Estalilla Kabaroan Eskrima: Overview of the 3-Part system

Kabaroan is the Filipino martial art and system of fencing and self-defense. Specifically, it is the traditional way of fighting with hand weapons or hand-arms (armas de mano), such as bolos, swords called kampilans (cutlasses), spears, iron-wood sticks, and fire-hardened staves. This comprehensive weapon system is broken down into techniques of Sensilla, Bambolia and Compuesta with methods known as Tiradin and Todasan. No wonder the May 1990 issue of Black Belt Magazine saw fit to write on its front cover that Kabaroan is “The Best of Filipino Arnis.” Illustrated with over 400 photographs, this book offers deep insight into the history, art, training and techniques of Kabaroan Eskrima as taught by GM Ramiro Estalilla, Jr. All FMA practitioners need to learn this rare and unique Eskrima system. Dedication 5 Testimonials 7 Acknowledgments 9 Publisher’s Foreword 15 Foreword 17 Introduction 19 Section I – Overview of Kabaoran 23 Chapter 1 – Introduction to Kabaroan Historical and Cultural Background 25 Outlawed but Preserved 26 Goals and Objectives Kabaroan is Dynamic 27 What Kabaroan Offers Kabaroan is Safe 28 Big Stick Rules of Safety Code of Honor and Rules of Conduct 29 Chapter 2 – Kabaroan Origins 31 Kabaroan Practice Methods 32 Kabaroan’s Basic Goals Kabaroan Blends With Other Arts 33 Subsystems of Kabaroan 34 Parts of the Stick and How to Hold It 35 Target Areas for the Stick 36 Methods of Weapon Grip 37 Tiradin and Todasan: Two Sides of One Coin 39 A Balanced System 40 Chapter 3 – Fundamental Principles The Principle of Life 41 The Principle of Love Great Ideals Derived From Principles 42 Levels of Forces and Types of Weapons 44 Eskrima as a Weapon-based System 45 Section II – Overview of Kabaroan Techniques 47 Chapter 4 – Basic Offensive Techniques Six Types of Strikes 49 Eight Lines of Strikes 52 Ambidextrous Footwork 54 Fighting Distances and Ranges 58 Length of Weapon 62 CHAPTER 5 – Basic Defensive Techniques 63 Tiradin and Todasan 64 Bambolia Blocks 66 CHAPTER 6 – Disarming and Counter Techniques Disarming and Trapping Techniques 69 Counter Disarms 76 Counter Striking 78 Chapter 7 – Introduction to Double Weapons 87 Weapons of Equal Length 88 Weapons of Unequal Length 89 General Category of Sinawalis 90 Observing the Rules of Safety Weapons of Equal Lengths 92 Single Sinawali Under Double Weaponry (Balanced Pattern) 93 Double Sinawali Under Double Weaponry (High-Low) 96 Triple Sinawali Under Double Weaponry (Heaven And Earth) 98 Bambolian Sinawali (Compuesta) 104 Weapons of Unequal Lengths Sword and Dagger (Espada y Daga) 108 Bangkaw (Shield-Staff) And Truncheon (Pang-Or) 111 Shield-Staff And Spear (Bangkaw And Pika/Sibat) 117 Section III – Training Exercises and Forms 125 CHAPTER 8 – Kabaroan Multipurpose Exercises Common Exercises 127 Nutrition, Recreation, and Rest 131 Chapter 9 – Kabaroan Eskrima Forms and Dances 133 Basic 12 Linear Form and Karenza 134 General Tiradin form Karenza 140 Basic Bambolia 11 142 CHAPTER 10 – The Legacy of Ramiro Abellera Estalilla Sr. The Preparation to Inherit Kabaroan 145 The Early Years The Inheritance of Elder Ramiro 146 The Great Variety of Exposures 147 Some Incidents in the Elder Ramiro’s Life 148 The Later Years of the Elder Estalilla 151 CHAPTER 11 – About the Author 153 Some Final Thoughts 154 Notes from the Editor 155 Friends of Kabaroan 156 SECTION IV – Appendixes 163 A. Glossary of Terms 165 B. List of Striking Techniques 170 C. Weapons of Kabaroan 173 D. Some Geometric Terms 174 E. Basic Stances and Steps 175 F. Martial Arts Song 176