Eskrima lessons

What: Filipino stick and blade martial art

Who: Program available to veterans, first responders

When: 5:30-6:45 p.m. Tuesdays and 10-11:15 a.m. Wednesdays; times, days and location flexible.

Where: Sequim Martial Arts/Sequim Doce Pares, 452 Riverview Drive

Cost: Free

More info: Call 683-4799 to sign up.

Bringing benefits through eskrima

Utilizing her passion for martial arts, instructor Kathrine Sumpter is launching a program for veterans and first responders.

“This is the cause I believe in … this is coming from the heart,” she said.

As an avenue for giving back to the community, Sumpter has developed a program to offer free Eskrima lessons to veterans and first responders through Sequim Martial Arts and Sequim Doce Pares.

“There’s a natural pull to give back and this is mine,” she said.

Eskrima, a form of Filipino stick and blade martial arts, targets and helps to combat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), stress and anxiety, she said.

Nearly bursting with energy and smiles, Sump-ter doesn’t hide her pure enthusiasm for the art and what it can do.

“I’m so excited about launching a free program for veterans and first responders in the art of Eskrima.” she said. “I’ve witnessed firsthand the physical and mental benefits this training offers.”

Sumpter has trained and studied martial arts for nearly three decades, but as a black belt in the technique herself, she has been training and teaching Eskrima for more than seven years.

“It’s just a ton of fun,” she said. “For me, it was love at first sight.”

Although different types of Eskrima exist, Sumpter focuses on Cacoy Doce Pares Eskrima, which employs a system of 12.

“Twelve strikes, 12 blocks,” she said.

Using 29-inch rattan sticks, the system prompts people to use both sides of their brains.

“Through the motions you volley between the left and right sides of the brain,” she said. “It’s called pendulating. It gives you this grounded sense of clarity,” she said.

After successfully spearheading a similar program for cancer fighters, survivors, diabetics and/or dialysis recipients, Sumpter has wanted to do a program for veterans and first responders for years.

Many veterans participated throughout the program, which continued for five and half years, she said. Having witnessed and heard the mental and physical benefits Eskrima provided those veterans, Sumpter knew she wanted to create a program specifically designed to combat the stress, anxiety, PTSD and low energy.

“I’ve seen those symptoms dissipate after doing certain techniques,” she said.

To kick start the program Sumpter has designated two days and sets of times, including 5:30-6:45 p.m. Tuesdays and 10-11:15 a.m. Wednesdays, but is flexible to varying needs and willing to do offsite training.

For more information or to sign up, call 683-4799.