Martial Arts Instructor | OFW in Kuwait | Founder of Arnis Tirada System

This interview explores the experiences and health insights of Guro Bong, a Filipino martial arts instructor and Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) based in Kuwait. As the founder of the Arnis Tirada System, he shares how martial arts can be adapted to support students with health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes.

We used a combination of face-to-face discussions and text messaging over the course of three days, to accommodate Guro Bong’s schedule. As a coach, association president, system founder, and OFW, he balances multiple responsibilities while leading Arnis training in Kuwait. He teaches not only fellow Filipinos but also Kuwaitis and students of other nationalities, creating a space for cultural connection and inclusive physical activity.

This interview was loosely guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM), a public health framework that explores how people perceive health risks, benefits, and barriers to action. While informal and conversational, the questions reflect key ideas from this model—highlighting how martial arts can support motivation, self-efficacy, and community health.

Q1: Have you taught any students with Type 2 diabetes?

Nakapagturo na po ba kayo ng estudyanteng may Type 2 diabetes?

A: Yes, I have. One of my students had a mild case. I noticed he would get tired easily and couldn’t be pushed too hard. But he still needed physical activity, so I made sure the training was adjusted to his needs.

A: Meron po. Mild lang ang kondisyon niya. Madali siyang mapagod at hindi puwedeng mapuwersa. Pero kailangan pa rin niya ng ehersisyo kaya in-adjust ko ang training para sa kanya.

Q2: In your opinion, can martial arts help students with diabetes?

Sa palagay po ninyo, makakatulong ba ang martial arts sa mga estudyanteng may diabetes?

A: Martial arts can help students with diabetes. Martial arts is a form of exercise, and exercise helps control blood sugar. When the body is active, it uses glucose as energy, which helps manage the condition.

A: Makatutulong ang martial arts. Isa itong uri ng ehersisyo na nakakatulong sa pagkontrol ng blood sugar. Kapag aktibo ang katawan, mas nagagamit nito ang glucose bilang enerhiya.

Q3: If a student tells you they have diabetes, how do you adjust their training?

Kung may estudyanteng nagsabing may diabetes siya, paano ninyo siya susuportahan o ia-adjust ang training?

A: I take it easy with their training. They can't join others when they are doing extreme training— their sugar levels could drop, which is dangerous. Usually, 45 minutes is enough for their body conditioning. The key is to monitor and guide them gradually.

A: Kailangan alalay lang sa training. Hindi puwedeng sumabay sa sobrang hirap — baka bumaba ang sugar level nila. Delikado. Kaya bawal silang sobrang mapagod. At least 45 minutes, sapat na para sa body conditioning nila. Mahalaga rin na bantayan sila habang nagte-training at dahan-dahan lang ang pag-progress para ligtas sila at masanay ang katawan nila.

Q4: Has this affected your approach to teaching or how you see health?

Nakakaapekto po ba ito sa paraan ninyo ng pagtuturo o sa pagtingin ninyo sa kalusugan?

A: Actually, it’s been a positive experience. I’m glad I can help students through martial arts. It made me more aware of the role we play in supporting others’ health, not just teaching techniques.

A: Mas maganda nga at nakakatulong ako sa kanila sa pamamagitan ng martial arts. Mas naging aware ako na hindi lang skills ang itinuturo namin — pati kalusugan, may impact kami.

Q5: Do you think martial artists themselves can be at risk for diabetes?

Sa palagay ninyo po ba, may panganib din bang magka-diabetes ang mga martial artists?

A: Yes, it’s possible — it depends on one’s lifestyle. No one is exempt. That’s why diet, rest, and awareness are important even for athletes.

A: Yes, posible po depende yan sa lifestyle. Walang exempted. Kaya mahalaga ang tamang pagkain, sapat na pahinga, at kamalayan sa sarili — kahit para sa mga atleta.

Q6: Do you have any hesitations or challenges when adjusting training for students with health conditions like diabetes?

May mga panganib o alinlangan po ba kayo kapag binabago ang training para sa mga estudyanteng may sakit tulad ng diabetes?

A: There is no problem. We just make the training gradual. As long as we understand their condition, we can guide them safely.

A: Wala naman. Gradual lang talaga ang training. Basta alam mo kondisyon ng student mo, kaya siyang alalayan.

Just a Friendly Reminder from HealthPromotion4ALL

The stories, tips, and experiences shared in this file are here to educate, inspire, and inform — but they’re not medical advice. Everything shared reflects personal experiences and may not apply to everyone.

If you’re dealing with a health condition like type 2 diabetes, it’s important to talk to your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your training, diet, or routine.

Everyone’s journey is different. What works for one person might not be the best fit for another — and that’s okay.

Stay informed and stay safe.

— HealthPromotion4ALL Team