You found this page somehow. Maybe a friend mentioned us. Maybe you searched for a martial art and landed here by chance. Either way, welcome. This article exists for one reason: to tell you clearly and honestly what EBMAS is, what we teach, and what kind of place we are - before you ever set foot through the door.
The Name First
EBMAS stands for Emin Boztepe Martial Arts System. The name is a bit of a mouthful, so most people just say EBMAS. It covers two distinct martial arts that we teach side by side: Wing Tzun and Latosa Escrima.
Those two arts come from very different parts of the world and look nothing alike on the surface. But they share a practical, no-nonsense approach to movement - and that is the thread that ties everything here together.
Wing Tzun - What It Is and How It Works
Wing Tzun (also spelled Wing Chun in many traditions) is a Chinese martial art. It is known for close-range striking, a very upright stance, and the idea that structure and sensitivity matter more than raw strength. You do not need to be big or particularly athletic to train it. That is by design.
A large part of Wing Tzun training happens through partner drills. The most well-known of these is Chi Sao - often translated as "sticky hands." In Chi Sao, two people stay in constant arm contact and learn to feel and respond to each other's pressure. It is part sensitivity training, part problem-solving. Students who have been practicing for a while tend to describe it as the part of training they look forward to most.
The system is built around a sequence of forms - structured solo movement patterns that encode the principles of the art. Dan Chi is an early two-person drill that introduces those principles at close range. Later forms like Biu Tze expand the repertoire considerably. Progress is gradual and there is always more to explore, even years in.
Latosa Escrima - Sticks, Blades, and Empty Hands
Escrima (also called Kali or Arnis) is a martial art from the Philippines. The version we teach is Latosa Escrima, developed by Guro Remy Latosa. A Guro is a teacher or instructor in Filipino martial arts traditions - the equivalent of what Wing Tzun calls a Sifu.
Training typically starts with a rattan stick in each hand. That might sound intimidating. In practice it is one of the most approachable entry points into martial arts training. The stick is an extension of your arm. The mechanics you learn with it translate directly to empty-hand movement. Over time you also work with other tools - short sticks, training knives - and without any weapon at all.
Latosa Escrima puts a strong emphasis on timing, angling, and using your whole body as a unit. It is fast to pick up on the surface and takes years to refine underneath. Most people find it immediately fun, which is a good sign.
What a Typical Class Looks Like
Classes are small enough that instructors actually know your name. There is no anonymous back row. A session usually opens with a warm-up, moves into technique work - either forms or partner drills - and closes with some free practice or Q&A. The atmosphere is relaxed but focused.
- Warm-up and basic conditioning
- Solo form practice (Wing Tzun forms or Escrima patterns)
- Partner drills - Chi Sao, Dan Chi, Lat Sao, and more
- Open practice and feedback from the instructor
- Occasional seminars with visiting Sifus or Gurus
You do not need any prior experience to join. Beginners are genuinely welcome, not just tolerated. More experienced students tend to enjoy training with newcomers - teaching something is one of the fastest ways to understand it better yourself.
The moment you stop being a beginner is the moment you start missing the best part of learning.— A reminder we keep coming back to in class
That is EBMAS in plain language. Two arts, one system, a lot of good training. If any of this sounds like something you want to try, the easiest next step is to come in and watch a class - or just reach out and ask a question. There is no pressure and no sales pitch waiting for you. Just people who like what they do and are happy to share it.