Originally escrimas where the fighting systems possessed by every tribe in the Philippines and used by them to fight and defend against each other. The escrima forms where developed when weapons (swords) where outlawed and the Philippines developed tribe dances that where actually practicing the use of the escrima.

Rattan, an inexpensive wood from a type of vine in the Philippines, is the most common material for sticks and staves. Hard and durable, yet light weight, it can be fire hardened. It shreds under only the worst abuse and will not splinter like other woods do - thus making it a safe training tool. This aspect also makes it useful in defending against blades. Kamagong (Ironwood) is also sometimes used, but generally not for sparring, as it is dense enough to cause serious injury, although traditionally sparring does not include weapon to body contact; The participants are skilled enough to parry/counterstrike, showing respect in not intentionally hitting the training partner. Eskrima sticks are made in many sizes depending on the system and the respective ranges being trained. Common lengths range from 6" (15cm) to 96" (2.44m), with the most common ranging from 24" (61cm) to 36" (91cm). Eskrima sticks are a reflection of the artist, their system and methodology.