Grandmaster Bobby Taboada
Guillermo “Bobby” Taboada was born in 1948 in Cebu City, Philippines. From humble beginnings and very little formal education, he has spread the art of Balintawak world-wide in honor of his masters. After nearly 60 years of teaching and training, he still teaches regular seminars, and constantly refines his skills.
The Grandmaster is fond of saying that he wishes for his students to be better than him. The “product” of a good student is a reflects the teachers ability to draw out the skills of the student. He has taken the art of Balintawak from the traditional 1 on 1 training methods to developing a curriculum to teach large numbers of people. And although each of the 6 primary levels are “narrow” in regards to the number of techniques, the art itself is very deep. Students are constantly refining and added to the skills developed as far back as level one, even as they continue to teach and train. Dr. Garth Dicker once stated “Basics aren’t basic.” Truer words were never spoken.
Grandmaster Bobby has traveled the world with the likes of Dr. Wally Jay, George Dilman, and Bill “Superfoot” Wallace. But he has also demonstrated to crowds large and small showing his skills and his art. And he has brought worldwide attention to the art. His second book outlines the curriculum and methods. His third book including multiple masters and grandmasters is forthcoming.
Grandmaster Bobby Taboada has been the subject of countless articles, books, documentaries and videos. Subscribe to his Youtube channel to see him in action!
Grandmaster Taboada’s life story and the history of Balintawak are chronicled in the first of a series of books authored by his long-time student and friend, Dr. Garth Dicker of Australia. This is one of the most comprehensive histories I’ve read during my time, training.
