JIU-JITSU

Unlike many martial arts Jiu-Jitsu has not had a neat and organized history, therefore its roots have been very difficult to trace. It is thought that many different styles of Jiu-Jitsu originated in India and spread to China and to other Asian countries. However, it was in Japan that Jiu-Jitsu was developed, expanded and practiced. Jiu-Jitsu has dated back to the 16th century, to the time of the Samurai (derived from a Japanese verb meaning to serve). The first formal school of Jiu-Jitsu opened in 1532 in Japan and the art itself became integral to Samurai training. With the end of the feudal era, Jiu-Jitsu went into hiding, but was secretly passed down from father to son. During the 1880's Jigoro Kano also a practitioner of Jiu-Jitsu developed the sport of Judo "the gentle way" from various locking and throwing principles of Jiu-Jitsu. It is often called the "parent art" because many present day martial arts like Karate, Aikido and Judo exhibit traditional Jiu-Jitsu techniques. 

ESKRIMA

Eskrima is a martial art that is indigenous to the Philippines. It has its origin well before the introduction of firearms, and was used to repel early Spanish invaders. The historian on Ferdinand Magellan's round the world voyage recorded Magellan's death after they engaged in a fight with Filipinos who were carrying fire-hardened sticks.

Eskrima is also known as arnis, kali, kalirogan or garote, and there are dozens of styles in the Philippines. Originally, the typical weapons were fire hardened sticks and various blade weapons. The stick is considered an extension of the arm, and the human body can typically move in ways common to both weapons and empty hand techniques.

Some systems teach one stick, others two sticks or one long and one short stick. Rattan is usually used because it does not splinter, and is hard and light, allowing for quick striking. The long stick is typically 26" long and 1" diameter. All styles also incorporate a variety of punches, kicks, joint locks and grappling.