Knife Defense

12 Strikes

Like other Filipino martial arts, Eskrima employs 12 distinct strikes made with a stick, knife, or sword. Strikes #1, 2, 11, and 12 can be fatal and must be used with caution.

Horizontal strike to defender's left temple or neck

Horizontal strike to defender's right temple or neck

Horizontal strike to defender's left ribcage or upper arm

Horizontal strike to defender's right ribcage or upper arm

Angled thrust (coming from attacker's right side) to defender's navel

Angled thrust (coming from attacker's left side) to defender's navel

Angled strike to defender's left knee

Angled strike to defender's right knee

Angled thrust (coming from attacker's right side) to defender's left shoulder

Angled thrust (coming from attacker's left side) to defender's right shoulder

Angled downward strike to defender's left crown

Angled downward strike to defender's right crown

Master Reginald Burford is the Oakland Eskrima Club's lead instructor. He has over 50 years of experience in the martial arts and has taught Eskrima since 1987.

As a soldier with the US Army in Korea, he earned black belts in Tae Kwon Do and Hap Ki Do under the instruction of Master Cho. As a military policeman at the San Francisco Presidio, he developed combat techniques for real-life situations. This began his focus on simple, realistic fighting techniques in combat and self-defense.

In 1985, Master Burford began his study of Modern Arnis with Clem Wings, and Remy and Ernesto Presas

In 1986, Master Burford joined the Berkeley Eskrima Club with Master Ed Abinsay and Guro Leo Fernandez. Master Burford adapted his knowledge of edged weapons from Hap Ki Do, and his understanding of balance, movement, and energy from Tai Chi, blending these techniques to form a unique interpretation of Eskrima.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Master Burford competed in Eskrima both nationally and internationally and won the titles below:

•             USA National Eskrima Championship San Jose, CA 1988 - 2nd Place

•             First World Eskrima Championship (NARAPHIL) Cebu City, Philippines. 1989 - 1st Place

•             Manila Arnis Eskrima Kali World Invitational Manila, Philippines. 1989 - 1st Place

•             USA National Eskrima Championship Fairfield, CA 1990 - 2nd Place

•             Second World Eskrima Championship (WEKAF) 1991 - 1st Place

During this time, Master Burford was introduced to Great Grandmaster Cacoy Canete and Doce Pares Eskrima. Over the years, Master Burford trained with and assisted Great Grandmaster Cacoy at numerous tournaments and seminars. During his time in the Philippines, Master Burford trained with Filipino Grandmasters Dionisio Canete and Filemon "Momoy" Canete, and Master Abner Pasa.

In 1990, Master Burford took over instruction at the Berkeley Eskrima Club, renaming it the Oakland Eskrima Club in 2000. In the summer of 2003, Master Burford was recognized for his unique adaptation of Doce Pares Eskrima when he received the high honor of Master of Doce Pares Eskrima from Grandmaster Dionisio Canete.

Master Burford continues to train students in his unique style of Doce Pares Eskrima, telling his students, "Learn the techniques and make your mistakes in class, not in the street. Keep it simple: 'simple' works. Keep your training in the realm of reality.