EC: Beginner Syllabus

Welcome to the Beginner Grades of the Escrima Concepts.

The Beginner Syllabus has three grades that are used to teach new students the basics of the system. The focus is on Single Stick and Unarmed. You will learn the 5 strikes, basic defensive options for each, and gradually put them together so that you are attacking then defending counter strikes and learning to deal with unknown factors. There is also an an introduction to Double Sticks spread throughout the grades to prepare you for the Intermediate Syllabus.

Student Grade 1

• Introduces the basic attack and defence options for a No.1 and a No.3 strike, both armed (Single Stick) and unarmed
• Focusses primarily on body positioning on the inside
• Introduces the 1st Double Stick Pattern (of four)

Student Grade 2

• Introduces the basic attack and defence options for the last three strikes; No.2, No.4, and No.5, both armed (single Stick) and unarmed
• Focusses primarily on body positioning on the outside
• First two basic disarms
• Introduces the 2nd Double Stick Pattern (of four)

Student Grade 3

• Combines all strikes and defences learnt so far, mixing Single Stick and Unarmed together
• Focusses on strategy and countering someone’s defence
• Develops the unarmed options
• Introduces the 3rd Double Stick Pattern (of four)

This syllabus was developed by Grandmaster Steve Tappin, Head of Escrima Concepts, and he has written it out in a way that is designed to help you understand both the grades and the exercises more as you progress through the system.

The official EC syllabus sheets do not have the grades split specifically into numbered exercises, this is something we have done to help you know where the different parts start and finish.

What you should find is that the more you understand the exercise (from watching the videos and training it yourself), the more you’ll come understand how he’s worded it and what it all means.

So do not worry if the written text doesn’t make much sense now, the videos will explain and demonstrate what’s going on.

Final Note:

Be aware (and remember) that every exercise has variations, and different clubs/Instructors can often prefer different variations to each other, however the concepts should always remain the same. In seminars Steve and Wayne will often show you a different variation of the drill in order to fix a mistake you’re making.

We have filmed the standard version of the exercises that we teach in our Cambridge classes, rather than showing all the many variations. If you are ever in doubt because you’re shown/taught a different version, just ask us.