EDC-FMA is a public park/garage/backyard based martial arts club. We're here to give people who love to train a place to do just that. Beginners will find an informative environment in which to grow and develop; experienced practitioners will find a place to learn something new and offer their knowledge. If you like to train and share, then our door is open to you. We're here for the love of the arts, the challenge of personal growth and the lifelong friends that are made along the way.
Got questions? Please feel free to contact us.
Contact UsWant more infomation? Why not start with learning about our instructor?
The InstructorThe Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), also collectively known as Eskrima, Arnis or Kali, are the martial arts of the Philippines. The names are parallel, generic terms for FMA that emphasize weapon based fighting. Techniques are based on sword use and later translated to employ sticks, knives, empty hands and improvised weapons (often called "weapons of opportunity" e.g. a scarf, briefcase, book, pen, cane, umbrella, etc).
We also offer a "street smart" program called FS3 (Fight Swift, Fight Simple, Fight Smart) for those who are not interested in attaining rank or fully immerse into a martial art system.
Just like most young boys in the late 70's, Brian Silverio's interest in the martial arts was conceived watching Bruce Lee movies while trying to do back spinning kicks in the family room...
Brian has been training in the martial arts for over 20 years. He began his journey at a very young age studying Tae Kwon Do at the Oriental Moo-Do School in Cerritos, CA under Grandmaster Chan Yong Kim. From there, Brian's passion for becoming an effective martial artist grew as he sought out other styles to learn.
1993 - Introduction to EskrimaIn 1993, Brian started his training in Eskrima under a family friend, Tom Bernardo. Tom studied under the same person that taught Danny Inosanto, GM Leo Giron. His primary style is/was Arnis Eskrima and he founded the Bahala Na Martial Arts schools. This introduction to the art was the foundation to what later became an inspiration to learning more about his Filipino culture and history.
2000 - Jeet Kune Do TrainingIn 2000, Brian moved to New York, NY. He started his training in Jeet Kune Do with New York Martial Arts Academy under Sifu Dino Orfanos (originally under Sifu Ted Wong and Sifu Chris Kent). During this period he also attended multiple seminars with Sifu Ted Wong (private student and close friend of Bruce Lee) and Sifu Chris Kent (originally under Guro Dan Inosanto, 1st generation LA Chinatown student of Bruce Lee).
2005 - Return to CaliforniaIn 2005, he moved back to Los Angeles, CA to seek out his roots, be close to his family, and eventually start a family of his own. Brian continued his training in Jeet Kune Do and further explored the art of Kali under the private instruction of Jeff Scharlin (originally under Sifu Steve Grody, then Sifu Chris Kent). After a few years of training, Brian was invited to train in a small group led by Sifu Pete Jacobs (1st Generation LA Chinatown student of Bruce Lee). Brian was granted Apprentice Instructor under Sifu Jeff Scharlin in 2009.
2010 - Kada Anan in ArizonaIn 2010, Brian and his family moved to Phoenix, AZ. He founded Fireside Jeet Kune Do and taught students in his local community for a couple of years. With his desire to further his training in Eskrima, he was connected with Agisulo Michael Butz of Kada Anan DeCuerdas Eskrima (under GM Gilbert Cordoncillo). Brian trained regularly under Agisulo Michael Butz and in 2014 was granted Katulungan Agisulo I.
2015-Present - Teaching in ColoradoIn search of cooler climate and more mountainous terrain, Brian and his family moved to Denver, CO in 2015 where he currently teaches Eskrima in semiprivate lessons. He continues his martial arts journey by training and refining his skills while connecting people to the art.
Although there is influence from several styles, practice centers around EDC-FMA and a "street smart" program called FS3 (Fight Swift, Fight Simple, Fight Smart)
EDC-FMA is a Filipino Martial Art based on the teachings of late Grandmaster Gilbert Tenio, late Senior Master Juan Eliab Sr., and Grandmaster Gilbert Cordoncillo. While GM Tenio's DeCuerdas is the core style of the system, the blend taught by Sr. Master Eliab comprised of Serrada, Larga Mano and DeCuerdas, accounts for the majority of the material practiced during training.
The EDC-FMA, being a progressive culmination of styles, teaches Larga Mano Eskrima first. This style emphasizes using footwork for evasion and closing distance to gain fighting advantage. Wielding a single weapon, which may often be large and/or heavy, the beginning levels of Larga Mano employ larger movements which are later refined to become smaller and tighter. Since most students new to martial arts have a tendency toward large, wide motions, training in Larga Mano allows for a natural feel in the techniques practiced.
EDC-FMA progresses to Serrada Eskrima next. This style emphasizes training directly toe-to-toe against an opponent (the worst place to be in a close quarter fight). Practice involves responding to quick, multiple attacks and draws from fighting techniques utilizing Espada y Daga (sword and dagger). Training also incorporates the footwork developed in Larga Mano to get out of the pocket and defeat an opponent. Teaching Serrada post Larga Mano allows the two arts to complement each others' strengths to the benefit of the practitioner.
Eskrima DeCuerdas is our core style. Although there are some specific techniques to learn, the bulk of the training is conceptual. DeCuerdas emphasizes the quick kill and is not weapon specific. Students are guided to move naturally while bringing concepts into motion. DeCuerdas is taught last to ensure students have acquired solid, basic skills before advancing to the conceptual.
Train DeCuerdasYou stood tall and exuded self confidence; you made brief eye contact with others without being aggressive or staring anyone down; you dressed properly; you weren't fixated on your phone, oblivious to your surroundings; and you even walked and parked in well lit areas. You've done everything "right" but you still find yourself needing to fend off some bad guys. This is where the FS3 program starts. It's not about avoiding confrontation, it's about handling the confrontation you couldn't avoid and being able to get home.
The FS3 program is short and relatively simple to learn, with a basic and an advanced module that last roughly 3 months each. Training comes from the perspective that most people, when looking for training for self defense/protection, aren't usually interested in lineage, rank, titles or full martial arts systems. The intention is to learn something that is immediately applicable to survive a fight. After training <whatever>, they wind up engrossed in the lineage, rank, drill sets, titles, etc. Watching TV, movies and fighting sports can also influence or change the mindset. Many people go to MMA training thinking they'll receive fighting skill, not realizing they're learning SPORT fighting. While there's nothing wrong with sport, what if that's not the training goal? Others choose a style based on fame. Being a well known practitioner doesn't necessarily equate to being skilled. A style that is popular doesn't mean it's well suited for everyone's training needs and/or abilities.
The FS3 program offers streamlined, highly effective training based on concepts from Eskrima DeCuerdas and Koshiki ToKen Jutsu. Instruction covers the use of impact weapons sticks and empty hands to address attacks with empty hands/kicks and impact/cutting weapons. The program also emphasizes developing coordination with the non-dominant hand. Both experienced martial artists and complete beginners can benefit from FS3 - seasoned practitioners will improve their current practice by learning efficient movement; new students will build functional strength and practical skills instead of just memorizing flashy techniques.
Private and group lessons are available by appointment. Please contact us to schedule your training.