Eskrima DeCuerdas is a Filipino Martial Art based on the teachings of late Grandmaster Gilbert Tenio, late Senior Master Juan Eliab Sr., and Grandmaster Gilbert Cordoncillo. While GM Tenio's DeCuerdas is the core style of the system, the blend taught by Sr. Master Eliab comprised of Serrada, Larga Mano and DeCuerdas, accounts for the majority of the material practiced during training. Read More

EDC-FMA, being a progressive culmination of styles, teaches Larga Mano Eskrima first. This style emphasizes using footwork for evasion and closing distance to gain fighting advantage. Wielding a single weapon, which may often be large and/or heavy, the beginning levels of Larga Mano employ larger movements which are later refined to become smaller and tighter. Since most students new to martial arts have a tendency toward large, wide motions, training in Larga Mano allows for a natural feel in the techniques practiced.

The EDC-FMA System progresses to Serrada Eskrima next. This style emphasizes training directly toe-to-toe against an opponent, the worst place to be in a close quarter fight. Practice involves responding to quick, multiple attacks and draws from fighting techniques utilizing Espada y Daga (sword and dagger). Training also incorporates the footwork developed in Larga Mano to get out of the pocket and defeat an opponent. Teaching Serrada post Larga Mano allows the two arts to complement each others' strengths to the benefit of the practitioner.

Eskrima DeCuerdas, our core style, focuses primarily on conceptual training, with only a few specific techniques to learn. The DeCuerdas approach emphasizes the "quick kill" without being tied to any particular weapon. Instructors guide students to move naturally while applying these overarching concepts in practice. DeCuerdas training is the final phase, ensuring students have mastered the fundamental skills before advancing to the more conceptual aspects.

Close

The word "Koshiki" 古式 consists of two Japanese characters that, when used together, mean "old style". The word "ToKen" is a combination of two Japanese characters: "To" 唐, meaning "China" (specifically the Tang dynasty) and "Ken" 拳, meaning "fist"; thus, ToKen means "China (Chinese) fist". The word "jutsu" 術, refers to "technique, skill, or method". So, Koshiki ToKen Jutsu means "Old Style Chinese Fist Technique/Method". Read More

The name is indicative of the training mentality coupled with an homage to the cumulative practice that led to its development. The old style mindset develops fighting skill instead of just practicing for art, self defense or competition. The homage pays tribute to Tang Soo Do, Wado Ryu Karate, Southern Shaolin Tiger/Crane Fist & Grappling Method, and QiGong. However it's important to understand Koshiki ToKen Jutsu wasn't formed from a collection of other styles into something different. It's the result of experience, insight, and evolution that emerged over decades of practice and is most accurately described as a change in pedagogy instead of the creation of a new style.

Koshiki ToKen Jutsu blends modern methods with an old style mindset. Modern styles approach training with a "self development first, self defense second" philosophy while the old style mindset follows a "fighting first, self development second" perspective. It's the older mindset that enables a practitioner to develop the art beyond the obvious blocks, strikes and kicks seen in karate. Like modern styles, practice involves use of the "3K's": kihon (basis, foundation), kata (model, shape), and kumite (group/organized hands, sparring) with special attention given to bunkai (break down, analysis) of the movements in order to create technique. The results of bunkai allow practitioners to incorporate close range techniques and tactics that emphasize limb control/trapping and low kicks, use body movement and turning for evasive motion, develop catching and grabbing to execute joint locking techniques which can be adjusted to create joint breaks, weapon disarms, take downs, and throws, and apply strikes and presses to exploit anatomical weaknesses in the body. Concepts involving heaviness, lightness, hardness, softness, explosive power, sensitivity, etc. are also introduded as skill progresses.

Close