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NOTE: Inward and outward blocks are delivered with your stick upright-block directly into the direction of the Strike.

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Defense no. 1

Defense no. 2

Defense no. 3

Defense no. 4

Defense no. 5

Defense no. 6

Defense no. 7

Defense no. 8

Defense no. 9

Defense no. 10

Defense no. 11

Defense no. 12

12 BASIC STRIKES and DEFENSE VIDEO:

On the outset, Balintawak eskrima does not advocate the practice of any kind of formal forms or dances, where techniques are pre-arranged in a set pattern. The nearest it has, that may resemble a form, are its 12-basic strikes; 12 basic defense; and 12-basic defense and counter strikes, when done without a partner these basic techniques are performed in consecutive order from numbers 1-12, to facilitate checking for proper posture and footwork in the basic technical execution. These are, however, not meant to be treated as formal form exercises.

Why do other oriental martial arts and even other Eskrima styles have created their own unique sets of formal forms?

Master Richard Chun of the Moo Duk Kwon, answers this question, “…the objective was to promote a means of training their students to perform the basic techniques in continuous sequence, so that they should be able to defend themselves against more than one opponent, and in any direction, for as long as was necessary without tiring.”

Image: APO and Mel Balberde exhibiting Combat with Foot Technique

It may be noted, that both practice of formal forms and shadow fighting develop and promote balance, accuracy, concentration, coordination, andendurance. The latter however, has the value added qualities since it also develops fluidity and creativity in its practitioners.

Fluidity is the ability to be able to move and change shape without separating when under pressure, like water that can change rapidly and effortlessly.  Put it in any container, it takes the shape of the container. Squeeze it in your hand, it escapes between your fingers without resisting.

Like boxing, Balintawak shadow fight has no established long sets of pattern. It may adopt the 1-2-3 strikes similar to boxing, however, it does not apply long set combination of techniques, that are found in formal forms. In essence, it is formless like water.

Shadow fighting provides an avenue to develop and enhance fluidity of movement. The concept and quality of fluidity is necessary to respond spontaneously to offense and defense maneuvers – just like sound and echo. It facilitates smooth flow of techniques from one to another in an unstructured series.

Creativity is another important quality that is developed through unstructured shadow fighting. Creative is defined as the power to create. It requires intelligence and imagination, not merely mechanical skills. it is a critical visualization of one’s imaginary opponent(s), wherein, no round is similar to each other in terms of sequence of techniques or movements. Thus, each round is treated as a new experience. This helps enhance the process of creativity. With creativity comes opportunity to develop offensive and defensive techniques towards their optimal potential.

Image: APO and Mel Balberde exhibiting Combat with Foot Technique

Balintawak eskrima shadow fighting can be categorized in many ways:

Category 1: Defense and offense against single opponent who specializes in: a.) short-range, b.) medium range, c.)long-range fighting

Category 2: Defense and offense against an opponent who specializes in: a.) single-stick, b.) double stick, c.) dagger and stick

Category 3: Defense and offense against an opponent who uses bladed pointed weapons.

Category 4: Fighting more than one opponent at a time, either armed or unarmed or combination thereof.

The variables in shadow fighting are numerous, depending on the level of proficiency and level of creativity of the practitioner.

Image: Knife Combat Exhibition by Michael Soriano and Don Tenio Dumadag

Some points to be observed in the performance of shadow fighting:

1. While at attention posture, before beginning the shadow fight, take a deep breath, using the diaphragm, and concentrate on what you are about to do.

2. To develop posture and proper technical execution, perform each technique, both offensive and defensive, clearly and completely, before flowing on to the next.

3. Maintain regular breathing using the diaphragm, throughout the performance. Exhale simultaneously upon the full impact at the end of each strike combination.

4. Do not lose focus on the type of imaginary opponent(s) you are fighting. Visualize your perceived opponent without lapses of intervention. Fight as though your opponent is real.

5. Maintain a relaxed composure and tense your muscles only at the point of imaginary impact, either offensive or defensive maneuvers. After each impact, relax your grip so you can act or react faster to the changing situation.

The built-in value added quality of fluidity and creativity, in shadow fighting approach, allow its practitioners, to develop these qualities to its optimal potential, thereby, facilitating improvement and refinement in the technical execution of techniques.

True refinement seeks simplicity. And simplicity is nothing more than going back to what was once fluid. Further, being fluid enhances ones creativity and imagination.

Video: APO-Balintawak Shadow Fight

These combo strikes were developed and handed down by the old Eskrima Grandmasters of Panay, who have authorized CASASAI Grandmaster Melicio Balberde to teach and propagate their various masterpieces.

The combo-strikes combine offense, defense, and countless strikes into one. It is also known as the “three in one technique.” It gives the practitioner a single focus; to strike with speed and accuracy. It also enhances the principle of instinctive action.

APO-Balintawak, being an affiliate of CASASAI also teaches the combo strikes to its advance students. On the other side of the coin is to be able to defend effectively against these combo strikes, and for our group to be familiar with the other Eskrima styles.

A Balintawak Eskrima weapon strike should be less than 2/10th of a second for it to attain its optimum effectiveness. The stemless strikes of Balintawak, delivered without winding up is about twice faster than the ordinary Arnis strike.

Hence, thinking prior to blocking an Eskrima strike becomes futile. The processes of thought cannot respond fast enough to intercept the intention of an Eskrimador; as to what target he would hit and when he would unleash his blow.

Image: Fulgent Opiso (left), Michael Soriano (right) – Sparring

According to physicsforum.co; “humans usually take a few tens of milliseconds to respond to something because the brain has to process the information.” If further states that the maximum temporal resolution of a neuron is about one or two milliseconds.

To bridge this gap, the limitation of response action, we need to develop our natural instincts. One way to develop instinctive action is through repetition of movements or set of techniques; as in Corridas or group techniques. Break the rhythm of movements to avoid the mechanical tendency towards robotic moves.

Meditation is also useful in developing one’s instinctive action. Meditation helps you to control your mind and develop better focus on a specific situation like combat. Your mind must be focused but not fixed so as to interrupt your ability act instinctively. Let your mind flow so you can see the whole picture; not just the tree but the forest. Nothing should come as a surprise to you. You should be able to effectively defend, counter, and re-counter all the moves of your opponent.

The principle here is defense paramount to offense. When you and your opponent attack each other simultaneously, it is proper that you draw back your weapon to defend first your counter.

Do not risk being hit in the middle of a simultaneous exchange of attacks. It is logical to counter from a strong defense than to attack from a weak defensive position. Remember also that the part you are protecting is open when you attack.

Image: Louis Carlo Lim (left) and Fiedel Columbres (right), applying the principle of Half-timing

Image: Fulgent Opiso (left), Michael Soriano (right) – sparring

This principle seeks to equalize the speed of offense with that of defense. It is said that offense is faster than defense. This is because offense usually have the advantage of head-start and builds up its momentum with series of offensive moves.

In Balintawak Eskrima, offense is just as fast as defense action. This is because we start to block the on coming strike as it takes off. This system is known for its formidable defense maneuvers.

This way the block would meet the strike near midway to its intended target. Thus, intercepting the strike when its speed and power are still at half of its potential.

Image: knife combat exhibition at Leganes IloIlo

Footworks. Balintawak being a very fast and dynamic combat art has no stances, so to speak. Its footwork are akin to western boxing. This is in contrast to karate and some other oriental martial arts, and even various styles of Arnis. All of them, deploy stances to execute their various techniques.

However, Balintawak being a purely combat art, has to adapt to a fluid or constantly moving posture. Hence, in response to this, it uses a flexible footwork to cope with the constantly changing center of gravity or equilibrium. The corridas drills (give and take) display the interplay of footwork in offensive and defensive maneuvers.

To keep it simple, Balintawak eskrima has six basic footwork used in combination, namely: right lead and left lead; rear right and rear left;and oblique right and oblique left lead. The variant of these footwork are done through integration of dipping and spontaneous movements.

Video: Balintawak Corridas | Fast and Strong

The flexible, agile, and stable footwork of Balintawak Eskrima are attributed to the following:

1. It uses short pace, the distance between forward and rear foot, at one shoulder width by one shoulder length apart or slightly longer depending on the practitioner’s height. More or less, its footwork would appear to have an isosceles triangular base support posture. Hence, its base is stable on all sides while at the same time promotes speed.

2. Both knees are slightly bent with raised heel of the foot that carries the least weight. Normally, when at defensive posture, the heel of the front foot is slightly raised. Then, when switching into the offensive posture, the heel of the rear foot is raised at the impact of the strike.

3. The complimentary interplay of leg, hip, shoulder and arm muscles which contribute to the momentum of speed and power. The switching from defense to offense posture creates the momentum of speed and power, and is further enhanced by the pushing of the rear leg and twisting of the hip and finally into the torque of the waist all the way to the tip portion of the cane as it hits its target. The hip muscles are slower to react, so remember to twist the hip a split second ahead to obtain optimal muscle synchronization to generate fast and strong blows.

Image: Group Technique Demo by APO and M. Balberde

Lightning Strikes. All attacks or strikes are delivered with an element of surprise. Hence, it must show no hint of a wind-up. Its moves or intentions must be non-telegraphic. Also, use short or stemless strikes. This is more effective and harder to block than extended or stead strike. The more you stretch your arm out, the more open you become. Remember the area you are protecting should not be open when you deliver your strike. Hence, even when you strike, you must minimize exposure to the area of your body which you ought to protect. This is maintaining a balance between offense and defense.

The shortest between two points is a straight line. Hit directly into the target without any circular motions. Circular or flowery strikes are good to look at but it may cost you your life in actual combat. Straight line concept of direct strikes, also allows faster recovery in preparation for subsequent offense or defense maneuvers.  Again, deliver your strike from where your weapon is positioned without the slightest indication of intention.

Optimal defense. As effective block is executed fast and strong enough to stop the momentum of the offense, and extended only at a distance necessary to absorb the incoming impact. Never block with your arm extended far out. In a close quarter encounter, defend as if your blocking arm is hinged to your side. As you twist your hip, your blocking arm should go with it. More often than not, block at the center of your weapon to effectively diffuse the impact of the blow. Also, block with the perceived bladed edge of your weapon, so that it is executed with the forefist instead of a semi-backfist, for optimal efficiency. When blocking, body position faces a 45 degrees angle to the left side at rear left and to the right side at rear right. When blocking against a left or high body thrust, simultaneously draw your shoulder backwards as a compliment in evading thrust blows. This is necessary since a thrust travel faster than an arch strike (nos. 1 and 2.)

For a block to catch up with the speed of a strike, it must begin as soon as the strike is initiated. This way, the block will meet the strike about mid-way when the full potential of its power is at 50 percent. For very strong strikes, especially those delivered with heavier cane, an augmented block may be necessary. This is done by using the forearm of the free hand to support behind the block, rather than using the hand. This allows the free hand to grab the opponent cane upon impact.

Image: Demo by APO and M. Balberde

Enhancing speed. The importance of speed is best expressed in the following phrases:

“When the opponent cuts you through your skin, cut him through his bone.” Samurai Maxim

A split of a second would spell the difference between life and death in mortal combat. This is the reason why the strikes, counter strikes, and blocks of Balintawak Eskrima generally go the direction of gravity.

Never sacrifice speed for power. If there is speed, there is power and not the other way around. Speed is an important element of surprise in the technical execution of offense, defense, and counter strikes.

Another way to attain optimal speed is to improve one’s reflexes. This is done by maintaining a calm mind like a pool of still water that reflect its surroundings. But when it ripples, it losses its clear reflection. Reaction should follow immediately upon recognition of the threat, or better still, anticipate the threat be proactive. Stay relax but mentally alert, like a wild cat hunting for its prey. Move in fast for the kill and tense your muscles with a twist at the point of impact. The harmony of muscle movement contributes to enhancing speed in motion. The muscle system is relaxed immediately after the strike or block, or after a series when needed so.

Shorten your weapon. Use your weapon up to the limit of its effectiveness. This is why Balintawak Arsinadors are both adept in weapons and bare-hands self-defense when hitting with the cane is no longer effective due to limited space between you and your opponent. Use your elbows and knees, for close combat. When your opponent blocks your strike, shorten your stick into and elbow strike. In other words, why hit with the stick when a punch is more effective, and why punch when an elbow strike is more appropriate, and so on. The switching from one weapon to another must be spontaneous and natural.

Video: Balintawak Corridas

Image: APO and Mel Balberde exhibiting knife combat locking technique

Balintawak Eskrima as a Combat and Self-defense. The system is relatively new, as compared to others, with its founding in the early 1950s. However, it has caught the attention of many noted martial artists, and its popularity is growing fast all over the world.

Below is a definition of Balintawak Eskrima based on the views of some noted people of the system:

“...the deadly art of Filipino stick fighting.“

- GM gene Presas, Founder of Modern Arnis

“...a complete system, Balintawak arnis.“

- Mark V. Wiley, Writer and Historian of Filipino Martial Arts and Culture.

“Eskrima legend Vinancio “Anciong” Bacon.“

- Krishna Godhania; author of Eskrima- Filipino Martial Arts

“…hold GM Bacon’s System of Arnis in high esteem and… that it is original and genuine.“

- GM Maj. Timoteo e. Maranga Supres Kwentada Eskrima System

To summarize: Balintawak eskrima is a deadly, complete system, original and genuine Filipino stick fighting art founded by the legendary Grandmaster Vinancio Bacon.

- Andrew P. Obon/ APO

A quick video of Punong Guro Andrew P. Obon performing Balintawak’s Corridas

Each race or people had at one time or another developed its own art of self-defense. The will to survive is a natural phenomenon and basic human instinct. As man thrived and survived under various dangers of his environment, he gradually developed what was then a crude method of self-defense. Over time, these crude methods of self-defense eventually flourished into the various martial arts systems that we know today. Self-defense is therefore as old as mankind; as far as history is concerned.

Image: Early Man using crude tools to defend himself

Master Richard Chun of the Moo Duk Kwon has classified in his book“Taekwondo- The Korean Martial Arts,” the development of the martial arts into four ages or periods:

The Instinctive Action Age- the first half-million years of man’s existence. The time before the invention of weapons.

The Conscious Action Age- from the stone age to the end of the primitive era, when mankind began to spread from the Central Asian Plateau, the Cradle of Civilization, into Asia, Europe, and Africa. When he acted consciously to develop methods of protecting himself, and gathering his daily needs using tools and weapons for the first time.

The early Age of Systematization (Iron Age)- the period in which the techniques of self-defense were developed systematically, along with the advancing forms of the arts.

The Age of the Flowering of the Arts- from 2,600 years ago to the modern era, the arts of Self-Defense reached their fullest development in various forms.

THE BEGINNING OF PHILIPPINE ESKRIMA

Image: The Epic Victory of Lapu-Lapu over Ferdinand Magellan; (Lapu-Lapu and his warriors used the combative art of Eskrima to win against Ferdinand Magellan’s troops in this epic battle)

Eskrima is also known as Arnis and other names depending on the region or province where it is being practiced. Eskrima is derived from the Spanish word “esgrima” which means a game between a pair of combatants with the use of blunt weapons. Arnis, on the other hand, also a Spanish word, means trapping or defensive armor.

Eskrima may have its beginning during the Conscious Action Age when the Philippines was connected to the Asian mainland by a land bridge. The art of Eskrima may have started to undergo a process of systematization during the Iron Age with new forms of style of the art emerging. Some of them are remnants of older forms we see today.

During the Flowering age of the arts, long before the arrival of The Ten Datus of the Sri Visaya Empire, Eskrima may have already attained a status of its own. The already developed art of Eskrima fused with the fighting arts introduced by the Sri Visaya Settlers. Eskrima was further refined and improved by the art of fencing which was introduced by the Spanish Conquestadores. Eskrima, as a self-defense and combat art, accelerated further in its development, as the need for the Filipinos to defend themselves against the oppression of the Spanish rule became detrimental to these peaceful existence and interest.

Image: Guardia Cebuano (they were highly trained in the art of Eskrima)

The 300 years of Spanish rule in the Philippines enhanced the development of Eskrima as it is known today.

THE METAMORPHOSIS OF BALINTAWAK ESKRIMA

In 1920, Lorenzo Saavedra organized the Labangon Fencing Association in Labangon Cebu. It was the oldest recorded organization of its kind in the Philippines.

The Labangon Association played an important role in helping develop and propagate Eskrima in the Philippines and the world at large. It was here that some of the would be Grandmasters of the more popular Eskrima styles had their humble beginnings such as the Canetes of Doce Pares and Anciong Bacon of Balintawak, to name just two.

Venancio “Anciong” Bacon who was to become the legendary Grandmaster and founder of Balintawak Eskrima probably became a member of the organization in the early to mid 1920s. The Labangon Association lasted a decade when it disbanded in 1930 due to political, cultural, and social disagreements among its members. The faction which remained organized themselves into the Doce Pares Club, and the other group led by Anciong went on to form the Balintawak Self-Defense Club.

Anciong’s instructor then was Lorenzo Saavedra who trained in Punta y Daga. Anciong was so proficient in the daga that he playfully used it against his sparring partners. When Lorenzo noticed the habitual ordeal inflicted on Anciong’s sparring partners, he was banned from using the daga.

This sanction imposed on the young Anciong incidentally led to the inception of a unique style of Single Stick Self Defense. It was to become the probably most simple, practical, and effective Eskrima style now called Balintawak.

Image: Original Balintawak club members from left to right: Atty. Jose Villasin, Johnny Chiuten, founder Venancio Anciong Bacon, and Teofelo Velez.

Anciong Bacon turned the obstacle of losing his daga into an opportunity. He developed techniques using his free-hand into an even more versatile weapon. It can not only stab or slash like a daga, but it can also perform different punches, grab, pull, push, etc. This gave the free hand an important function in balance vis-a-vis the weapon hand. With his freehand, he developed and perfected his lower limbs’ defensive and offensive maneuvers. These offensive maneuvers include kicking and boxing, take-downs, sweeps, and leg-asserted throws, and leg immobilization or sectoring techniques.

From the long and deep stances of Punta y daga Eskrima, Ansiong skillfully integrated Western boxing footwork into the new style.

To better balance and put the whole system into proper perspective, Anciong redefined his blocking and striking principles. He found out that short or stemless strikes and short block were faster and more effective. Unknowingly, Anciong had attained true refinement of his art by simplicity.

THE FOUNDING OF BALINTAWAK ESKRIMA

Image (Center): Grand Master Venancio Anciong Bacon (Founder of Balintawak Eskrima)

During his time, Grandmaster Bacon was invincible, some even referred to him as The Legend. He fought more than a hundred death matches and won all of them. He fought with all kinds of opponents who were experts in their own Eskrima styles.

At one time, someone tried to ambush him amidst the darkness of the coconut grove, hoping to defeat him this time. Once again, Grandmaster Bacon proved his skill in Eskrima. This time it was fatal. He was forced by circumstances to exert more force than he should and the encounter resulted in the death of his assailant. He was imprisoned for the alleged crime of murder.

While in prison, the “Mayor” (head of the prisoners) plotted on beating him up. He was placed in a cell together with the “Mayor.” The jail guards heard beating sounds and thought Anciong was beaten up by the Mayor. But when they opened the cell, they saw Anciong holding the club and the Mayor sprawling helplessly on the floor.

Anciong was granted parole even before his prison term was complete. The Jail warden found him as a disciplined, self-controlled, and respectful person.

When he returned to Cebu, he found it difficult to find a decent job. In order to have a means of livelihood, he opened the Balintawak Self-Defense Club in Balintawak Street, Cebu City. The style that Anciong developed became officially known as Balintawak Eskrima named after the Street where his club was first established.

According to Tinong Ibanes, the club was located behind a watch repair shop adjacent to a backyard pig pen. It has a small open ground area which may have influenced the circular footwork of the original Balintawak style vis-a-vis its later versions.

It was only after his art was officially named that he became known as the grandmaster of Balintawak Eskrima. Some of Ansiong’s early students were Delfen Lopez, Jesus Cui, Timoteo Malanga, Isidro Bardillas, Ationg Abella, Jose Villasin, and Teddy Brot.

THE FUTURE OF BALINTAWAK ESKRIMA

Image: Eskrima Weapons (stick, bolo, daga, etch)

Today the leadership of Balintawak Eskrima is like a fragmented glass. Each fragment of the glass represents the various groups which sprouted after the death of Grandmaster Anciong Bacon. This may be attributed by the fact that Gm Bacon failed to appoint his successor. Hence, the Second and third generation lineages have established their own version or brand of Balintawak Eskrima.

This is the only martial arts at present which has several living Grandmasters at one time. The sect of the much older Martial Arts have only one living Grandmaster at a time. And their succession is not based on status or rank recognition.

This author would like to give an unsolicited advise; instead of splintering into insignificant bits of pieces, the different Balintawak Group should unify into a bigger, stronger, and more significant organization in the martial arts community.

To make Balintawak Eskrima acceptable to all current leadership, and to be administered by a council of leaders, the council shall then establish standards and policy-guidelines for the federation.

There must be a prime mover to initiate and follow through this unification process towards its full realization. For it to succeed, we must set aside one’s individual pride and ego.

Image (Front row from 1st left): Balintawak Eskrimadors Tinong Ybanez, Teofilo Velez, Johnny Chiuten, and Jose Villasin with Students.

The author further challenge the leaders of the various Balintawak groups to work together towards the realization of the dream One United Balintawak Eskrima Organization. This could be the dream of each Balintawak Arnisadors- Unify in diversity.

Once the unification is realized, Balintawak Eskrima shall establish its success similar to the other better known and more established martial arts like Taekwondo.

The future of Balintawak Eskrima is very bright. It is expanding fast in the World. However, it lacks the spirit of unity behind the individual success of each independent groups. It is like a family where its members are competing with each other. May the strongest and more powerful group take the initiative towards unification.

APO-Balintawak Self-Defense Club

The author is an advocate of unification and is willing to be an affiliate of any of the Balintawak Eskrima Groups who would offer an invitation.

Once Balintawak Eskrima is unified into a federation, it will follow a similar path of success experienced by the Korean martial arts of Taekwondo.