12 Angles of Attack
The Cabales system condenses Filipino stick fighting to 12 angles, each with its own set of counters.
Cabales Serrada Escrima
Filipino Martial Arts & Escrima Classes Near Stockton
Close-range stick, knife and empty-hand self defense taught by Master Edward Garcia, with weekly classes in Lodi and Santa Clara and private training in Oakdale.
Since 1992Training in the Cabales system
Masters DegreeAwarded in 2006
12 AnglesThe core of Serrada
3 LocationsLodi, Oakdale, Santa Clara
Escrima Classes Taught by a Cabales Serrada Master
Real World Self Defense teaches Cabales Serrada Escrima, the close-range Filipino stick and knife system that Angel Cabales introduced in Stockton in 1966. Classes are led by Panginoong Guro Edward Garcia, who has trained in the Cabales system since 1992 and received his Masters Degree from Grandmaster Vincent Cabales Sr in 2006. You can read more about Master Edward's training and lineage.
Training begins with the stick, but the footwork, timing and counters carry directly into empty-hand defense and defending against a knife. That transfer is what makes Serrada practical self defense, and it is explained in detail on our page about how the Cabales Serrada system works.
What You Learn in Serrada Escrima Classes
Every class builds the same core skills Angel Cabales taught: tight angles, fast counters and a short, direct line to the opponent.
Three Core Drills
The three-step drill, lock-and-block and free-flow sparring are the training methods unique to Serrada.
Stick and Dagger
Single-stick work plus espada y daga, the sword-and-dagger method that pairs a stick with a short blade.
Knife Defense
The same blocks and counters learned with the stick are applied to defending against a knife.
Empty-Hand Self Defense
Weapons training translates into empty-hand strikes, checks and control at close range.
Private Lessons
One-on-one training by appointment. Contact Master Edward directly for times and rates.
Empty-Hand Training in Serrada Escrima
The angles, blocks and counters students learn with the stick carry straight into empty-hand self defense. Training covers checking an attack, countering at close range and controlling an attacker armed with a knife.
Escrima Class Times in Lodi, Oakdale and Santa Clara
Master Edward teaches at three partner gyms. See the full Escrima class schedule for directions and what to expect at each one.
Lodi · Cutting Edge Martial Arts
Tuesdays 8:30–9:30 pm · Fridays 5–7 pm
2411 S Stockton St #2Lodi, CA 95240Lodi class details
Oakdale · Oakdale MMA
Private training by appointment only
140 N 2nd AveOakdale, CA 95361Oakdale class details
Santa Clara · Muay Thai Academy International
Mondays 5:30–7 pm
320 Martin Ave DSanta Clara, CA 95050Santa Clara class details
Who Can Train in Cabales Serrada Escrima?
Students ages 12 and up train together in Master Edward's classes, teens and adults alike, from complete beginners to people with years in other martial arts. Serrada relies on timing and position rather than size or strength, which is why students of very different builds can train together.
If you are not sure which class fits you, send Master Edward a message and he will point you to the best starting point.
Common Questions
No experience is needed. Cabales Serrada Escrima is taught step by step, starting with how to hold the stick, footwork and the first angles of attack. Beginners train alongside experienced students, and Master Edward adjusts each drill to the person in front of him.
The closest weekly classes to Stockton are in Lodi at Cutting Edge Martial Arts, 2411 S Stockton St #2, on Tuesdays from 8:30 to 9:30 pm and Fridays from 5 to 7 pm. Private training is also available by appointment at Oakdale MMA in Oakdale.
Group Escrima classes are $90 a month. Training equipment is provided when you start, so there is nothing to buy before your first class. Private lessons are priced separately, so contact Master Edward at (209) 414-9097 or through the contact form to ask about private training rates and times.
Classes are open to students ages 12 and up. Teens train alongside adults in the same classes, learning the same angles, footwork and drills at a pace that fits them. Parents are welcome to contact Master Edward before the first class to ask about the right starting point for their child.
Try Your First Escrima Class
Call or send a message to find the class that fits your schedule in Lodi, Oakdale or Santa Clara.