learning knife fighting from books

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ButterflyNinja

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Dec 14, 2005
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In my martial arts class we have gone over a very little in knife fighting and i thought it would be wise to go into some of what the Filipino knife fighting martial arts system has to offer I wanted to know if anybody has read this book "Balisong : The Lethal Art Of Filipino Knife Fighting" and maybe give me some insight on or maybe another way to begin this knife system from home every advice given is greatly apprectiated.Thanx

Sincerely,
Travis
 
As a guy who has been training solo for most of his life, here's my take on training from books.

There isn't always an FMA school right around the corner. Really good FMA schools are few and far between. If you want to study the knife, and all you can afford is read books, then it's better than nothing. However, while you may learn about knife fighting from books, it does not mean you will be a trained knife fighter. If you can find an FMA school that teaches knife, by all means sign up and train. Nothing can replace learning from a qualified instructor. If there aren't any instructors around your area, then attend seminars whenever you can.

If you are totally stuck and cannot find an instructor, I personally feel that videos and DVDs speak more than books. You can see the technique in action, how it looks, and how it functions. Here are the best DVD's to learn knife fighting from, in my opinion:

1) Shivworks Reverse-Edge Methods Volumes 1 and 2: These DVDs truly demonstrate the proper use of Pikal (revere grip edge in) in real confrontations. It's simply, brutal, and downright effective. This is quite possibly the best video on the subject of close-quarters Pikal. Here's the link to the trailer: http://shivworks.com/videos/remv2.wmv

2) Atienza Kali Blade Simulator Volume 1: Demonstrates the Atienza Kali Blade Simulator with bolo knives...also shows video of the effects of the blade on boar meat. Here's the link to the preview clip:
http://www.atienza-kali.com/video/akbladesimdvdtrailer.wmv

3) Sayoc Kali 3 of 9 Template DVD: Demonstrates the Sayoc Kali 3 of 9 Vital template...this is great for understanding the importance of the knowledge of human anatomy: http://sayoc.com/vidclips/30f9trailer01.mov

4) Jim Wagner Knife Survival: This guy is a law enforcement officer who has had many experiences dealing with edged weapons. http://www.jimwagnertraining.com/store/KNIFE_1.wmv

Hope you find them to your liking.
 
Thanx Monk I think im gonna go with the second choice thanx for the info and your help but since you seem like you know a lot about this subject this stuff would work with like smaller knives like a Butterfly Knife or a Pocket Knife than the big ones that they use in Atienza Kali Blade Simulator Volume 1?
 
It all depends as to what your goals are. Are you looking to learn how to fight with a knife? Are you interested in looking cool flipping a Balisong opened and closed? It's all depends on your goals.

The Atienza Kali Blade Simulator is often fought with short swords (like the Bolo knife). However, it is my understanding that the Atienza Kali group also does knife sparring as well. It would pay to check them out. I did, and I haven't looked back since.

If small knives is what you are looking for, the Shivworks DVD and Sayoc Kali DVD would be right up your ally. But try out the AK stuff...I promise you won't be disappointed.
 
my goals is to just be prepared well enough on how to fight with a knife just incase I happen to have one on hand. I could really care less about the cool flipping ways of the Balisong but im definetly gonna check out the AK stuff thanx
 
If you are interested in learning how to use a knife to protect yourself, here are some tips:

-Look at your local knife laws, figure out which blades are legal and which ones aren't. Try to avoid knives with violent connotations (The "Rambo Special" will screw you over in court) Make sure you buy a knife with a blade that is within the legal limits. Usually, the maximum length in most states is 4 inches.

-Purchase a good training knife that will resemble whatever knife you already carry. http://www.takknife.com, http://www.trainingblades.com, http://www.sharkee.com, and http://www.keenedgeknives.com are great resources on training blades.

-Find a good instructor. Usually, the FMAs have programs solely focused on knife. Atienza Kali, Sayoc Kali, Shivworks, and Floro Fighting Systems teach the blade in a realistic fashion.

-If you can't find an FMA instructor, take up fencing. Fencing and FMA are the two best systems for learning how to fight with a blade. Fencing teaches you footwork, distancing, and precision as well as how to utilize the thrust.

-If you can't find a fencing or FMA instructor check out those DVD's I mentioned.

God Bless,
Mike
 
I agree that learning knife fighting from a book, while not necessarily impossible, is pretty much next to impossible.

It can most certainly provide more detailed information if you already have some training. If you have zero training with the knife or sticks, you may as well try learning how to swim without getting wet.

:(

If attending seminars is not feasible due to cost, or distance, then the next best thing would be the videos and dvds.
 
Yeah I've already had a little training so it not like im starting from ground zero thanx for you post m_calingo and thanx for the link phxbigdog
 
You can learn combat from books.
WW11 combatives are simple and effective.
You need a pard to practice with.
Judo and TKD you can pull straight out of the book.
It was meant for that.
 
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