Ep 2. Eskrima Stickfighting

In the second episode of the first season of Human Weapon, the focus is on the Filipino martial art of Eskrima, specifically its use of sticks in combat. Hosts Jason Chambers and Bill Duff travel to the Philippines to train with the country's top Eskrima masters and experience the intensity and effectiveness of this weapon-based fighting style.

The episode begins with Jason and Bill introducing Eskrima and its history as a combat system used by the people of the Philippines in times of war. They explain that Eskrima is a practical martial art, focused on self-defense rather than showy techniques, and that the use of sticks and other weapons is a key component of its effectiveness.

The hosts then travel to the Philippines to train with two of the country's top Eskrima masters, Grand Master Cacoy Canete and Master Ron Balicki. They begin their training by learning the basics of the stick, including how to properly hold it, strike with it, and defend against attacks. They quickly discover that Eskrima is a fast-paced martial art that requires quick reflexes and a deep understanding of body mechanics.

As they progress in their training, Jason and Bill learn more advanced techniques and begin to spar with each other and with their trainers. They also travel to a local gym to watch a group of Eskrima practitioners in action, amazed by the speed, agility, and precision of their movements.

Along the way, Jason and Bill learn about the cultural and historical significance of Eskrima to the people of the Philippines, and the role it played in their fight for independence against Spanish and American colonizers. They discover how Eskrima was used to train and arm rebel soldiers, and how the art has evolved and adapted over time to become a practical and effective self-defense system.

The episode climaxes with a demonstration of Eskrima stickfighting, in which Jason and Bill face off against each other and their trainers in a thrilling display of speed, skill, and coordination. The fight is intense and fast-moving, with the sticks clashing together in a blur of action as the hosts and their trainers exchange blows.

Throughout the episode, Jason and Bill demonstrate a deep respect for the martial art of Eskrima and the people who practice it. They are clearly impressed by the intensity and effectiveness of the art, and amazed at the level of skill of the Filipino masters they train with. And by the end of the episode, viewers will also have a newfound appreciation for this unique and powerful martial art.