what is inayan eskrima?
Inayan Eskrima encompasses several styles of Eskrima but focuses 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.
How we Train
Bone, Wood, Steel, Lead… To the Inayan student these are the tools; their mind is the weapon. The Inayan School of Eskrima teaches the complete Inayan System of Eskrima as the foundation of our curriculum while each ISE Instructor brings their own unique background and insight to every class. Formal classes are held three times per week and involve a combination of group and private instruction tailored to the needs of the individual student. Emphasis is placed on practicality, individual personal growth, and extra care is taken to maintain the “Basics” of Inayan Eskrima as passed down by Suro Mike Inay.
Inayan Eskrima focuses on three core styles: Inayan Kadena de Mano, Inayan Serrada, and Inayan Largo Mano. Each style is taught in its entirety and covers a specific range: short (Kadena), medium (Serrada) and long (Largo). As the Inayan student progresses they become comfortable in any range and understand how each style compliments the others to fit their particular way of fighting. Ultimately the advanced student understands how to implement long-range theory in short-range engagements, medium-range theory at long-range, or any other combination the situation may require. This ability to flow seamlessly between any range is a hallmark of Inayan Eskrima.
Rather than beginning with empty-hands only, students of Inayan Eskrima are taught to utilize weapons at the onset. This approach uniquely ingrains an interrelationship between weapon and empty-hand skills. Because of this training philosophy Inayan Eskrima is widely recognized in the martial arts community for its extreme practicality and effectiveness in self defense or combat situations. While Inayan Eskrima provides students with solid defensive abilities in a relatively short period of time, there is also a depth to the art which presents a lifetime of challenges and personal growth for the serious practitioner.
Training in the art progresses through five student ranks. The first two ranks focus on the basics of each style within Inayan Eskrima. Third and fourth student ranks focus on strengthening leadership abilities and honing physical skills. The fifth student rank focuses on communicating the art and advanced physical training.