FMA weapons training
FMA stands for Filipino Martial Arts – the martial arts of the Philippines, also known as Eskrima, Arnis and Kali. At CFC, FMA is a training area at CFC Die Kampfkunstschule and part of our close-combat and self-defense training. You train stick, training blade and unarmed application – structured, safe and with gear on loan to start.
CFC teaches FMA Eskrima in Villach as part of the training at CFC. The program is led by Sifu Erich Ferlesch with martial arts experience since 1990. Training suits beginners and advanced students and takes place in Villach, Carinthia.
FMA – Filipino Martial Arts is one of the three core styles at CFC Die Kampfkunstschule and covers angles, tools and movement in space. Training with practice stick and training blade sharpens precision, coordination and distance control – skills that feed straight back into unarmed application and self-defense.
FMA stands for Filipino Martial Arts – the umbrella term for the fighting arts of the Philippines, also known as Eskrima, Arnis or Kali. What makes them distinctive is that training starts with the weapon: once you understand a movement with the stick, you transfer it to the knife and to the empty hand. We always write it FMA.
Stick work and weapon-based movement principles form the core. Around that come coordination, feel for distance, timing and angle work – understanding which angle an attack arrives on and which angle your answer travels through. A key element is the transition between weapon and empty hand: the same principles carry in both cases.
FMA is not only weapon training. Sharpening perception, rhythm and angles noticeably improves general fighting movement, empty-handed as well. That is why students in Villach who mainly care about self-defense and close combat also benefit from FMA.
FMA is part of the training at CFC: rooted in the martial-arts area and, together with HEMA, part of the weapon-combat area. FMA and HEMA are not competitors – they complement each other: Filipino stick and blade work on one side, historical European fencing on the other.
The empty-hand FMA training at CFC covers Panantukan (also called Dirty Boxing) with punches, elbows, knees and headbutts from every distance, plus Dumog – the Filipino art of clinch and positional control. You learn to work with structure in close range instead of relying on strength and chance.
The armed side covers Baraw (knife work with training knives) and stick fighting with rattan – Eskrima, Arnis and Kali. Important: we do not build competition fighters. We train the principles so that they build real understanding of angles, distance and timing – and measurably improve empty-hand self-protection.
Training with the stick sharpens awareness, distance control and flow of movement. These skills transfer directly to empty-hand fighting – a valuable building block for every martial artist.
We build every session clearly and under control. That way you learn cleanly and safely – step by step, from the basic strike to complex sequences.
The FMA weapons training in Villach at CFC offers much more than just handling sticks or blades. Under the guidance of Sifu Erich Ferlesch, you will immerse yourself in the world of Eskrima, Arnis, and Kali to raise your reflexes to a professional level. In Villach, we place special emphasis on ensuring that you understand the biomechanical principles behind every movement. Since FMA is based on universal movement patterns, you simultaneously improve your unarmed defense capabilities. This training is designed for participants seeking a serious and field-tested method to effectively hold their own in an emergency.
A core aspect of Eskrima, Arnis, and Kali at CFC is training ambidextrous coordination. Unlike many other disciplines, both sides of the body are equally promoted in Wing Chun and especially in FMA. This not only trains your spatial awareness but also optimizes your cognitive abilities under stress. Sifu Erich Ferlesch brings his 25 years of experience in operational security directly into the lessons. You will not learn rigid choreographies with us, but dynamic solutions that hold up in a real confrontation. Practice beats theory is our most important credo for your learning success.
The transition from weapons training to unarmed self-defense is seamless in the Philippine martial arts. At CFC, you will learn how to use the dynamics of Eskrima to remain capable of acting even without tools. The training includes leverage techniques, distance control, and an understanding of attack angles. This knowledge is essential for recognizing threats early and responding with de-escalation or – if necessary – with the required consequence. We cordially invite you to get to know this fascinating world during a trial lesson at our premises on Karawankenweg.
We provide structured training in close combat and self-defense in Villach. Training is under the direction of Sifu Erich Ferlesch – martial arts experience since 1990 and 25 years of practical experience in close protection. The training path is clearly structured, groups stay small and every student is coached personally.
What is FMA?
FMA stands for Filipino Martial Arts – the traditional martial arts of the Philippines, focused on weapon work, movement, distance and timing. At CFC in Villach, FMA is part of our weapon-combat area.
Do I need my own equipment?
At the beginning you can borrow equipment from us, but over the course of training every student has their own equipment.
Is FMA suitable for beginners?
Yes. We start with the basics and increase complexity at your pace.
Do I always need to carry a weapon to use FMA?
No, the principles of FMA are initially taught with rattan sticks, but these patterns are universally transferable to everyday objects like umbrellas or pens. At CFC in Villach, you will learn to use your environment as a resource for your personal safety and how to neutralize threats effectively.
What is the risk of injury when training with sticks?
Safety is the top priority at CFC. We train with high-quality rattan sticks or specialized training tools to minimize the risk of injury. Sifu Erich Ferlesch, with his decades of experience, personally ensures controlled execution so you can learn the techniques without fear in a protected environment.
Can I use FMA to improve my general fitness?
Absolutely. The FMA system at CFC trains the coordination of both brain hemispheres and improves overall fitness and explosive power. Many of our members in Villach use weapons training as a perfect balance to their professional lives to reduce stress while learning a compromise-free method of self-defense.
Get to know CFC in person and take the first step into your training in close combat and self-defense.