Escrima Concepts, a weapons based system

 

I have had an interest in the various arts of combat (martial arts) and the people who, throughout history have become known for their martial skills, for a considerable period of time, Sun Su – The Art of War – is an example of the thinking behind the combat, the art behind the martial and the strategy behind the action. I am not just interested in the fight itself but in the thought and actions leading up to the fight.I formally started martial arts in 1983, I wasn’t sure what art I wanted to pursue, I therefore sampled Karate and Judo and moved on to become a student of Wu Shu Quan; later changing to Zwan Shu Quan; where the training was hard but enjoyable. I learned a great deal about using my body as a weapon, movement and kicking.After a few years working on this art I moved to the Midlands, where I studied for a professional qualification in youth work and my first degree BA (Hons). I also studied Ju Jitsu, and was able to combine the kicks and punches of Chinese Boxing with the circular movement, leg sweeps, locks and throws of Jitsu.I was able to put my martial arts knowledge into practice when I began door work in the late 1980’s. For over 10 years I worked in a number of West End clubs, bars, pubs, private parties and concerts; I was also employed in close protection work. I often found myself in situations where my communication skills, combined with my knowledge of martial arts was an invaluable tool for controlling many difficult and dangerous situations; door work also enabled me to better understand body mechanics and how to generate and use personal energy and power in more depth, enabling me to safely remove people from a club or bar who often didn't want to be moved.

It was whilst working in night club security in 1991 that I was introduced to Escrima and Steve Tappin by a friend, at an old school building and gym in Tottenham. The classes were hot, sweaty and friendly, it was a hard club where people came to learn and where learning often meant pain, both mental and physical.

I trained hard and learnt a great deal from Master Steve Tappin, I even gave up a night’s door work to focus on developing my Escrima. Every week I would try a new move or technique and like every student, I would try to beat my instructor, with a technique he had taught me, as you can imagine, I was unsuccessful with everything I tried, it got to the point where just hitting him with a glove was deemed a victory.

In the early 1990’s I entered a number of Escrima open tournaments in the UK (Luton, Corby, Birmingham) and in Europe, winning all the tournaments I entered. In one competition in England I broke 6 sticks and two helmets during various stages of the competition. Those were the days when real sticks were used for competitions.

Over the years I have been introduced to and taught by a number of great Escrima instructors including GM Brian Jones, (Rene and Bill). I am a member of the European Historical Combat Guild and have been taught a few sword techniques by John and Jonathon Waller.

I have been working with Steve and Wayne Tappin in a number of countries for many years and I currently teach Escrima across the UK and in Europe.

I am based in London and teach both groups and individuals on a weekly basis, I also run a number of seminars each year, focusing on specific weapon based and empty hand techniques that can be applied for self defence, security work and person- to- person control, encompassing environmental awareness, current legislation and risk assessment.