Balintawak CURRICULUM
1. CCM what does it stand for?
CCM has dual meaning
a. Coach COT Method (COT is the first 3 letters of the developer Rich Cotterill’s surname).
b. Coach Combat Orientated Training (COT) Method
2. What is CCM
CCM is a METHOD that is based on understanding human movement, and how to leverage that movement in combative terms when faced with physical confrontation / fight situation when “flight” is not an option. It is a stripped down simple
method to understand the needed biomechanical and neuromusculoskeletal responses on 3 levels
• Theory
• Practical Application
• Learning to teach others (in a way that facilitates true duality of student and coach interdependency with elevated information retention and how to better develop oneself)
In itself the method is about creating greater combative efficiency and performance using the “engine” in the fight, it utilises a simple schematic, set of concepts and a unique coaching approach. It should be thought of as the forerunner to your chosen fighting system.
Level 1
1. CCM Movement Concepts
2. Functional Calisthenics
3. 12 Strikes – Control & Full Power
4. Shadow Fighting
5. Blocking – High, Low, Centre
6. Footwork and empty hand padwork
7. Q & A
Level 2
1. Review of LEVEL 1
2. 12 Defence & Counter – Full control
3. 12 Defence & Counter – Full power
4. Semi Hitting in the defensive stage
5. Designated Elements with Blade
6. Designated Elements with opposite hand
7. Verbal Presentation
Level 3
1. Review of LEVEL 1 & 2
2. Group 1 – Lifting & clearing
3. Group 2 – Lifting,clearing using offsetting
4. Group – 3 Preparation body flexibility
5. Group – 4 Preparation speed & reflex
6. Group – 5 Punching in stickfighting motion
7. Empty Hand Manipulation / Impact
Level 4
1. Review of LEVEL 1, 2 & 3
2. Butting Techniques
3. Pushing and Pulling
4. Applications within The Grouping System
5. Teach Levels 1, 2 & 3 within your own training class/group
6. Bag & pad strike training
7. Controlled Sparring elements
What is the Balintawak Escrima Cuentada System?
Balintawak means Heroes of the Cry of Freedom, referring to the famous freedom fighters of the Filipino revolt against Spanish domination. The name was also given to a small street in Cebu City, Philippines where the first balintawak escrima (Spanish word meaning skirmish) club was established in the 1930s by the late Great Grand Master “Anciong” Bacon. The balintawak system emphasizes both in-tight and long-range fighting and utilizes the single-stick and empty-hand applications for practicality.
Cuentada is a Spanish word that means to counter. It acknowledges the reality that there is a counter for every counter and that while making any move you should already be subconsciously anticipating your opponent’s response.
Through hard lessons of the past, Grand Master Taboada realized that very little concern was placed on safety of the student while learning. He has resolved to teach his own students with a minimal risk of injury, which has led him to develop the traditional art of cuentada into a less punishing, yet powerful and effective system of training. Grand Master Taboada believes that it’s easy to offensively strike, punch or kick somebody, but it’s a lot more difficult to defend against an aggressive attack. For this reason, in his teaching he places primary emphasis on the creative mindset and technical skills necessary to counter and overcome any attack. To all students of the martial arts, he imparts this message: “Every style has something to offer. Pick up a good move, rehearse it, practice it, understand it and then think about the counter. Then it is yours.”