"The way is in training." ~ Miyamoto Musashi

Welcome to the ITO: Join the tribe, walk the path, and awaken the Eskrimador within you.

Imagine standing at the base of a majestic mountain, its peak shrouded in the mists of possibility. This mountain is your journey in the Inayan System of Eskrima (ISE), a path that leads not just to the summit of martial prowess, but to the peak of your full potential. This is the Inayan Way, the journey from Self Defense, to Eskrimador (practitioner), to Inayan Eskrimador.

"Inayan was founded by Mangisursuro Mike Inay, my father, the Founder of the Inayan System of Eskrima and the Inayan Training Organization (ITO). Mangisursuro is an Ilocano (a dialect in the Philipines) word for "the one who is teaching" and Inayan is his legacy to the world. Mike Inay is the architect of Filipino Martial Arts in the modern era, and Eskrima (a general term for Filipino Martial Arts) was his greatest passion. Eskrima has been featured in movies like the Bourne franchise, John Wick, the Book of Eli, and recently in Dune (2021).

Eskrima means "To Fight" or "To Skirmish". An Eskrimador is a practitioner of Filipino Martial Arts, it's a latin derivated word meaning Sword Fighter.

I am Suro Jason Inay, "Suro" is the Ilocano verb "to teach", and I am the head of the Inayan System of Eskrima, the Executive Director of the Inayan Training Organization, inheritor to the Inayan Legacy, my family's legacy. And I invite you to join me." ~ Suro Jason Inay

“The longest adventures start with a single step” ~ Inspired by Lao Tzu

“Precision is the Hallmark of Mastery” ~ Suro Jason Inay

Your journey begins with the first step, a step into a world where discipline and learning intertwine. As a practitioner, you tread a path laid out by generations of Eskrimadors before you. Each step is a lesson, each lesson an evolution. Here, under the guidance of the Grand Master of the Inayan System of Eskrima, Suro Jason Inay, you start to understand that this is more than martial arts; it's a quest for self-discovery.

“It is not in the knowing or the knowledge of the art, but in the doing of the art that makes one truly a warrior” ~ Mangisursuro Mike Inay

With your ascent, the path becomes steeper, the lessons more profound. No longer are you a  mere learner; you're an Eskrimador. Your skills in Eskrima sharpen, but so does your mind and spirit. You learn to see challenges not as obstacles, but as stepping stones. With each stride, you feel the changes from within, growing stronger, skillful, more formidable.

“Men are much like swords, both are useless when they lose their temper” ~ Warrior Culture Proverb

The summit looms, proof of your discipline and dedication. It is here that your mettle is proven, something few dare, more than gaining skill you are gaining prowess. This isn’t about learning fancy fighting tricks or drills, it’s more than mere self defense and martial arts, because when you reach this height you have become an Inayan Eskrimador. You  have moved beyond mere practice and the art of Eskrima, it’s far beyond this, it’s the Inayan Way.

"In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity." ~ Sun Tzu

“Without honor there is no art, only pretenders in a brawl!” ~  Mangisursuro Mike Inay

The journey to the summit may be personal, but you're not alone. You have the Inayan Code of Conduct, and you're part of the Inayan tribe, a community of seekers and achievers. Together in live events and online training, you share stories, experiences, and wisdom, enriching each other's journeys.

Every great story begins with a decision to embark on a journey. Your story awaits you with the ISEtribe. Let us guide you, inspire you, and walk with you on this transformative path. Embrace the journey, reach for the summit, and uncover the Inayan Eskrimador within you!

"The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new." ~ Socrates

Founded by Mangisursuro Mike Inay

Being a part of the Inayan Training Organization is being part of a legacy started by the Inay family, and the Inayan System of Eskrma is practiced in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

"Training with my father was one of the best things of my life, and I will always remember his lessons. I would love to share what he taught me and what I have learned since, with you. See you on the training floor!" ~ Suro Jason Inay

Your Struggle is Real

In a world where schedules are tight and distractions abound, finding time for regular training can be a struggle. The challenge isn't just in attending classes; it's in maintaining a consistent practice amidst the demands of work, social life, and family commitments. How often have you missed training sessions due to these inevitable conflicts, feeling the frustration of disrupted progress? Fighting just to invest in yourself, grappling with the fight for your life, and everything seems against you being a better person."

Moreover, the social environments we navigate don’t always support us on our journey to our potential. Friends and family, though well-meaning, are not always on our side like they think they are or say they are, making it hard to persevere. How do you stay motivated when those around you don’t share your passion or see the value in your martial arts practice?

Additionally, many martial arts disciplines provide an excellent physical workout, offering a temporary escape from the stresses of daily life. But what happens when the class ends, the adrenaline subsides, and you're left facing the same challenges as before? A practice that focuses solely on physical exertion, without nurturing the mind and spirit, can leave a void. It might offer momentary relief, but does it equip you with the tools to handle life's complexities outside the dojo?

We can be easily enticed by high intensity training for self defense, the fad of the 1980’s and 1990’s. Rolling every night on your favorite training mat in your local grappling gym has its allure for sure, with the surge of the new millennium and the transition from NHB to MMA. But even that, when we are truly honest with ourselves quickly becomes apparent, when the illusion and adrenaline fades, is incomplete. Warrior cultures, true brotherhoods where war was their profession, sports and HIIT for Self Defense become known for what they truly are, what the Spartans called “katalepsis”, false courage. Then, as that hits you with all its might, you may realize you just need more.

These are Deep and Rough waters, and you're drowning

In the throes of everyday life, the disconnect between the training at your local MMA gym and the real-world challenges becomes starkly apparent. How does a rigorous workout translate when you're facing the unrelenting pressures of a demanding boss, whose expectations seem impossible to meet? Where does the physical discipline of martial arts fit when you return home to a partner's continuous criticisms or the emotional turmoil of navigating relationships?

Consider the moments when your children's actions, driven by youthful impulsiveness and hormonal changes, test the limits of your patience. Where do the techniques and strategies learned in the gym stand in these situations? The reality is, while traditional martial arts training might give you a momentary escape, it often falls short in equipping you with the emotional resilience and mental fortitude needed to face these relentless, everyday stressors.

The modern world is a relentless barrage of challenges - work stress, relationship struggles, parenting trials - all demanding a level of composure and wisdom that a mere physical regimen cannot provide. The gap between the skills acquired in a martial arts class and the tools needed to navigate the complexities of real life becomes glaringly evident. The question looms large: Is there a practice that not only prepares you physically but also strengthens your mental and emotional resilience to face life head-on?

Heed the Call and Transform Struggle into Strength: join the ISEtribe

The Inayan Way is a solution that is more than martial arts training, embodying an ethos akin to the revered codes of ancient warrior cultures. Just as the samurai lived by Bushido and knights upheld the Code of Chivalry, the Inayan System of Eskrima is anchored in the Inayan Code of Conduct. This code is more than a set of rules; it's a comprehensive philosophy for life, advocating peace through adversity, strength through discipline, and wisdom through understanding.

Unlike the path of the artist, which seeks to capture and evoke emotion through expression, or the businessman, who navigates the world through financial acumen and profit, the Inayan Way offers a different journey. It's a stark contrast to the politician, who moves through compromise and influence, or the priest, who seeks understanding in solitude and tranquility. Even the farmer, who nurtures life for sustenance, follows a path distinct from that of the warrior.

The Inayan warrior's path is unique. It's a journey that teaches not just physical skills, but mental resilience, emotional balance, and ethical strength. In the face of life's tumultuous challenges - be it in the boardroom, at home, or in any of life's arenas - the Inayan Eskrimador stands equipped not only with self-defense techniques but with a mindset forged by the Inayan Code. This mindset empowers you to face adversity with calmness, make decisions with clarity, and live a purposeful life that transcends the ordinary.

In embracing the Inayan Way, you're not merely joining a martial arts class; you're embarking on a transformative journey that aligns your physical prowess with your inner strength. It's a path that cultivates peace within, enabling you to navigate the complexities of modern life with the wisdom, serenity, and resilience of a true warrior. The Inayan Way prepares you not just for the physical battles, but for the mental and emotional challenges that define our existence.

 Testimonials

"I came to learn, be happy, and be my best"

"My name is Patrick and the best moments of my life have happened in the times I have been training under Suro Jason Inay."

"I started training under Suro while in High School in Los Gatos, California. I left the area to attend UC Davis and then to Olin Business School in St.Louis, Missouri to attend one of the most prestigious programs in the world. I did what I had set out to do, I got a job I was proud of! When the excitement and sense of accomplishment faded, I found myself miserable.

I asked Suro if I could come back and without hesitation he opened the door, and always answered when I called.

I recall that when I reached out to return, he answered, and I said "I was only truly happy when I was training with you, can I come back?"

It was the middle of the pandemic: he told me that he was not sure he wanted to teach anyone anymore. He said yes to me and I have enjoyed every moment I have spent with him.

I have never looked back."

Capoeira Mestre Loren Due

"I started training the Suro Jason Inay in March 2005 after an extensive search for an Eskrima  master. At the time I was already teaching martial arts and decided I needed to learn weapons. Once I started training with Suro Inay, he changed my perspective of martial arts. Suro Jason Inay taught me to become a better teacher."

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