Editors Note] A friend of mine over in Manila is an avid practicer of Filipino Knife Fighting wrote this article and asked me if I’d share it with our community (Keep in mind that these aren’t my views and I am definitely not a trained knife fighter). It’s definitely got some interesting points and I thought you guys and gals might enjoy it. Let me know what you think about this fighting style in the comments below:
I’ve been practicing knife fighting for over a year now. While my dreams of being a professional knife fighter like The Winter Soldier have crumbled away (*tears*) it has brought me some serious and lethal realizations about using knives for combat. Here just a taste of what I’ve learned:
1. The Knife is Lethal
Once you’ve become involved in an altercation that has caused you to expose your knife, you need to remember that you are holding a lethal weapon. There is no other way to use a knife in a fight than to strike with fierce lethality. If you intend to use it simply to scare an opponent, you are an idiot. Once a skilled opponent has seen you pull out your knife, the first thing he does is study its length and build. Then he will strategize how to kill you.
Tip: Don’t give your opponent that chance. Pull out your knife only when you’re in a position to lethally strike your opponent.
2. It’s ‘Always On’
Strictly speaking, there is no ‘on and off’ button with a knife. Sure you can argue that an automatic folding knife has a safety lock, but once the blade is out, it’s out. There’s no reloading time, there’s no concept of ammunition with a knife. It’s always ready to draw blood.
Tip: Bring a knife that is easy to deploy in times-of-need. A folding knife is great but a fixed blade is even better. Make sure that you carry it in such a way that it’s easy to pull out if you’re carrying it inside waistband (IWB) style.
3. The Biggest Myth About A Knife Fight…
Disarming a person with a knife is deadly – for the one doing the disarming. We regularly spar with dull wooden blades here and 100% of the time, disarms don’t work. If you are about to try to lock the hand or arm of an attacker, you can expect to get stabbed 5 – 10 times before actually being able to do so.
On top of that, the only reason that you are able to lock your opponent’s hand or arm is your opponent’s fatigue. If your opponent is well conditioned, you will never be able to disarm your opponent through locks.
Tip: Hitting the face of your attacker with a blunt weapon or a head-butt or your fist or your palm for disorientation is a much better way to approach a disarm. Even so, prepare to get stabbed before being able to disarm your opponent.
by Sean Si
