Lineage

Balintawak Canada follows the Velez–WOTBAG (World Original Teofilo Velez Balintawak Arnis Group) tradition, shaped through direct instruction from Eddie Velez, Monie Velez, Oliver Mag-uyon, Kirt Velez, and Master Chester Revil.

Guro Rolly Villa's training runs through GM Ike Sepulveda of Atillo Balintawak, Master Roy Ilogon and GM Nene Gaabucayan of NNG Balintawak, and later, in Cebu, through GM Eddie Velez, GM Oliver Mag-uyon, GM Monie Velez, GM Kirt Velez, and Master Chester Revil.

GM Oliver Mag-uyon's own lineage traces to the late GM Teofilo Velez, the late GM Pachito Velez, the late GM Eduardo Velez, and GM Ramon Franco “Monie” Velez, with his first instructor GM Bobby Taboada.

See Instructor Profile and Assistant Instructors for full biographies.

The system we received is taught through groupings: related combat problems are organized so the student can recognize them, develop the proper response, refine body mechanics and timing, and eventually perform them freely under changing pressure. The purpose of grouping is not to make a fighter mechanical — it is the opposite: structure is used to build understanding, and understanding is later tested in unscripted flow. The groupings are a teaching map, not a promise that a real encounter will arrive in a numbered order.

“First organize the lesson so the student can understand it. Then remove the pattern so the student must recognize, feel, adapt and respond.” — Balintawak Canada teaching principle

See the full curriculum breakdown on Learning Pathway.

Grouping-based learning organizes material into related categories: students have a visible progression and a common teaching vocabulary, variations are introduced after the core response is understood, and the structure is eventually mixed and tested at random.

“Oido” literally carries the idea of learning or playing “by ear.” In some FMA usage it describes training without a fixed numbered sequence — more organic, intuitive, and immediately free-flowing. It is also the proper name of distinct Filipino systems, so it should not be used as a dismissive label.

Balintawak Canada's own formation is grouping-based. We value that structure because it lets us teach progressively and consistently — a statement about our method of transmission, not a claim that other traditional or random methods are lesser arts.