Eskrima is a Filipino martial art. It is also referred to as arnis by some and kali by others. Male practitioners are called eskrimadors and female practitioners are called eskrimadoras.
This is a practical martial art in that the movements can be easily seen as useful. The movements primarily employ the use of a stick, a knife or an empty hand. Any combination with the left and right hand is possible (left hand empty/right hand stick, right hand stick/left hand knife, left hand knife/right hand stick, right hand stick/left hand stick, etc.).
The traditional stick used is a rattan stick. This is made from a rattan reed that is dried. The ornamental designs can be burned into the stick during the creation process. The rattan stick is durable and its density is low enough for mobility through long slashes and quick snapping strikes.
One of my rattan sticks
The traditional knife used is a basic short blade with a handle. The knife is used for slashing and thrusting. Its size and narrowness can make it difficult to see by an opponent if held properly during combat.
My crudely homemade wooden knife
When using an empty hand, practitioners have it at the ready and open to block, parry, or catch their opponents strikes. When the opponent has a blade, the empty hand is used to protect vital organs when not actively engaging.
