List of Eskrima systems

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Eskrima, also known as Arnis or Kali, is a martial art from the Philippines. Like many martial arts, it has seen rapid expansion in many years with many systems arising. There is as yet no single predominant organization. Here is a list, although far from comprehensive, of Eskrima systems.

It is sometimes useful to make the distinction between "system" and "style". Normally, a system means a systematic arrangement of techniques, training drills, names, and sets of sparring rules designed for effective teaching. On the other hand, a style is essentially a way of doing each technique and of solving each problem. Style in this sense is largely personal, developed by each practitioner to suit their body, mind, and reflexes. Of course, most students copy the style of their teacher to some degree, and some teachers encourage very accurate copying of their style. Dan Inosanto and Leo Gaje make this distinction very carefully, focusing on developing an effective system while encouraging their students to develop an individual style. More traditional teachers may consider the precise details of style essential to reliable transmission of their art.

Most people do not make the distinction between "system" and "style" this precisely. The words are often used more-or-less interchangeably.

[edit] Arnis/ Eskrima / Kali systems (alphabetical)

[edit] Associations and Federations - Eskrima / Arnis / Kali

  • WEKAF (World Eskrima, Kali, Arnis, Forum)

Was formed in 1989 in Cebu, Philippines, to further both the sport of eskrima and the proliferation of the Filipino martial arts throughout the world. There are currently over 30 member countries with thousands of practitioners.

  • IKAEF (International Kali Arnis Eskrima Federation)

In March 1993, during the European Stickfighting Championship in London, the European Kali Aarnis Eskrima Federation (EKAEF) was founded. The seven represented nations were England, France, Italy, Germany, Sweden, Denmark and Finland. The EKAEF grew and spread the Art of Kali Arnis Eskrima across the borders of Europe. In the USA, Canada, Marocco and French Polynesia it became necessary to create an International Headquarter. In November 2000 the IKAEF was founded. The goal of the IKAEF is to promote and share the Filipino Martial Arts around the World. IKAEF International Kali Arnis Eskrima Federation

  • WFMAA (World Filipino Martial Arts Association)

WFMAA was founded in 2003 to improve the promotion and propagation of the Combative Arts of the Philippines -Arnis, Kali, Eskrima. Its annual gathering feature top Grandmasters, Punong Guros, and Masters representing a variety of systems and styles indigenous to the Philippines. Membership is open to all active FMA Grandmasters, Punong Guros, and Masters who are the founders, chief instructors, and/or the top instructor of the system. World Filipino Martial Arts Association

  • PCKEAM (Philippine Council of Kali Eskrima Arnis Masters)

Was formed in 2005 by Roland Dantes to bring togeather a number of FMA Masters and Grand Masters.

  • BCKEAI (British Council of Kali Eskrima Arnis Instructors).

In 2005 Pat O'Malley of Rapid arnis was elected a member of PCKEAM and shortly after formed the organization. The BCKEAI is a non fee paying, non politcal and non profit making organisation that's sole purpose is to promote the Filipino martial arts and it's instructors regardless of style. The BCKEAI is directley linked to the PCKEAM in Manila as well as other larger organisations such as Bakbakan and Doce Pares.