Inayan Eskrima Styles -

"To be a truly complete and effective fighting defense, a style must have an arsenal of competent techniques and theory to pull from to use in any situation without borrowing from another style."

 

--

Suro Mike Inay

Founder, Inayan Eskrima

In Inayan Eskrima we study several styles of Eskrima but focus on three “core styles” which are Inayan Kadena de Mano, Inayan 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 is the key to balancing out Inayan Eskrima. All three (short, medium and long) are essential. When the Inayan student reaches the proper level he or she can then understand how each piece fits the greater puzzle and put them together as it fits their particular way of fighting.

 

Each style has its own advantages and is very effective in its own right but might not be the best answer to every combative situation. For example, a Largo Mano stylist is very adept at long ranges, but what happens if that student is standing in a corner when confronted and has no space to move the way he or she was taught? In this particular situation, having a good working knowledge of a medium- or short-range style would be very beneficial.

 

Having three ranges at his or her disposal is a great asset to the Inayan student. Whatever situation they might find themselves in, the student can quickly adapt to the surroundings at hand. They can then “flow” easily from range to range and/or style to style, depending on the circumstance, without corrupting their objective. To quote Suro Mike Inay on the subject; “Spontaneous adaptability is the key to a warrior’s survival."

 

Taking this a step further, the advanced student can understand how to implement long-range theory in short-range engagement or possibly medium-range theory in long-range engagement.

 

Below is a brief description of the three core styles that make up the backbone of Inayan Eskrima.

 

 

Inayan Kadena de Mano -

Kadena De Mano translates to “chain of hand” and is a combination of empty-hand and knife/dagger techniques. It covers basic and advanced blocks (or counters), basic and advanced hand and knife drills as well as permuted locks from the basic/advanced drills. Lock/flow/trap practice drills are stressed as well as subject control through the use of Vital Points (Pressure Sensitive Nerves).

 

Inayan Serrada -

Serrada translates to either "to close" or "close quarters". The style is noted for using a shorter cane, male triangle footwork, and quick, linear, in-close fighting. This blade and stick style translates well into empty-hand applications.

 

Inayan Largo Mano -

Largo Mano translates to "long hand" and is a long-range system of Eskrima. Evolved to use a longer/heavier cane (~40") and to use the cane as if it were a Kampilan, the longest sword found in the Philippines. This style is credited as being the first complete formal style to teach the use of the Kampilan.

 

 

 

Supplemental styles include:

 

    -- Inayan Dequerdas

        Reinforced weapon blocking and counter striking

 

    -- Inayan Sinawali

        Two weapons, usually of equal length are used in set offensive and defensive patterns

 

    -- Inayan Espada y Daga

        Espada y Daga focuses on block counters while at the same time positioning an

        opponent into a trapped or locked position

 

    -- Inayan Sibat / Bankow

        the “Staff and Spear” method found in Inayan Eskrima