Company: Boxergenics
Tape Name: Balintawak Escrima, Cuentada System, Volume 1
Tape Cost: $49.95
Length of Tape/Time: 60 minutes
Number of Moves/Techniques: 36
Return Policy: Exchange on defective tapes only
Experiences in dealing with this company: Excellent
The Instructor: Bobby Taboada
Company’s Address: 335 Billingsley Rd., Charlotte, N.C., 28211
Company’s Phone Number: 1-800-774-6284
Web Page: http://www.boxergenics.com
E-Mail: info@boxergenics.com

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Primary Grading Criteria:

1. Production/Tape Quality: 9
2. Instructors demonstrated skill level: 9
3. Comprehension Score/Immediate Understanding: 9
4. Degree to which this will make someone a better Martial Artist: 9
5. Score on delivery vs hype: 9
6. Degree to which we would recommend this product: 9
7. Wasted Time ( The higher the number, the less “ fluff” /repetition ): 8
8. Playback Score/Watching if over-and-over again: 8
9. Would I purchase more of this company’s products:9
10. Overall grade based on cost vs. Value: 9

Grand Total: 88% ( Fair = 2 Stars ) Original Grade = 90%

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Secondary Grading Criteria:

1. Beginners benefit: Good
2. Intermediate benefit: Fair
3. Advanced benefit: Fair
4. Time to benefit: Immediate
5. The need to buy additional tapes to understand this one: None

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Written Summary:

Those of us who have studied the filipino martial arts have all heard of Balintawak escrima, usually in a good light. This video, while aimed at the beginning escrimador, does credit to the reputation of Balintawak as a viable, street effective filipino system. However, the material on this tape is definitely geared for the beginner. If you plan to study Balintawak escrima further, then obviously this tape is a necessity. Mr. Taboada covers all the basic material such as grip, stance, basic striking angles, types of strikes and shadow fighting ( which is not unlike a filipino martial arts kata ). If you are experienced in the filipino arts, then you may find this particular volume somewhat elementary and/or repetitive.

As I mentioned previously, Mr. Taboada begins with some exercises and basic information. From here, we move on to the Balintawak 12 angles of attack. As most of you know, every filipino system as it’s own unique numbering system and Balintawak is no exception. Mr. Taboada discusses and demonstrates the striking techniques of his art which are similar to what other escrimadors would refer to as witik ( hit and retract ) and lobtik ( stiking through the target ). The video finishes with a prearranged kata like series of single stick strikes that Mr. Taboada refers to as shadow fighting. For you escrimadors reading this, I am not referring to carenza . Shadow fighting is more like a structured series of stick strikes from various angles.

While this video is definitely geared to the beginner, I was entertained by Mr. Taboada’s obvious skill level. Watching this video makes the experienced escrimador want to see the higher level material of Balintawak. This video is definitely recommended but mainly for the beginner or to the experienced escrimador wanting to add the basic Balintawak material to his repertoire. If you are experienced in the filipino martial arts, you will definitely find this material too elementary to be of much value.

CJ