Frequently Asked Questions

Anyone can begin training as long as they have an interest to learn the curriculum and methods that come with it. Balintawak Cuentada emphasizes conditioning, endurance, explosiveness, speed, control, and reaction. All members must fill out a waiver that includes PAR-Q questions before beginning. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns, as training can become strenuous.

Not at all! Several of our long time practitioners had little to no martial arts experience beforehand, including two of our current Completion of the Art (COA) junior instructors. All we expect is the ability to listen and train diligently.

Currently our minimum acceptance age is 15 for group classes. A parent or guardian interested in private lessons for a child under 15 must be present at all times during the session. Contact the instructor for additional details.

Our fundamentals classes last one hour: we bow in, do mobility warmups, then exercises to strengthen and activate the muscle groups used during the heavier phase of training. Striking drills in the air, on heavy bags, and on hand-held pads are all included. We conclude with a cool down, including stationary postures and stretches.

We focus primarily on the single rattan stick and empty hands, as emphasized by our Grandmaster Bobby Taboada. Elements of boxing and other non-armed striking techniques are incorporated as well, to improve body movement, athletic performance, and understanding of the art.

Our group class is on Sundays, 10–11 AM, at our 986 Amboy Avenue location in Edison, New Jersey. Reach out to Guro Frank Zhong via our contact page at least 24 hours prior so we can accommodate you. If you’d just like to observe, you can come at any time before class begins.