I first found Balintawak in 2016 from watching FQI Bryan Sloyer and COA Armand Rabanal training together at JAM. Initially I was too intimidated to ask Mr. Sloyer if I could learn Balintawak so I asked Armand, who I've known for a long time. Armand agreed and started to show me the basics during open gym. I was absolutely horrible at first and that's what got me addicted. I craved growth in the Art, gradually starting to train more and more until eventually Bryan took me on as a student.
Before I knew it, I was training daily with the group.

Bryan went on to guide me through curriculum and the eventual testing process where three years later I tested for level 6 (Completion of the Art) under Grandmaster Bobby Taboada. Touching hands with GM at camp was so surreal for me, words can't do it justice. For sure a top 5 moment in my life. I couldn't have passed without the great group of testers we prepped with. Justin Chang, Amy Sturdivant, Caitlin Hutson, Kosey Baskin, Armand Rabanal, and Shai Debroux all pushed me to be better every training session. Thank you all! Later down the line I would love to have some students and work towards my level 7 FQI but, being the youngest COA in Balintawak LA I'm in no rush. I'm looking forward to diving deeper into the Art these next few years and hopefully I can be a part of other people's Balintawak journey. So come train with us!

If you took the time to read all of this thank you! I wish to give a final shoutout to Bryan who's become a huge mentor/big brother to me in Balintawak and in life. Thank you for all the patience, support, and inspiration. We'll make you proud to call us your students!

From my heart, we welcome you, and with respect,
Andrew Franklin