Atillo Balintawak Eskrima-Original Saavedra Style is an in-depth account of the history of Crispulo “Ising” Atillo and the Atillo Balintawak Eskrima–Original Saavedra Style. In an extraordinary tale of perseverance and courage, Atillo chronicles Balintawak eskrima's little-known history and provides a first-hand account of the historical events that forged one of the greatest Filipino Martial Arts in the world. Atillo describes his childhood growing up in the Philippines under the watchful eyes of some of the most famous eskrimadors in history and recounts the atrocities of war under Japanese occupation during WWII.

Atillo describes the post-war hardships and corruption that plagued the Philippines and explains the local and national level politics that forever changed the history of Cebuano eskrima. He recounts the remarkable exploits of the legendary fighter Teodoro “Doring” Saavedra, his father, Vicente “Inting” Atillo, and his godfather, the infamous and feared Cebu gangster, Delfin Lopez. Atillo describes the events that lead to the formation of the Balintawak Self Defense Club in 1952 and the legendary rivalry with the famed Doce Pares Club. Additionally, he describes his illustrious fights with Venancio “Anciong” Bacon and Ciriaco “Cacoy” Cañete, and the turbulent era of eskrima that ultimately led to murder and deceit.

At over 80 years of age, Atillo is the last living member of the Balintawak Self Defense Club. He embodies the honor and spirit of an old-time eskrimador. As one who never shies away from being brutally honest or telling it like it is, he applies that same spirit of honesty to this book and fills the gap of Balintawak eskrima history that is often plagued with misinformation. This is the story of Crispulo “Ising” Atillo and the little-known history of the Atillo Balintawak Eskrima-Original Saavedra Style as told through the eyes of one of the most celebrated and respected icons and masters of the Filipino Martial Arts

317 pages