Balintawak Eskrima - Curriculum

Curriculum

Balintawak principally teaches single stick fencing, in a dueling format, sometimes a small second stick is used to simulate a dagger. Bacon developed single stick techniques, as during his work-outs and training with other members of the Doces Pares Club before World War II, he would stab people with his wooden training dagger. Some say his dagger was taken from him by Saavedra, while others say he was simply asked not to train with it. Either way, Bacon with the help of Atty. Jose Villasin developed and optimized his techniques based upon single stick work. Atty. Jose Villasin with the tutelage of Bacon developed the twelve basic strikes which is now used worldwide.

Balintawak uses twelve basic strikes because the human body is limited in movement. These twelve strikes form the basis from which a practitioner can develop, basic, semi-advanced and advanced movements.

There are only two formal ranks awarded by Balintawak Arnis . That has further expanded the techniques in these ranks into eight levels:

• Completion of the Art

Level 1 - 12 basic strikes

Level 2 - Defense and counter

Level 3 - Grouping Systems

Level 4 - Butting Techniques

Level 5 - Disarms

Level 6 - Semi-advanced Techniques

All techniques must be demonstrated with power, control, and body mechanics. A student will automatically fail the "Completion of the Art" test if they drop their stick, swear or make accidental contact with their partner.

• Fully Qualified Instructor

Level 7 - Advanced Footwork

Level 8 - Fully Qualified Instructor

Generally, a practitioner would need to be taught for two to three years to achieve a fully qualified instructor status because a student of their teaching would need to pass the "Completion of the Art", and they need to develop twenty-four techniques that are both unique and effective.

Non Grouping Curriculum

Abcedario

Seguidas

Corraidas

Cuentada

::Note: While this is not the most popular method or Curriculum, it is the way that GM Bacon taught his art. The discussion on which is better is not relevant here. It is only listed here for historic reference. Each person will train with those they want too, and that should be the end of the discussion.

In this Curriculum, A student is a student until the instructor lets the student know they can teach.