΄σΟσ΄«Γ½

Skip to main contentSkip to main navigationSkip to footer content

Filipino Club and RAWC host Escrima Lessons

EventsMay 03, 2022
΄σΟσ΄«Γ½ students take escrima lessons

Written By: Samantha Contreras

Thanks to a partnership between a student club and a passionate professional, students at the ΄σΟσ΄«Γ½ had the opportunity to learn about escrima, a form of traditional Filipino martial arts, throughout the spring semester.

β€œSince January, we’ve been doing these workshops every month,” said Filipino Club Vice President Jonathan Schafer, a sophomore media communication major. 

Army Sgt. First Class Richard Ly, an area resident of Filipino descent, volunteered to offer the escrima lessons. He describes escrima as β€œone of the oldest Filipino martial arts from the Philippines that still exists today.”

β€œI donate my time to assist the Filipino Club of ΄σΟσ΄«Γ½ to preserve and perpetuate Filipino Culture,” he said.

According to Ly, throughout history, escrima practitioners used sticks, blades or impact weapons, and hand-to-hand techniques for special operations and jungle warfare. Escrima's style of combat has been lauded by experts for its effectiveness in war. 

β€œThe style I teach is called Serrada Escrima,” said Ly. β€œIt is the first Filipino martial arts to be openly taught to non-Filipinos in the United States.” 

Students interested to learn more about advanced escrima lessons may contact Ly at (479) 437-4005.