GRAND MASTER BOBBY TABOADA

• Anciong Bacon
• Jose Villasin
• Teofilo Valez
• Bobby Taboada

Bobby Taboada is a Balintawak Arnis master known for bringing practitioners of this weapon martial art from the Visayas region to Manila in the 1960s. He studied Balintawak Arnis under Grand Master Anciong Bacon, He has dedicated his life to promoting and preserving Filipino martial arts. His passion for Balintawak and Arnis, his knowledge and experience, as well as his dedication to teaching have earned him respect among practitioners worldwide. Bobby Taboada alongside other Balintawak practitioners spread Balintawak through word of mouth along with various competitions and seminars that took place throughout Metro Manila and nearby provinces such as Cavite, Rizal and Laguna. Through his hard work, he increased Balintawak Arnis’ reach beyond its traditional place in the Visayas to spread far and wide across the country earning him an esteemed reputation.

Bobby Taboada’s formative years were shaped by the streets of Cebu, Philippines. Born on November 6th 1948 to Sergio and Gabriela as the oldest of five children, he quickly learned self-defense was necessary for survival in such an environment – He is truly a gentle spirit who reacts only out of necessity rather than malice or aggression.

Bobby was initially exposed to the art of eskrima by his father. But after mastering several other martial arts, he ventured further into Balintawak style training under Grand Masters Teofilo Velez and Jose Villasin – both proteges of Venancio Bacon himself. Here Bobby experienced a demanding regimen that included living stick fights and physical challenges as part of daily practice in order to reach a mastery level according to traditional techniques passed down from GM Bacon.

Bobby was a brave and courageous fighter. He trained with the most experienced Balintawak Masters, mastering deadly yet sophisticated combat techniques that proved effective in tournaments and fights alike.

Balintawak is a form of Filipino martial arts, however it goes far beyond the traditional sports industry standards. The ancient practice focuses on unarmed combat involving strikes and highly practical self-defense techniques – designed for true situations where survival might be at stake. Bobby has come a long way since his days in Cebu, where the art of Balintawak was born and practiced as an often deadly street martial art. 

Bobby, he left home at the age of 12 to live with and learn from Grandmaster Teofilo Velez. 

Through unwavering commitment and obedience, Bobby acquired an invaluable knowledge base that would guide him throughout his martial arts journey. He gained mastery of the secrets within Balintawak Eskrima with Great Grandmasters Jose Villacin and Venancio Bacon. 

GM Taboada’s mastery of Balintawak was a product of the hard work and guidance from master Bacon, Velez and Villasin. In 1979 he left his native Philippines to conduct martial arts seminars throughout New Zealand and Australia before landing in America some 12 years later. In 1991 GM Taboada took up residence in Charlotte North Carolina where he continues to teach today  every eager student who wishes to learn.

Grandmaster Bobby’s expertise with Filipino martial arts has drawn well-deserved attention – he was featured in a stunningly illustrated spread article in a US national sports magazine and an entire page of regional newspapers. His skills have placed him at the forefront of this ancient form, garnering praise from around the country & world.

In the year 2000, Grand Master Bobby Taboada was honored with an induction into the World Head Council of Family Sokeship’s International Hall of Fame. He gained further recognition in 2002 when he received their Distinguished Grand Master title – a mark bestowed on those who have achieved excellence within martial arts circles and beyond. His students know him as not only a highly respected master but also someone full of wisdom; his humility and friendliness never fail to impress anyone he meets.