Most people that interact with me on a daily basis would define me by my role as a rehabilitation physician. Providing care to patients with illnesses that can cause dramatic life changing disability and palpable suffering has without a doubt influenced my perspective on the human condition. At the same time the resolve found in human beings is truly inspiring. It never ceases to amaze me when I see patients with severe disabilities that are happier than “non-disabled” folks. Being a rehabilitation physician has opened my eyes to the realization that we are here to live life, and get everything it has to offer. I believe that human beings, by makeup, are inclined to care for people who are suffering. Empathy and compassion are part of the gifts of human nature.
“12 Basics” are 12 questions posed to Fully Qualified Instructors under Grandmaster Bobby Taboada and those in our orbit to give you a little insight into who we are as individuals and collectively as a Brotherhood. This installment we talk to Chief Master Rich Cotterill, head of Grandmaster Taboada’s Balintwak Cuentada in Europe!
I grew up in Philadelphia, PA. I was the youngest of 4 girls born to Marjorie and Joe
Infante. Since my mother was only 20 when I was born and my dad 22 it is obvious that they had no real tools to raise 4 littles girls. As many of these stories go my mother was swept away by an older man and the story of abuse and abandonment goes on for years.
The four of us went together and apart for most of our lives. My story went like this: foster homes, children’s homes, and then group home. I learned at an early age to be quiet, don’t get in trouble, and you won’t get picked on or hurt. I know that it is hard to believe but I was a very shy little girl…
My name is Floyd Yoder. I am a retired SWAT operator with over 26 years of experience from the Hickory Police Department in Hickory NC.
What´s your story? Well, this is not an easy answer for me. I’ve never really articulated my past on paper, nor on a public forum. However, my story is deeply rooted with experience. To know my past is to know me. So I felt compelled to share more than just a brief summary for this project. I wanted to give everyone a mask-less look into my life and how it has shaped me into the man you see today.
“12 Basics” are 12 questions posed to Fully Qualified Instructors under Grandmaster Bobby Taboada and those in our orbit to give you a little insight into who we are as individuals and collectively as a Brotherhood. This installment we talk to Guro Bob Sullen!
My name is Terence Dayot and I was born and raised in the Philippines. I moved to Canada when I was 16. My wife, Christy, and I live in the Greater Toronto Area with our three kids. While I do have a day job, I also run Pugad Lawin Martial Arts where I teach FMA; primarily Balintawak and Modern Arnis.
I was exposed to Balintawak through Ike Sepulveda. I met him a few weeks after I started Modern Arnis in 2008. My Modern Arnis instructor Brian Johns was telling me about a gentleman who came to visit him and his class
The following is an article published in The Filipino Martial Arts Digest. Special Edition of 2017. Please click on the picture to read the full article.