Derobio Escrima emphasizes disarming techniques and defensive behaviors rather than aggressive actions.  The basis of Derobio is deflecting and controlling.  The meeting of force with force is only used if unavoidable and is immediately translated into a more "passive" or fluid movement. 

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Derobio means "rhythm of the horse". When Derobio Escrima is in movement with the rattan sticks hitting together the sound should be similar to a horse running on a cobblestone road. A running horse evades obstacles by jumping over or around them, while a fighting horse rears on its hind legs and using its front legs and hooves to fight from the outside. The movement of Derobio is to side step the attack, cut the blade arm and then drive to the unprotected outside of the opponent for the finishing movement.

The force of an attacker's blow is allowed to pass and a counter is employed from the outside, it is a defensive art that stresses disarming and rendering attacker incapable of further aggression.