Why Eskrima Is the Best Martial Art for Self-Defence Against Weapons and Multiple Attackers

When it comes to self-defence, not all martial arts are created equal. Many styles are effective in controlled environments — the gym, the dojo, the ring. But what happens when you’re faced with a real-world threat?

We’re talking about weapons, chaotic situations, and multiple attackers — scenarios where traditional martial arts often fall short.

This is where Eskrima (also known as Arnis or Kali) sets itself apart.

🔥 What is Eskrima?

Eskrima is a Filipino martial art that focuses on weapons-based combat from day one. Students train with sticks, knives, blades, and empty-hand techniques — learning how to disarm, redirect, and neutralise threats with precision and speed.

But it’s more than just weapons. Eskrima trains reflexes, awareness, and adaptability — exactly what you need in real-world self-defence scenarios.

🔍 Why Eskrima Excels Where Others Struggle

🔪 Weapons Are Not an Afterthought — They’re the Foundation

Unlike most martial arts, Eskrima teaches you to defend against knives, sticks, and blunt weapons from day one. You learn how to recognise, disarm, and use objects around you — even improvised weapons like pens, bags, or keys.

👥 Trains for Multiple Attackers

In real life, fights aren’t one-on-one. Eskrima emphasises movement, positioning, and situational awareness — helping you avoid being surrounded or overpowered. You learn how to strike, disengage, and escape — not just fight.

🧠 Built on Reflexes and Fluidity

Eskrima is not just a reflex-based art it installs "Correct Responses". You train drills that hardwire your brain to respond under stress — quickly, instinctively, and with control. No need to think. You just move.

🌍 Designed for the Real World

Eskrima isn’t about points, medals, or competitions. It’s a combat-tested system built for survival. Simple. Efficient. Brutally effective.

Which is why its used by so many military and security groups across the globe.

💥 What About Krav Maga, Karate or BJJ?

Let’s be clear — all martial arts have value. But when it comes to realistic self-defence against weapons and multiple threats, here’s the breakdown:

• Krav Maga is effective but aggressive. Aggression is a great tool; but too many people go to hard and too fast in the beginning and end up injuring themselves and others which will limit your ability to train and function as you need to, It often skips technical depth in favor of brute reaction, which can be hard to sustain without constant pressure testing and limits the age range which the art can be effectively used.

  
  

• Karate teaches structure and discipline but lacks real-world weapon defence or training under chaos. Instructors tend to refer to the "Bunkai" application which can be neither here or there when keeping to the roots and function of the art.

  
  

• BJJ is powerful on the ground and all kids should train some form of grappling/ wrestling skillset. But it’s not ideal for multiple attackers or weapon scenarios. Going to the ground can be dangerous when others are still standing, you would be wanting to take them to the ground from a standing position.

  
  

Eskrima is unique because it blends all ranges: long (weapons), mid (strikes), and close (traps and locks) — with an emphasis on awareness, mobility, and real-world survival.

⚔️ Eskrima vs Other Self-Defence Martial Arts

Feature / Situation	Eskrima (Kali/Arnis)	Krav Maga	Karate	Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)
Weapon Defence (Knife, Stick, Blade)	✅ Core focus from Day 1	✅ Covered, later on	⚠️ Limited or unrealistic	❌ Very limited
Multiple Attackers	✅ Trains mobility, awareness, disarms	⚠️ Covered briefly	❌ Rarely trained realistically	❌ Ground-based focus
Empty-Hand Defence	✅ Striking + trapping	✅ Practical strikes	✅ Basic strikes & blocks	⚠️ Only on the ground
Street Scenario Focus	✅ Fluid, adaptable	✅ Reality-based	⚠️ More traditional/kata-based	❌ Sports-based
Weapons Training for Civilians	✅ Core of the system	⚠️ Some gun/knife defence	❌ Rare	❌ None
Response Under Pressure	✅ Fast, reflex-based	✅ Aggression-focused	⚠️ May freeze in chaos	❌ Groundwork limits movement
Ease of Learning for Beginners	✅ Progressive & scalable	⚠️ Fast but aggressive	✅ Accessible basics	⚠️ Requires time for results

🥇 Train Eskrima in Slough at Warriors Martial Arts Academy

If you’re ready to train in a martial art that actually prepares you for the chaos of real life, look no further than Warriors Martial Arts Slough.

Here’s why students across Slough and Berkshire trust us:

✅ Expert instruction in Filipino Martial Arts

✅ Weapon training from day one — safely and progressively

✅ Real self-defence for real situations

✅ A structured, beginner-friendly environment

✅ A community that trains hard, supports each other, and grows together

Whether you’re looking to protect yourself, improve awareness, or develop a new level of confidence — Eskrima delivers.

🚨 Ready to Train Smart — and Stay Safe?

Join Warriors Martial Arts Slough today and take the first step toward becoming more capable, confident, and prepared.

📍 Book a free trial now