Escrima, is a Filipino martial art that emphasizes the use of weapons like sticks and knives.

Shadowboxing with a single stick is called Carenza. It's an essential part of learning the Filipino Martial Arts 

This practice of Carenza is not only a great way to improve your Escrima skills but also an effective workout. Carenza can improve your coordination, balance, and focus. The main purpose of shadowboxing with a single stick is to simulate a real combat situation. You want to visualize an actual fight, where you have to defend yourself and strike your opponent with a stick.

You're essentially fighting an imaginary opponent while working on your form and technique. But don't working against imaginary opponent is not effective  - this is a serious and intense workout that can challenge both your body and mind. When you think about the top boxers, like Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson and Mohammed Ali, they all would devote endless hours to shadowboxing. Escrima is no different. Shadowboxing is mandatory.

To start, you'll need a sturdy and appropriately sized stick. You feel comfortable holding it. The particular style will determine the length. In Serrada Escrima, the style we practice here at our school we use a shorter stick than most other styles use.

When selecting your stick, make sure it's not too heavy or too light. Heavier sticks will give you a better workout.

Once you have your stick, begin by standing in a neutral stance, with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. Hold the stick with one hand. Keep your elbows close to your body.

Now start moving the stick around and exploring different angles  attack. Practice basic strikes like the forehand and backhand strikes. These 2 strikes alone can win a fight.  Focus on your footwork. Shift your weight from one foot to another. Keep your balance stable.

An easy way to drill striking is called the alphabet drill. This is where you write each letter of the alphabet with the tip of your stick. Imagine a large sheet of paper in front of you and a ball point pen at the end of you stick. 

Don't forget to maintain a fluidity and relaxation throughout the entire session.  Fluidity will allow you to move and react quickly and efficiently.

As you become comfortable with the basic strikes, then you can start practicing various combinations. For example you block first then follow up with 3 strikes. Or you might start with the high strike followed by a low strike. The goal is to develop your muscle memory so that you can react instinctively in a real combat situation.

In addition to improving your Escrima skills, shadowboxing with a single stick is an excellent cardio workout. Carenza will improve your endurance. It can also help develop your core strength and stability. Both are essential for balance and overall fitness.

In conclusion, shadowboxing or Carenza with a single stick is an essential training drill in Escrima. By linking ng your strikes, footwork, and defense techniques, you'll develop the skills needed to defend yourself in a real combat situation.

So if you're ready to take your Escrima skills to the next level, grab a stick and start shadowboxing today!