Balintawak World Camp 2023

Each year, we have our World Camp in the late fall near the home of Grandmaster Bobby Taboada. This year, on November 3-5, the event was held in Hickory, a town in North Carolina, and home to many students of GM Bobby. With visitors from the different coasts of the USA, as well as Europe and Australia, it was a tremendous stage to debut the second volume of GM Bobby's book, written by long time student and friend Dr. Garth Dicker.

Grandmaster Bobby Tabaoda’s Second Volume

This book details the full Balintawak Cuentada curriculum, alongside fundamental skills and training methods. In addition, techniques by Fully Qualified Instructors (FQI) are described and portrayed in photograph stills.

Each FQI is required to produce 24 of their own techniques in order to qualify for their instructorship certification, and one technique per FQI is demonstrated here.

Guro Frank Zhong’s Technique

Frank Zhong demonstrates one of his techniques, inspired by his background in Hebei Xing Yi Quan, and Shuai Jiao wrestling. He is assisted by Completion of the Art (COA) Matt Chua.

Rafael Paayas demonstrates for his Level 4 test, with Instructor Frank Zhong, in front of Grandmaster Bobby Taboada and his instructor panel.

Jay Pasco demonstrating disarms for his Level 5 test with instructor Frank Zhong, observed by GM Bobby and the FQI Panel.

Matt Chua, demonstrating his last two techniques for his Completion of the Art (COA) certification.

New Jersey, Winston Salem, and LA with GM Bobby

Grandmaster Bobby Taboada (seated) trains Guro Jeff Soriano (second from left), who then taught Guros Bryan Sloyer (right) and Frank Zhong (left). Rafael Payaas, (standing second from right).

Jay Pasco, Frank Zhong, and Matt Chua

Jay and Matt posing with their Level 5 and COA certs with Guro Frank Zhong.

New Jersey Balintawak with Guro Jeff and GM Bobby

From left to right, Matt Chua, Frank Zhong, GM Bobby, Jeff Soriano, Thao Bui (COI 2022), Jay Pasco, and Addy Oluyemi- Wnoroski (Level 5).

New Jersey Balintawak with Extended Family

Without Winston Salem Balintawak, there would be no New Jersey Balintawak. Thank you to Guro Jeff Soriano for your guidance and advise throughout the years and look forward to the next time the groups get to train together again.

Congratulations to all of the testers at this memorable event, and Happy 75th Birthday to GM Bobby Taboada!