Balintawak Kali Filipino Martial Arts Of South Florida
About
If you’re seeking a martial arts experience that’s practical, effective, and deeply rooted in a proven warrior tradition, look no further than Guro Eliseo Barja and Balintawak South Florida. With over 20 years of experience in Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), Guro Eliseo is a certified instructor in the esteemed Taboada Balintawak system—one of the most effective close-quarter fighting systems developed in the Philippines.
Filipino Martial Arts are rapidly gaining worldwide recognition for their real-world application and efficiency. Unlike many traditional systems where weapons training is reserved for advanced levels, FMA begins with them—empowering students from day one with rattan sticks, then guiding them through transitions to edged weapons and empty-hand techniques. This unique approach builds confidence, coordination, and self-defense skills right from the start.
Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced martial artist, Eliseo's training approach is custom-tailored to your goals, skill level, and learning style—helping you grow faster, stronger, and smarter as a martial artist.
🥋 What You’ll Gain Training with Us:
✅ Foundational Self-Defense Skills – Practical techniques designed for real-world scenarios.
✅ Reflex Development – Fast-track your reaction time and awareness under pressure.
✅ Combat-Ready Body Mechanics – Learn proper structure, posture, and fluid movement.
✅ Seamless Transitioning – Train to flow between stick, knife, and empty-hand techniques with control and precision.
✅ A Structured, Proven Curriculum – Designed to grow your skillset step-by-step, from the ground up.
✅ An Empowering Community – Become part of a passionate and supportive group of martial artists who are all pushing themselves to improve.
✅ A Fun, Challenging Journey – Learn a powerful art while enjoying every step of the process.
✊ Train with Purpose. Grow with Passion.
"I've had the privilege of working with beginners who've never stepped foot in a dojo and watching them quickly build real self-defense skills and confidence. I've also trained high-level martial artists, helping them fine-tune their reflexes, increase speed, and integrate FMA into their existing disciplines.
No matter where you're starting from, I'll help you move forward."
– Guro Eliseo Barja
Balintawak South Florida | Certified Taboada Balintawak Instructor
📞 Now Accepting New Students
Call or Text (954) 684-1141 to schedule your training session today.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We encourage students to sign up for a trial session. Filipino Martial Arts is a complete martial system with empty hands, impact, and edged tools specialization.
Many are finally learning about the practicality, effectiveness, and simplicity of filipino martial arts but for most, a trial run is needed help them turly recognize, understand, and experience how simple and practical it is to learn for self defense and as a combat proven martial arts system.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Certified Senior Instructor - Taboada Balintawak Arnis
Senior Practitioner - Villabrelle/LucayLucay Combat Kali
Senior Practitioner - US Heryrosa De Cuerdas Multi System
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Private Group Training - $135/mo
Personal Student - Application Approval Required
How did you get started teaching?
Teaching was never a goal; however, my progression, level of training, and opportunites to train under some traditional/old school grandmasters and masters has provided me with a unique skill, knowledge, and approval to teach and test practitioners. As an ambassador to filipino martial arts and a senior instructor representative to a couple systems; I do what I can to help share and grow the gifts I was given by my instructors; and those before them.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have taught a wide range of students. Those with zero martial arts experience to those who are instructors within their own martial styles/systems. Age ranges from late teens to retired seniors.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Seeing my students perform and excel at a high level during demonstrations or testings.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Whatever it is you're looking for; when you find a quality instructor; invest in them and they will invest in you. Most may not realize this but, the right instructor will not only teach and share with you great knowlege and skill but will also bring you into a unique and elite community.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Have an idea of what your goals are or what it is you want to acheive by training in that style or system.
I like to share/show students my program, goals, and direction within the community; and then I ask perspective students what their goals are.
Your goals and their program has to somewhat align; if it doesn't align, go to the next.