← Back to martial art

General overview of grades

This ladder is not yet attributed to a specific organisation. Federations differ in belt colours and time requirements.

Inayan Eskrima, created by Mangisursuro Mike Inay in 1979 in the USA, integrates 3 core Filipino weapon styles: Kadena de Mano (close-range knife), Serrada (medium-range stick), and Inayan Larga Mano (long-range staff/sword). The 6-level hierarchy evaluates fluid distance switching and weapon disarming.

1st Level – Kadua (Student)

Typical gap since previous grade: 3 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Basic rattan stick stances, 12 striking angles, and Inayan Kadena de Mano drills.

Symbolism & Meaning

Filipino system created by Mangisursuro Mike Inay merging Serrada, Kadena, & Sinawali.

2nd Level – Intermediate Student

Sinawali PractitionerRank #2

Typical gap since previous grade: 9 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Double stick Inayan Sinawali combat, disarms, and close-range Inayan Serrada.

Symbolism & Meaning

Developing two-handed coordination and fluid disarming under pressure.

3rd Level – Advanced Student

Kadena PractitionerRank #3

Typical gap since previous grade: 18 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Inayan Daga knife combat, unarmed Pangamut defense, and De Cuerdas style.

Symbolism & Meaning

Unifying all three core styles of Inayan Eskrima into one fluid system.

4th Level – Guro (Instructor)

Guro InayanRank #4

Typical gap since previous grade: 30 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Full instructor certification. Teaching all Inayan Eskrima modules & running school.

Symbolism & Meaning

Guro = Officially recognized instructor authorized to transmit Mike Inay's legacy.

5th Level – Lahong Guro (Senior Master)

Lahong GuroRank #5

Typical gap since previous grade: 48 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Senior master rank. Training instructors & representing Inayan Eskrima Association.

Symbolism & Meaning

Senior instructor with deep tactical maturity and authority.

6th Level – Mangisursuro (Grandmaster)

MangisursuroRank #6

Typical gap since previous grade: 72 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Highest achievable title. Living head of Inay family lineage & global guarantor.

Symbolism & Meaning

Mangisursuro = Supreme teacher and guardian of Filipino Inayan Eskrima.