Inayan Styles

Inayan Serrada
Serrada literally translated means “to close” or “to shut”. Serrada is a medium to close range style emphasizing the use of blade or stick 18 to 26 inches in length. Responses or counters to strikes are primarily linear in fashion, with the main theory being to close in on an attackers strike to shut down his or her power and speed. Serrada translates to both knife and open hand applications. Serrada is considered one of the most important styles within Inayan Eskrima because it bridges the gap between long and short range defensive counters and attacks.
Angel Cabales and Max Sarmiento
Inayan Kadena de Mano
Kadena de Mano literally translated means “Chain of Hand”. Kadena de Mano is the primary open hand and knife system within Inayan Eskrima. Kadena is one of the most complex styles taught within Inayan Eskrima due to its training drills and it’s ability to flow from one theory to another. Knife defenses, open hand counters, trapping skills and nerve strikes are cornerstones of this style.
Inayan Larga Mano
Literally translated Larga Mano means “Long Hand”. Most weapon encounters will begin in this range. This Inayan style emphasizes evading oncoming strikes and countering to the attacking limb. Inayan Larga Mano is based on the Kampilan sword, widely regarded as the largest indigenous blade found in the Philippines.
Inayan Decuerdas
Decuerdas means, “to cord”. This style is based on reinforced weapon blocking and counter striking. Theories include parry, block, block and parry and weapon to weapon disarming. This is a basic but highly effective form of Eskrima.
Inayan Sinawali
Sinawali translated means “to weave”. In this style two weapons, usually of equal length are used in set offensive and defensive patterns. From this the practioner is introduced to different theories of executing the same blocking and striking sequences. Sinawali is one of the primary ways that that the left and right hands are taught to work in harmony and rhythm together.
Inayan Espada y Daga
Possibly the most complex of all Inayan styles, Espada y Daga literally means “sword and dagger”. This is considered one of the mother arts of Eskrima. This style teaches the left and right hands to work not only together, but more importantly how to work independently of one another. Espada y Daga focuses on block counter while at the same time positioning an opponent into a trapped or locked position.
Inayan Sibat/Bankow
This is the “Staff and Spear” method found in Inayan Eskrima. Based on many of the Inayan Larga Mano concepts, this styles focus is on the use of distance and the length of the weapon to block and counter.
In addition to the styles of Inayan Eskrima we also share the following Fillipino Martial Arts:
Panantukan
Panantukan is a Filipino method of boxing. Todays system of western boxing is said to have been heavily influenced by this method of Filipino open hand fighting. The major difference between the two boxing methods is target selection and the use of body movement. In Panantukan, the target often used is an attackers limb and or supporting joint.
Sikaran
Sikaran or kicking method used in Filipino martial arts again is often based on striking attackers limbs. Low line kicks and or knees are employed in this style to subdue an attack. This style is often supported by the use of Kadena de Mano or Panantukan techniques.
Grappling
Dumog is one of the traditional forms of Filipino grappling. Concepts and theories are used from this style, and are supported by additional techniques from Japanese, Brazilian and western methods of wrestling and ground fighting. When such techniques are used proper respect and credit are given to the effective and proven styles.

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