Escrima – Mediaeval weapons

 

The usual training weapon of escrimadores is a rattan stick, however during any exercise those involved should be aware that the stick they are using represents a wide range of cutting and thrusting weapons. In traditional Escrima these are mainly the machete, bolo, dagger and similar bladed weapons. Inspired by Philippine Escrima, which was itself substantially influenced by Spanish weapon techniques, Grand Master Bill Newman researched our own occidental armed combat traditions and discovered a great but almost forgotten heritage which is now almost exclusively confined to the sport of fencing. Grand Master Bill Newman then combined the Escrima principle of transferability between stick techniques and other weapons with the use of traditional European weapon types which nowadays seem more "exotic" to some escrimadores than those of the Far East. Glaive, gladius, buckler or two-handed sword – in special classes today's escrimadores in the EWTO are able to train with heavy ancient and mediaeval weapons, which not only gives them an impression of times past but also broadens their technical repertoire through the sheer variety of available training tools.