Here is a brief story, of how Balintawak Arnis Cuentada first appeared in Russia -and how it has come a long way since then.
In 2005, when the Filipino Combat Systems in Russia had just begun to operate, its young, fearless leader by the name of Alexander Pisarkin, got a hold of a DVD from the 2nd Filipino Martial Arts Festival in Dortmund, Germany. On that disc, he came across a demonstration of Balintawak Arnis Cuentada by the founder of the style, Grand Master Bobby Taboada. Grand Master Taboada amazed him with his strength, speed, energetic fighting moves and a high level of skill -almost unequalled among his peers in the Filipino Martial Arts. That was Alexander’s first introduction to the powerful style of Balintawak.
Since then, Alexander could not get it off his mind, to one day meet in person, the great master he was so fascinated with on the video. This journey would take him several years to accomplish.
In 2006, Alexander frequented the Philippines, where he was fortunate to experience training with many of Grand Master Taboada’s friends -like Grand Master Bobby Tabimina and Grand Master Nick Elizar. While in the Philippines, he also trained with Grand Master Elizar’s son, the very talented -Master Norman Elizar. Shortly after, Alexander had the honor of hosting Master Norman in Russia to continue their exciting training in Filipino Martial Arts.
In 2011, Alexander Pisarkin finally got in touch with Grand Master Bobby Taboada. After having obtained his coveted permission, Alexander travelled all the way to the USA, to gain valuable tutelage -directly under his most sought-after Grand Master of Arnis.
Despite a very challenging recovery from a life-threatening surgery, Grand Master Taboada gave a very intensive training session to his first Russian follower, where he demonstrated in full measure -the vigor and swiftness of his style that had once impressed Alexander in the video.
That was the beginning of his exciting journey into the wonderful world of Balintawak Arnis Cuentada!
Alexander would visit Grand Master Taboada’s home in the USA, as often as he could. He was always eager to acquire more knowledge. He looked forward to feel once again, the power and the speed. To experience the incredible magic of Balintawak while training with his venerable teacher.
Several years in a row, whenever Grand Master Taboada visited his family in the Philippine city of Cebu, Alexander made a great effort to join his esteemed teacher. Deeply submerged in the Filipino atmosphere of the very city where Balintawak was created, greatly helped Alexander in the understanding of the guiding principles and the technical characteristics of this unique Cebuano style. This valuable experience gave Alexander a first-hand look into the rich, brave and proud Filipino Martial Arts culture of Cebu. Spending quality time in the Philippines with Grand Master Taboada and his close friends, has forever remained a cherished memory.
As a great teacher does, Grand Master Taboada gave his priceless support to Alexander’s global FMA projects, along with unwavering support for the established FCS Russia organization in the Philippines. Grand Master Taboada was one of the keys to their success!
In addition, Alexander had the honor and privilege, on several occasions -of having Grand Master Taboada participate as a distinguished Instructor during the international training camp known as “Russian House in the Philippines”, which has been successfully running since 2011.
In 2017 Grand Master Bobby Taboada agreed to become one of the main characters in a feature-documentary film, about the Filipino Martial Arts titled “The King’s Blade”.
It wasn’t until 2019, after previously passing all the required Certification Tests, that Alexander Pisarkin was granted permission to take the grueling, qualifying examination for the highly respected title of; Full Qualified Instructor, in the powerful and deadly art of Balintawak Arnis Cuentada.
Alexander, under the careful eyes of Grand Master Bobby Taboada, and his distinguished panel of Masters and Grand Masters from all over the Philippines, Brunei and the USA , successfully passed the very painful and challenging exam, held in the heart of Cebu, during the first international gathering of “Mission Balintawak”, presented by the FCS Russia organization.
From 2011 to 2020, Guro Alexander Pisarkin, throughout Russia, has carefully trained and prepared, skillful representatives and instructors in the art of Balintawak Arnis Cuentada in St. Petersburg, Kaliningrad, Moscow, Kazan, New Urengoy, Tosno, Penza, Novosibirsk, Tomsk, Ekaterinburg and Vladivostok.
His loyal students have become an integral part of Mission Balintawak, as they continue to honor the legacy and teachings of our great grand masters!
