Balintawak Sugbu Hawk Chapter
What Is Balintawak?
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Balintawak Escrima is a Filipino martial art that focuses on close-quarters combat using sticks, knives, and empty hands. It emphasizes quick, efficient techniques suitable for real-life self-defense situations. Named after the Street of Balintawak in Cebu, where it originated in the 1930s, Balintawak Escrima is known for its direct and practical approach to combat, making it popular both in the Philippines and internationally. It involves striking, blocking, joint locks, and grappling techniques, often practiced in controlled sparring sessions to simulate real-world encounters.
About Instructor Matt Dowman
I bring years of experience in various martial arts disciplines, including achieving black belt status in Kuk Sool Won and third dan in Shukokai Karate. Alongside my training in Wing Chun, my journey into Filipino martial arts began during a visit to the Philippines in 2012. There, I had the privilege of training at the renowned Doce Pares World Headquarters and further honing my skills in Kali upon returning to the UK. Through multiple trips to the Philippines, I was introduced to Balintawak by Grandmaster Carlo, whose approach emphasizing functional and close-quarters combat immediately resonated with me. In 2023, I was granted permission by Grandmaster Carlo to teach Balintawak Sugbu, reflecting my dedication to this dynamic and effective martial art.
