Filipino Martial ARTS ARCHIVE
Remembering the individuals, systems, and traditions that helped preserve and transmit the living heritage of Filipino martial arts across generations.
The Principles, Structures, and Tactical Foundations
Behind Effective Filipino Martial Arts Disarms
Drawing on decades of research, fieldwork, and hands-on training in both the Philippines and the United States, Mastering Eskrima Disarms presents one of the most comprehensive explorations ever published on Filipino martial arts disarming methods.
Written by martial artist, researcher, publisher, and Integrated Eskrima founder Mark V. Wiley, this landmark volume moves beyond flashy demonstration techniques to reveal the underlying principles that make disarming methods functional in real combat situations. Rather than treating disarms as isolated tricks or memorized sequences, the book examines the structural, tactical, and conceptual foundations that govern effective application.
Featuring hundreds of photographs and examples drawn from dozens of systems and masters, the book serves both as a practical training manual and as an important archival record of Filipino martial arts traditions.
A Landmark Study of Filipino Martial Arts Disarms
In this extensive work, readers are guided through the mechanics and principles behind disarming methods from more than thirty systems of Eskrima, Kali, Arnis, and Kabaroan. The book examines:
|
 |
Unlike many books that focus solely on fixed techniques, Mastering Eskrima Disarms emphasizes the “why” behind successful application — helping practitioners understand how and when techniques work rather than simply memorizing movement patterns.
What the Book Contains
 |
Featured systems include: Kalis Ilustrisimo, Serrada Escrima, Balintawak, Modern Arnis, San Miguel Eskrima, Doce Pares, Inosanto Kali, Dekiti Tirsia, Lightning Scientific Arnis, Lameco Eskrima, Integrated Eskrima, and many others. |
Beyond Technique: The Conceptual Foundation
One of the defining strengths of the book is its emphasis on conceptual understanding.
In the introduction, Wiley explains that many practitioners spend years memorizing disarm sequences without fully understanding the principles that make them work. He argues that true proficiency comes from understanding timing, structure, range, positioning, and engagement — not from collecting techniques.
The book therefore shifts the focus from “how many disarms you know” to understanding the principles that allow disarming methods to function under pressure.
As Wiley writes, disarming methods should not be viewed merely as isolated techniques, but as expressions of broader tactical and structural relationships within Filipino martial arts training.
Preserving the Legacy of Filipino Martial Arts
Beyond its technical material, Mastering Eskrima Disarms also serves as an important historical archive.
| The book preserves photographic demonstrations and technical material from many influential teachers and systems — some of whom are no longer living. In this sense, the volume stands not only as a training resource, but also as a contribution to the documentation and preservation of Filipino martial arts heritage. |  |
Through detailed photography, commentary, and comparative examples, the book offers readers a rare opportunity to study the approaches of numerous masters within a single volume.
Selected Praise for the Book
“Mark V. Wiley has a deep understanding of Eskrima.”
— Martial Arts Illustrated“We highly recommend that anyone who is serious about Filipino martial arts read Master Mark Wiley’s works and keep them at hand.”
— British Council of Kali Eskrima Arnis Instructors“An essential and revolutionary book of martial knowledge.”
— World Serrada Escrima Federation“This is, indeed, an important and valuable resource for people interested in the many varieties of Filipino martial arts styles.”
— Peter Huston, author of Tongs, Gangs, and Triads
About the Author
 |
Mark V. Wiley is a martial artist, researcher, publisher, and author known internationally for his decades of work documenting and preserving Filipino martial arts traditions. His research has included extensive travel throughout the Philippines and direct training under many of the art’s most respected masters and grandmasters.
He is the founder of Integrated Eskrima and the author of numerous books on Filipino martial arts, Chinese martial arts, health, and traditional training methods. |
Explore Related Articles
→ 9 Principles of Effective Eskrima Disarms