The Taboada Balintawak Eskrima System
The term Cuentada refers to "calculation" or "to counter," it is the principle that guides Balintawak Eskrimadors. The assumption is that the opponent is skilled and attacks will be countered - for every counter there is another counter. The original Balintawak Eskrima Style was created by Great Grandmaster Anciong Bacon in Cebu, Philippines. Bacon was an original member of the Doce Pares Club prior to establishing the Balintawak Street Self Defense Club in 1952. His style was influenced by Lorenzo Saavedra, his only eskrima teacher who taught him the art of Corto Linear - a close range stickfighting system.
The Taboada Balintawak System also known as "Balintawak Cuentada," was created by Grandmaster Bobby Taboada. It is based on classic Balintawak close quarter Filipino stickfighting. Originated and tested in the streets of Cebu City,
it is identified by the use of the single stick and close quarter play. Designed to develop combat attributes: speed, timing, distance, control, and maintaining focus under pressure. Emphasis is placed on economy of motion, body flexibility, natural movement, and delivery of direct line strikes to produce lightning fast counter attacks.
Although it is viewed as primarily a close range style, training in the Taboada method prepares the practitioner for varying ranges of combat: full-power, body torquing strikes and blocks are Taboada Balintawak signature characteristics. Some Balintawak purists argue it is not original or classic Balintawak but GM Taboada states, "I did not change Balintawak, I added to it." The basic Balintawak foundational core and counter to counter principle is still the same but GM Taboada's expanded curriculum includes drills and techniques to enhance power, emphasize explosive counter attacks, and adapt to medium and longer range engagement. The stick is the primary training tool but the theory is that the stick is only an extension of the arm, the training develops transferable attributes. Whether it is with the baton, blade, improvised weapons, and empty hand fighting - the goal is to produce adept (adaptable), functional fighters.
(Historical credit to Sam Buot, Sr. 2015)
The Taboada Balintawak System also known as "Balintawak Cuentada," was created by Grandmaster Bobby Taboada. It is based on classic Balintawak close quarter Filipino stickfighting. Originated and tested in the streets of Cebu City,
it is identified by the use of the single stick and close quarter play. Designed to develop combat attributes: speed, timing, distance, control, and maintaining focus under pressure. Emphasis is placed on economy of motion, body flexibility, natural movement, and delivery of direct line strikes to produce lightning fast counter attacks.
Although it is viewed as primarily a close range style, training in the Taboada method prepares the practitioner for varying ranges of combat: full-power, body torquing strikes and blocks are Taboada Balintawak signature characteristics. Some Balintawak purists argue it is not original or classic Balintawak but GM Taboada states, "I did not change Balintawak, I added to it." The basic Balintawak foundational core and counter to counter principle is still the same but GM Taboada's expanded curriculum includes drills and techniques to enhance power, emphasize explosive counter attacks, and adapt to medium and longer range engagement. The stick is the primary training tool but the theory is that the stick is only an extension of the arm, the training develops transferable attributes. Whether it is with the baton, blade, improvised weapons, and empty hand fighting - the goal is to produce adept (adaptable), functional fighters.
(Historical credit to Sam Buot, Sr. 2015)