COA
BRB is fortunate to have a great and tight knit core of Completion of the Art Students. They are a valuable part of the training, an integral part of our group, and a key to the friendship and brotherhood that makes this system great.
FQI test with his first COA (Completion of the Art) student, Omar Cury, 2018. In our curriculum, you must train a student to pass their level 6. Otherwise, you haven’t shown your ability to properly teach. Then and only then can one test for their FQI.
If your student doesn’t pass, you don’t test.
I’ll always be grateful that he committed to helping me to achieve my goal!
COA (Completion of the Art)
- James (Jim) Dunn (1997)
- Omar Cury (2018)
- Adam Collins (2021)
- Jeremiah Ray (2021)
- Ashley Reynolds (2022)
- John “Jay” Henderson, Jr. (2023)
James Dunn (Jim) on the far left, was a COA (around 1997) under GM Taboada before I even started training.
He became interested in Balintawak through Glenda Woolf, the first female FQI.
When Glenda stepped back from teaching, Jim pursued training with Grandmaster Taboada. He tested for his COA with his training partner Bill Clanton.
Jim is a retired USAF Lt. Colonel, a former commercial pilot, a published author (“The Prince of Albany”) and a woodworker.
Jim is a valued and integral part of our group.
Adam Collins achieved his COA in 2021.
Adam is a self-professed “martial arts nerd.”
He lives in Morganton, NC.
He is a purveyor of plants.
I am forever proud that he pursued and achieved his goal, and continues to seek happiness in life.
Jeremiah Ray is a musician, an artist, and is currently teaching and training his own student in pursuit of his FQI.
Late in life, he discovered his neuro-divergence and how it has impacted learning. His discovery allowed me to become a better teacher as we faced the challenges to pursue an understanding while upholding the same standards of training.
Jeremiah grew up across the street from GM Taboada and trained with him through level 2.
When I discovered who GM was and what he did, I asked Jeremiah to introduce me.
I’m grateful that he’s allowed me to teach him and help him pursue his goals.
Ashley Reynolds began studying Balintawak in October, 2014 after meeting her partner, Jeremiah Ray (COA). This is Ashley’s first martial art. But she has a background in tennis, swimming and dance. She has studied under FQI Tom Cohen since 2016, and earned her COA at World Camp in 2022. She works from home as a sales strategist. 
Jay Henderson is a highly accomplished martial artist and instructor with over 20 years of experience. A Level 6 Balintawak Arnis practitioner and certified defensive tactics instructor, Jay brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his teaching. He holds multiple black belts, including a 5th degree in Ki Do Kai Kempo, a 4th degree in Lotus Self Defense, and a 1st degree in Taiho Jutsu. As the Chief Instructor at Legacy Martial Arts and Fitness in Huntersville, NC, Jay is dedicated to promoting martial arts and self-defense education, helping his students achieve their highest potential. His passion for martial arts is matched by his commitment to fostering personal growth, discipline, and community spirit through the art of Balintawak Arnis.
