Balintawak Arnis: Book 1 Basics, Principle and Values by Andrew Obon

This book, the first volume in a trilogy, presents the Balintawak Arnis System as founded by Supreme Grandmaster Venancio “Anciong” Bacon in Cebu in the 1950s.

It differs from other Filipino stick-fighting systems in several ways, including:

1. It employs a single stick throughout its training.
2. The stick, as a weapon, is treated as an extension of the arm.
3. It employs stemless strikes.
4. It uses the hinge block.
5. It applies the science of ergonomics.
6. It emphasizes economy of movement, making it simple and practical.
7. It employs short and shallow footwork.

The content of this book covers Basic Levels 1 and 2 under the training curriculum of the APO-Balintawak System.

Level 1

• History of Arnis and Balintawak Eskrima
• Knowledge of the weapon and its potential
• Basic stances, posture, and footwork
• Basic strike angles
• Follow-through strikes
• Shadow fighting using strikes only
• Value System
• Principles of shoulder-width index, torque, and stemless strikes
• Vital target points

Level 2

• Basic blocks
• Basic counter-attacks
• Randomization of defense and counter-attack
• Shadow fighting applying attack, defense, and counter-attack strategies
• Attack, clock footwork, and free-hand control
• Principles of hinged block, counter-attack, clock footwork, and free-hand control

The basic levels are considered the most important phase in the training of Balintawak Arnis, as they are in any other martial art or sport. It is here that you develop and strengthen your foundation in the art.

Read on to discover, understand, appreciate, and learn.

124 pages