“Every movement and strike builds upon another.” ― GM Bobby Taboada

Training
We follow the Traditional Curriculum of Taboada Balintawak.
The curriculum is divided into 6 levels. Each level builds specific skills. Basic proficiency of each skill builds the foundation for subsequent levels.
Passing your test for a particular level shows that you have achieved basic proficiency. But when you test for future levels, if you cannot pass the test for the previous levels, you don’t advance to the next test.
- Training sessions are 60-75 minutes
- Your first two months of training are 1:1
- After your first two months, we will discuss your training goals
- Your teacher has the skill and knowledge to help you reach your goals
We all train for different reasons. Your introductory/tryout class is your opportunity to kick the tires and ask questions. One hour won’t provide answers to every question. This first session allows you and the Instructor to meet, train, and to learn about the Art. You can get a feeling for how the teacher instructs. The instructor has the opportunity to see how you listen, learn and do.
After the first class, if you and the teacher wishes to work together, you’ll verbally commit to two months of training. You don’t need to sign a contract or pay in advance. Your word is commitment enough.
For the first two months, you’ll build the foundations for training. You’ll train 1:1 once weekly. You don’t need to buy equipment, etc. You will, in essence, be getting private lessons for the price of the monthly membership. This averages out to twice the value for each lesson.
Next steps

- Goal setting
- Continued 1:1 lessons
- Foundations of Balintawak
- Next goal of passing levels 1 & 2
Taboada Balintawak is skill based, not stick based. You don’t need the stick to apply your skills. And these skills can be added to your existing experience in other arts.
I like to say that your Level 1 & 2 is like learning your vocabulary, grammar and conversational skills:
Your strikes are a greeting.
Your blocks are a response.
Your shadow fighting is like a flowing conversation.
And so on …
After Levels 1 & 2

Different Hands
- The first two months should give you enough to decide if you'd like to continue.
- The first two levels give you the tools to practice the "solo" forms
- Passing levels 1 & 2 shows you have the control necessary to work safely with a partner
- While you continue your 1:1 lessons, you'll be able to join additional group sessions
- Group sessions are free, encouraged, and allow you to feel and respond to "different hands."
People often misunderstand why Taboada Balintawak aims the fist and comes to a full stop. They watch a video, and suggest that there is no power. They see a demonstration, and think that it is unrealistic.
Sadly, only training can help these perspectives.
You aim the fist and come to a full stop to learn your control. Safety is key to continuing to train with partners. If you hurt and don’t respect your partners, you can’t learn and grow.
Aiming the fist teaches you the proper “axe” position of the wrist to deliver blunt force without injuring yourself. It keeps your stick from coming too close to or hitting your partner.
Power generation is built into the body mechanics of every block and every strike.
Follow this training, and you’ll clearly see the power and the control built into the curriculum!