Wanting to Reconnect with your Culture? This Innovative Filipino Martial Arts Program Can Fill the Void.
Written by Joseph Bautista:
Did you grow up as a second or third generation Filipino-American in the United States? If so, have you experienced being embarrassed for not knowing how to speak Filipino or not being familiar with Filipino culture or history? You are not alone. In the San Francisco Bay Area, a new program is coming to Daly City to help you overcome that.
Eskabo Daan Filipino Martial Arts has developed a program to help fellow Filipino-Americans learn about Filipino culture and have fun while doing so. Classes will teach participants how to translate:
Filipino Martial Arts, more popularly known as Kali, Eskrima, or Arnis, is a practical system to learn if you want to keep yourself safe. But more than that, it is a culturally rich and exciting way to explore the Filipino culture.
Many Filipino-Americans that grow up in America struggle with a sense of Filipino identity, and the Filipino Martial Arts program by Eskabo Daan Filipino Martial Arts School seeks to reconnect people to the culture of their parents or grandparents.
For people who are not of Filipino descent, the program will strive to familiarize them with another culture and impart empathy and open-mindedness. We wanted to create a fun and educational fitness class for kids and adults that would also teach them to appreciate Filipino culture. We believe martial arts can be a great way for individuals to have a memorable and immersive cultural experience.
Being third generation Filipino-American, I've had my fair share of being told I am not "Filipino" enough. I've had my bouts of not even caring to identify as Filipino. When you know nothing about Filipino culture to be proud of, how can you be proud to call yourself Filipino? That is the reason why I got in to Filipino Martial Arts. It was a way for me to dive in to learning about my culture and ethnicity. Personally, I don't like sitting in a classroom and I hate lectures. However, doing Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) has led me down a path of learning the Filipino language, writing, history, dances and more. I now know plenty about my culture and am proud to say I am Filipino-American.
The Filipino national hero Dr. Jose Rizal once said,
"He who does not know how to look back at where he came from will never get to his destination."If you are an adult wanting to explore more about your culture and desiring to pick up a practical skill, Filipino Martial Arts is a great way to learn about our Filipino ancestors and their accomplishments while learning self-defense. Dr. Rizal also said,
"The youth is the hope of our future."If you want your kid to start learning at a young age what you yourself didn't get a chance to learn, you may want to consider this program.
I'd like to thank the Pilipino Bayanihan Resource Center (PBRC) in Daly City--without their support, the program wouldn't be possible. Ray Satorre, the PBRC President, has been a wonderful advocate of the program, and it is thanks to him and the rest of the board that we have a convenient location and the support of many changemakers in the local community.
Curious to what a kids class looks like? Here are some short links from our pilot program:
Kids learning how to defend against an attack
Kids learning how to defend against a grab
Kids learning Filipino Dirty Boxing
The grand opening celebration to launch the Filipino Martial Arts program for kids will be held at the Pilipino Bayanihan Resource Center at 2121 Junipero Serra Blvd, Daly City, CA 94014 on September 8, 2018 from 11 AM - 3 PM. Performances, food, and on-site self-defense workshops will be held at during the event.
Wish to train and learn? Take advantage of the Pre-Opening Special:
Adult Classes in Daly City
Kids Classes in Daly City
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