Balintawak

From MartialTalk Online Martial Arts Encyclopedia Project

Balintawak (also known as Balintawak Eskrima or sometimes as Balintawak Arnis) is a style of Filipino martial art developed by Anciong Bacon from earlier Filipino systems (most notably, Doce Pares). It is named for Cebu's Balintawak Self Defense Club (so named for its location on Balintawak Street), where it was originally taught. The Club was in the back of a watch repair shop on Balintawak Street.

Balintawak principally teaches single stick fencing, in a dueling format. Sometimes a small second stick is used to simulate a dagger. Founder Anciong Bacon developed his single stick techniques when he was compelled to fight stick-only rather than stick-and-dagger. It is said that during his training and matches with other members of the Doces Pares Club before World War II, he would stab people with his wooden training dagger. This was considered poor sportsmanship. Some say his dagger was taken from him, while others say he was merely asked not to train with it. Either way, he then developed and optimized his techniques based for single stick duelling.

Notable instructors include Sam Buot, Ted Buot, and Bobby Toboada.