Escrima is a word like 'karate' or 'kung fu,' a word that describes a broad style of martial art. It means 'skirmish; to engage in combat,' and is the Filipino martial art of stick and sword fighting. Oftentimes is is also called Arnis, from the Spanish, meaning 'harness of the hand' or Kali, perhaps from the Filipino for 'sword.'

Both Sensei Charles Adams and Sensei Lynn Young are double stick certified instructors in escrima.

Other groups within Escrima will have different requirements and belt colors.
This is a brief overview of the minimum requirements of Adams Martial Arts.
Because of the weapons nature of Escrima, Adams Martial Arts seeks students who are more interested in ability than in belt color. Knowing that a belt does not improve your ability and that not having a belt does not lesson your ability, our Escrima classes offer no belt rank until black. Escrima students will learn to fight with stick, sword, knife, and a combination of the three.
All students are required to take a small amount of Isshinryu Karate at the time they begin Escrima. The purpose is to develop basic footwork, balance, and empty-hand techniques. The actual time will vary with each student as it is based on material learned, but the average time is three months. As this is a requirement of Escrima, there is no extra cost for the second class. If the student decides he wishes to continue with Isshinryu and advance in rank, the double class fees will go into effect.
As a part of the Escrima program students are required to make their own weapons. The first weapon made will be a wooden sword or dagger for use in sparring. The weapon will be of comparable size to an actual blade of that type. This can be made with or without Sensei Adams’ supervision but must be approved by him. The second required blade will be a true sword or dagger made under the supervision of Sensei Adams. The student is expected to do 90% of the work on the blade, start to finish (forging, grinding, setting fittings, polishing.) To learn more about the bladesmithing process visit Shadowhawk Blades.

Required for All Students

Because we are teaching individuals to handle weapons as well as to be a weapon, Adams Martial Arts requires that each student be in control of his or her actions. This means that our school has a zero tolerance policy on addictions. Students and Instructors are not permitted to smoke, do drugs, or drink to excess. Persons who are in the process of quitting an addiction are completely welcome in classes. Those who are wondering about why we would have such a rule are encouraged to contact us with their questions.