Escrima – Competition

 

Demonstrating and testing one's fighting prowess in tournaments has a long tradition in Escrima. Even in the early days the EWTO also organised competitions for escrimadores, and their procedures and rules became the model for stick-fighting tournaments in general. Right from the start those responsible for the development of these competition guidelines sought to ensure that the greatest possible realism was combined with the lowest possible risk to those taking part. Nowadays referees are trained to operate within in a strict set of rules by attending special seminars. Before every tournament the contestants too are required to take part in special competition seminars during which Grand Master Bill Newman personally prepares them for the event.

Competitors fight in different weight classes, which are in turn divided into "Beginners" and "Advanced". Each competitor is obliged to wear heavy protective gear consisting of a helmet, chest protector, gloves and shinpads, while the sticks are thickly padded. These protective measures prevent injury even when very heavy blows are struck.