Estilo Macabebe is one of the 20 styles in the Giron system of Escrima. Uncle Leo explained that the name derived from the Macabebe tribe who were known for their double weapon fighting style. It is practiced with two similar length weapons and incorporates both Kob Kob and Sinawali techniques (more about those later). On the surface, defending yourself with two weapons rather than one seems a no brainer. More is better, right? But, the reality is much more complicated than the theory. Most…

I wanted to have a brief chat about style. One thing I have learned over the years is that each player has their own style; distinct, individual, unique. Yet, how does that square with the need for conformity and consistency in curriculum? I have to teach the same technique to a wide range of individuals. Does that mean that I have to change the technique for each student or is it the student who needs to change? My Dad was a strict Biology professor. His opinion was that it was the…

Topic for this week: Take your warrior with you. Last weekend, we decided to loop back on fundamentals. The students have been working through the week on angles 1-12 and now that they are getting advanced, they decided it would be good to review. I still teach the old way. Everyone has to go through each number completely before advancing to the next. It's the way I was taught and I think there is deep value in it. The Giron system, taught this way, is complex and highly technical. It's…

Finally got back out on Saturday after weeks of unrelenting rain. Thanks to Janelle, Patt and Dan for…

Okay, so now I have freekin' seen it all! I just came across a video of a FMA…