approach conflict on simple terms. First and foremost, it is bulit upon the concept of defense. That should be made clear. Unlike many other form of martial arts which was created and enhanced for the purpose of conquering other nations, ours was basically to defend the territory and homeland. So to look at it as merely as nothing but a killing art is not a true represention of what the Filipino Martial Arts is for. Yes there were inner wars among rival tribes which is happening as well in many different parts of the world but then again the entire principles and philosophies behind it is very much built around self-protection and protecting others and not for the sake of merely conquering others. The art in its simplest application and approach to fighting led to a simple approach as well when it comes to transitioning from weapon to weapon down to empty hands. A structure of fighting was bulit that could allow a kalista or eskrimador to get a hold off even with unfamiliar or unconventional types of weapons and still use it in an emergency type situation. Now indeed, there's a difference when really breaking it down to technicalities of correct and appropriate movements that each weapon requires. So yes, the better you understand how to use it in its technical application the better. But it would probably take a lifetime to understand each different types of weapons and use it exactly as it is in its true form. So the solution was to apply a universal understanding of angles for each weapon and how it can work, and with the basic recognition of the strengths and limitations of the weapon at hand in order to apply it in emergency situations. For example: An eskrimador might find himself in a blade fight and gets a hold of a weapon which is purely meant for thrusting. Even if he or she is totally unfamiliar with the weapon at hand it can still be quickly utilized through bypassing its technical requirements to effectively manuever it and just apply the basics of eskrima's simple concept of angles for thrusting and use it to defend and survive a fight. Even using the entire blade itself even if it is not effective for slashing can still be applied for now it is turned into an impact weapon which could still cause damage to the other who's at the receiving end of it. That's what simplicity does in an emergency situation. But up against a duel with the same weapons against an expert whose familiarity and technical ability is far superior than yours then the outcome is quite obvious. This is entirely a different matter. So again this is what I meant by simplicity. It is a concept applied out of necessity during an emergency. Now as some have told me how they also look down upon the stickfighting system (especially on tournamnents) of the Filipinos as laughable does not totally understand the concept of Pinoy survival mentality to it deepest core. Yes it is indeed awful at times to see perpetual banging of sticks on each others head and body during competitions. I myself would get frustrated sometimes whenever witnessing the lack of footworks and defense applications. It can be seen as having no use in an actual fight. Yes Indeed there's some truth to that. But then again if ever you look at the live video footages on actual fights on the streets even involving thugs and criminals, anyone can quickly see that almost all fights are perpetual exchange of bashing each other's brains out with not much form and total lack of grace especially on a riot. This is just talking about fisticuffs. Now look at videos of knife attacks and other weapons involve. Most end up with each other getting as many hits towards the opponent and the usual victor of the aftermath is the one who got to strike and connect more often and got to strike the fatal parts at once. You will see almost a perpetual motion of continues, relentless, fast strikes. This is violence in its simplest terms. So now even when you see eskrima fighters just doing the same thing in sport it is still very much in touch with the reality of an actual fight. This is probably why people here love watching cockfights. Just observe how these cocks inject their blades against each other (yes an awful sight to see for many who does not approve of such animal cruelty. But as one of my friend and also teacher told me: They fare much better than other chickens who dies at the hands of butchers to land them on our tables for consumption. At least (he says) they died with better dignity as warrior cocks! ( Yeah I know how it sounds like. Lol, I am just merely echoing) Now of course there is always an exeption to the rule. Some fights out there are indeed executed cleanly which are a few of the exeptions. But for the most part many actual fights fall into the rule. Utter chaos inside the act of violence. So with all this said It is what I should say what keeps the art of eskrima as relevant in its use, as it was in the past as it is today. The very reason as to why it is still very much alive and not dead in the Philippines. 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