Warrior's Cove Class Discriptions. These Minnesota Martial Art Cross Training Centers offer comprehensive training in the martial arts!

What is Eskrima?

Eskrima is a martial art that originated in the Philippine Islands just the same as Kali and Arnis (depending on which island or province you refer to). The primary training tool of Eskrima is a rattan stick, but there are some styles that are empty hand or knife styles of defense. These arts were brought over to this country in the late 60's and early 70's by such great martial artists as Max Sarmiento (master of Kedena de Mano), Leo Giron (master of Larga Mano), Angel Cabales (master and founder of Cabales Serrada) and Remy Presas (master of Kali) who have in turn taught and made other martial artists such as Dan Inosanto (founder of Inosanto Kali) and Mike Inay (founder of Inayan Eskrima).

What is Equillibrado Orihinal Eskrima?

Equillibrado Orihinal Eskrima is a Filipino stick, sword, knife, and empty hands system of self defense. This system focuses on training concepts and adaptation of movements to allow anybody to study, gain skill, and become capable in self-defense situations. The idea of “make this art your own” and “your Eskrima” are stressed heavily without limitation to body type, physical capability, or age. It is the goal of E.O. Eskrima to create a balance of knowledge and application in the practitioner, and not just fighters or scholars. Some of the focus areas of the E.O. System are with timing, flow, and range. There is a great deal of interaction training to provide that “human element” as well as constant exposure to attack recognition. From day one the student will learn useful and effective concepts for self-defense…not just form and theory.

The system is derived from seven styles that differ in both range and weapon type. These are:

Largo Mano – long sword

Sibat/Bonkow – spear/staff

Siniwallis – two sword

Dequerdas – short sword (medium range)

Kedena de Mano – knife/empty hands

Serrada – short sword (close range)

Espada y Daga – sword and dagger

These styles of Eskrima, and their concepts, have been handed down from Master Instructors Angel Cabales, Max Sarmiento, Leo Giron, and Mike Inay. It is from the teachings of these masters that Equllibrado Orihinal System of Eskrima is based.

From the Instructor:

First and foremost, my goal is to spread the art of Eskrima to as many people as possible. I have been a practitioner of this art since 1992 and have never lost my love or fascination for its diversity, simplicity and effectiveness. Truly, this is an art that anyone can learn and be effective at. I want to introduce and share this fabulous experience with you.

I spend time training each and every student, and get to know everyone I train both personally and professionally. I take a personal interest in the development of every student that trains under me, and has a desire to learn this amazing and awe inspiring art. I practice the “first assumption” with all students…that the individual is an intelligent, motivated and capable individual. I will teach to the student the techniques of Eskrima, along with the theory of how each technique works and why. What I give is a deeper understanding of how the art works, and not just a series of motions that “should” work. This is the gift I give.

It is my goal to bring the best out of all my students…to give them more than just technique and form, but also style, effectiveness, understanding and confidence. It is my gift to the student. Class-time is where we not only train, but we better ourselves, support each other, challenge one another, and become skilled. This art is effective in a myriad of situations and scenarios with simple to complex techniques depending on the practitioner, but most of all it teaches the practitioner to be adaptive to situations, and to recognize and respond accurately and quickly to threats. This level of training is what instills confidence in the student and changes their presence. My goal is to have students that “walk tall” and this is how I give that gift.

We are a very social group that has a common bond…the training and interest in the art. We plan social events as a group during non-class times for fun and socialization, and to train with things that can’t be used in the dojo.

"I have been training in Eskrima for 3 years. I love this school's Eskrima because, it doesn’t forget the martial, in being a martial art. It is dedicated to the training and promotion of competent Stick fighters, and fighters in general. Eskrima has given me focus, and made someone who thought he would never be able to stand 3 seconds in the ring, confident in himself. Eskrima has definitely given me a new lease on life, in both health and spirit. I was interested in Eskrima, because I wanted to learn more about my cultural heritage as a Filipino. I continue training in this style, because I have learned that beyond a static art form from the past, Eskrima is a fluid and practical martial art that improves one as a fighter. My friends and family now think I’m a broken record, in trying to convince them to learn this wonderful art."

"I started training in Eskrima three years ago, in order to round out my training regimen with a weapons - based art. I have found that Eskrima fits my goals and training style very well. Eskrima is a “soft” art that emphasizes range, timing and technique. It helps develop finesse, coordination and quick reflexes, and does not require a high level of strength or endurance to perform well. Its scope is broad, but its characteristics are consistent and complementary. The Eskrima organization is like an extended family that loves to get together and have fun and share and grow. Everyone is extremely supportive and friendly, and eager to help each other grow in the art."

"I've trained in both grappling and striking arts since 1991. Though some other arts teach basic stick and knife techniques, most do not fully integrate weapons and empty hand practice. Eskrima teaches a variety of ways to effectively attack with and defend against various possible weapons with whatever you happen to have access to. The emphasis on flowing from one thing to another in a seamless blur of movement is consistent with my personal training preferences and with the nature of real fighting."

"Eskrima practice has enhanced my appreciation for the dangerous potential of weapons in real life. I also have a great time practicing with everyone, as it's fun to share the challenges of mastering new drills and strategies with other people! I strongly recommend Eskrima to others, particularly under instructor Chris McWethy. He thoroughly understands what he teaches and is excellent at spotting and correcting technical flaws. I also commend him for having an open-minded appreciation for other arts and training strategies."

"I enjoy Warrior's Cove in all aspects of the training. This cannot be emphasized enough!! Thank you again, as well as the other instructors
for all the help!"

"Warriors Cove offers great realistic martial art training to keep you safe on the street or at home. It gives well rounded instruction, allowing you to be a well rounded fighter and capable of defending yourself in any environment. However the best thing I like about Warriors Cove is the friendly training environment. Everyone here is really supportive and answer any questions that you have."

"Best workout! All the muscles are used at some point! Interesting, fun, and as challenging as chess! Benefits everyone regardless of weight, sex, degree of fitness, or previous experience."

If you are interested in taking one or more classes at the Warrior's Cove, we suggest you visit during the class you are interested in. We have a seating area for visitors. You may stop by as many times as you like to watch classes. You may also participate in one free class in each program that we offer. You will find both our instructors and the other members to be friendly, informative, and supportive.

If you have any questions that are not answered at this website, please call or email the office nearest you.