Serrada Escrima is a specific style within Filipino Martial Arts, founded by the Filipino martial artist Grandmaster Angel Cabales. It is a refined system of Escrima, focusing on close-quarters combat with a particular emphasis on bladed weapons or sticks and its application in self-defense scenarios. Key features of Serrada Escrima include:

Close-Range Techniques: The system emphasizes fighting at close distances, with techniques designed for quick and efficient combat. (The average length of the weapons used in Serrada Escrima are between 18 to 24 inches long, while most other FMA systems use weapons that are 26 to 32 inches long).

Stick Work: Practitioners are trained in the use of a single stick, with techniques involving strikes, blocks, and counters, which translate into bladed weapon use.

Footwork: Serrada Escrima includes specialized footwork to enhance mobility and positioning during combat.

Counters and Drills: It involves a variety of drills and partner exercises that help develop timing, distance, and reaction skills.

Serrada Escrima is known for its systematic approach to self-defense, making it a practical and effective martial art.

Angel Cabales was born in Philippines in 1917. At a young age, Cabales was introduced to Filipino martial arts, which were deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of his homeland. The martial arts in the Philippines, especially the art of Escrima, have a rich tradition of being used both for self-defense and in combat.

In his early years, Cabales worked as a fisherman and came to the United States in search of better opportunities. He settled in Stockton, California, a city known for its vibrant Filipino community, in fact the nickname for downtown Stockton was "Little Manila". It was in Stockton that Cabales began to gain recognition for his exceptional skills in martial arts. He trained under several Escrima masters, honing his craft and developing a deep understanding of the art.

Serrada Escrima: A New Approach

Angel Cabales is credited with founding Serrada Escrima, a distinctive style within the broader spectrum of Filipino martial arts. "Serrada," which means "close" in Spanish, reflects the style's emphasis on close-quarter combat and quick, efficient movements. Unlike some other forms of Escrima, which might focus on longer ranges and larger arcs, Serrada Escrima is characterized by its compact, direct, and precise movements.

Serrada Escrima is particularly known for its "defang the snake" concept, where the practitioner aims to neutralize the opponent's weapon hand or limb as a priority, often leading to a swift end to the confrontation. The style uses a single stick, typically 18-24 inches in length, which is shorter than the sticks used in many other forms of Escrima. This shorter stick allows for faster strikes and easier manipulation in close-quarter situations.

The Cabales Serrada Escrima School

In 1966, Angel Cabales opened the first known public Filipino martial arts school in the United States in Stockton. This was a significant development, as it marked a shift from the traditional secrecy often associated with Filipino martial arts, which were typically taught in private and passed down through family lineages. Cabales broke with this tradition of teaching anyone who showed dedication and respect for the art, regardless of their ethnicity or background.

Cabales’s approach to teaching was rigorous and practical. He emphasized real-world application, ensuring his students were prepared for actual combat situations. His methods were tested and refined through years of practice and sparring, making Serrada Escrima both an effective martial art and a self-defense system.

Legacy and Influence

Angel Cabales is often referred to as the "Father of Serrada Escrima" and is one of the key figures responsible for popularizing Filipino martial arts in the United States. His school in Stockton became a hub for martial artists interested in learning authentic Filipino fighting techniques.