FAQ -

Getting Started...

 

 

After completing the sign up process, you can attend any class given. During your first several classes we will get you up to speed on all the basic techniques including basic boxing, double stick work and disarming skills. These are the stepping stones to everything you will be doing in the coming months. Also, we will get you familiar with basic school etiquette to make you feel comfortable right away. Most importantly, you will have the opportunity to experience and become part of the uniquely friendly, family-like atmosphere of the ISE.

 

Your initial fee covers you for all the classes you want to attend for 30 days and includes your school uniform. Payments are normally automated through an ATM or Credit Card transaction monthly. Should you not want to continue with your training you may stop payments at any time since we do not require contracts.

 

In case your still not sure enough to jump into training, below are the 20 most frequently asked questions we receive at the ISE. And in case we still missed anything, please feel free to contact us by phone or email.

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions...

 

What should I wear?

You must wear the student uniform which consist of the grey ISE student T-shirt and black Karate type pants. If your coming to join and train please wear any comfortable sports attire (jogging pants and light colored T-shirt) in the case we do not have your uniform size in stock.

 

 

Do I need to bring any equipment?

All the basic equipment you will need for class is available at the school.

 

 

Am I fit enough?

An average level of fitness is required. You will be asked to fill in a simple health questionnaire which will alert us to any major problems, but if you have any concerns, please ask and we will be happy to advise you.

 

 

Can I train in any of the other classes?

Once you have completed the first six months we can discuss with you cross training into our other classes, until then you need to stick with the initial classes you have joined in order to get some basic understanding and familiarity.

 

 

Is there a belt ranking system at the Inayan School of Eskrima?

Not exactly. To differentiate between ranks, students and instructors of ISE wear symbolic medallions. The combination of metals, i.e. bronze and silver or all silver or silver and gold etc., that make up these medallions are how different levels throughout the curriculum (from beginner to instructor) are recognized. Instructors of the ISE can also be recognized by wearing an all-black uniform.

 

 

What is Eskrima?

Eskrima is a beautiful martial art that originated in the Philippines. The word "Eskrima" means, “to skirmish”. The Filipino Martial Arts ingrain an interrelationship between empty-hand skills and weapons, and because of this philosophy, Eskrima is widely recognized in the martial arts community for its extreme practicality and effectiveness.

 

Is Eskrima a "stick art" only?

No. Many people incorrectly believe this to be true. Eskrima has short-range weapon (i.e. knife) and empty hand applications/techniques as well. However, what makes the Filipino martial arts so quick and precise with the empty hand is a direct result of the countless hours of weapons training they have undergone. Unlike most other martial art systems, the Filipino arts, generally speaking, start the students out with weapons training. The students learn to deal with angles of attack (usually 5 - 12 in most styles) and are given a set number of blocks or "counters" to perform against each of the angles. Later, as the students progress with their studies, they are introduced to empty hand training and then realize what they have been doing with weapons can usually be directly translated into complete empty hand techniques. With this empty hand approach, students retain all of the movements they have studied with the weapon, thus reinforcing what they have already learned. There is no need to learn a whole new set of counters (blocks) just because they are empty handed. This simple yet highly effective way of training instills reflex within Eskrima students in record time.

 

What is Inayan Eskrima?

Inayan Eskrima is a complete martial art system, founded by Mangisursuro Mike G. Inay. As part of this system we study several styles of Eskrima but focus on three "core styles": Kadena de Mano, Serrada, and Inayan Largo Mano. Each is taught in its whole form as a complete style and covers a specific range: short (Kadena), medium (Serrada) and long (Largo). Having these three styles that cover these three separate ranges, and being able to flow between them effortlessly, is the key to balancing out Inayan Eskrima. There are also several complimentary styles that include Inayan Sinawali, Inayan Dequerdas, Inayan Sibat/Bankow and Inayan Espada y Daga.

What is the "flow”?

Obtaining the ability to flow in combat is the ultimate goal of a FMA practitioner. A student of the FMA attempts to move smoothly between the ranges of combat without any disturbance in the transition. This requires skills in all of the ranges both with and without weapons. The ability to put motion and technique together continuously and the sensitivity to fit your technique to your opponent's are also of high importance. These attributes create smoothness in combat, which is called the flow. To quote the founder of Inayan Eskrima (Suro Mike Inay) on the subject; "Spontaneous adaptability is the key to a warrior’s survival".

 

What does FMA stand for?

Filipino Martial Arts.

Who is the founder of Inayan Eskrima?

Mangisursuro Mike G. Inay. Suro Inay passed away while doing what he loved the most - teaching Inayan Eskrima. Though he was taken from us long before his time, he made a profound impact in the Martial Arts world and improved the lives of many. Those that he touched most have vowed to keep his dream alive by spreading the word of Inayan Eskrima in it’s truest form. A lifelong Student Suro Inay, Tagaturo Klement is the founder of the Inayan School of Eskrima.

 

Does Inayan Eskrima practice full contact fighting?

Yes. Grandmaster Inay felt it was important to "test the waters" from time to time. Although it has never been mandatory for beginner students, we find that most eventually want to express themselves through the art in this way long before they are required to do so. In Inayan Eskrima, when we go full contact we do so with minimal padding (typically helmet, mouthpiece and groin protection only). The thought process behind this is that you will never learn from your mistakes if you don't know you even made them in the first place (by wearing too much gear). We have practiced full-contact stick fighting since ~1980.

 

What's the deal with the triangle I keep seeing?

The triangle shape is of huge importance in the Filipino Martial Arts. It represents many things such as footwork and philosophy, to name a couple. Because of this, you may see the triangle incorporated in some way in most Eskrima styles/school logos etc.

 

What do the various instructor titles mean?

ISE Instructor Ranks...

Inayan Katalungan Guro  -  Inayan Apprentice Teacher

Inayan Guro  -  Inayan Teacher

Inayan Lahong Guro  -  Inayan Seasoned Teacher

Inayan Masirib Guro  -  Inayan Senior / Expert Teacher

Inayan Tagaturo  -  Inayan Guide / Principal Instructor / Master Teacher

How long does it take to become an Inayan School of Eskrima Guro (Instructor)?

Anywhere between 8 - 11 years of intense training directly with the founder of the ISE - Tagaturo Steve Klement.

Where can I learn Inayan Eskrima as taught by an ISE Guro?

Presently Inayan School of Eskrima locations are in Knoxville, TN and Pittsburgh, PA.

 

Are there additional training locations for Inayan Eskrima outside of the ISE?

Yes! Many qualified Instructors teach Inayan Eskrima that are respected friends but not part of the ISE at locations found throughout the U.S. and Europe. Please feel free to inquire to us about Instructors in your area - we will gladly direct you to a qualified Inayan Guro.

Can I validate if a person or school is truly affiliated with the ISE?

Quality control is vital to us. Please contact info@inayan.com with any concerns.

 

Is there a way to find out more information on Inayan Eskrima?

One way is to read the magazine or news articles published on Inayan Eskrima. You may also find it educational to visit the "Photos" section of our web site. The "Suro Mike Inay" gallery and the "Inayan Eskrima History" gallery would be great starting points. Instructional VHS tapes and DVD's on Inayan Eskrima can also be ordered from various sites on the internet including Abanico Video Productions.

 

How can I discuss Inayan Eskrima and other FMA's with others?

You could join our own ISE Forums and/or the Eskrima Digest and take part in discussions about the Filipino Martial Arts with members of different styles from around the world.