Balintawak is considered a close quarter style, the Cuentada system prepares the
practitioner for the varying ranges of combat - employing full-power, body
torquing swings for medium to longer range engagement. The stick is the primary
training tool but the theory is that the stick is only an extension of the arm.
This translates well to blade and hand to hand fighting; Balintawak fighters are
equally adept at utilizing punches, empty hand striking, elbows, knees, kicking,
and grappling.

The word "cuentada" is a
Spanish term meaning to calculate or to counter. Balintawak practitioners
automatically assume their opponent is skilled and that their attacks will be
countered. The philosophy is that for every counter there is a counter and
mastery of the art can only be achieved through continuous research.