Knife Fighting: A Practical Course

by Michael D. Janich

Originally published by the now-defunct Paladin Press and written by renowned personal-defense authority Michael Janich, this book presents a simple, straightforward system of knife fighting based on Janich's extensive analysis of the Filipino martial arts and military combatives. Widely regarded as one of the true modern classics on this deadly topic, this book provides the average martial artist, soldier, or self-defense-minded citizen with pragmatic skills in the fundamentals offighting with a knife.

Genres: Martial Arts

110 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Miroku Nemeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book that should be in any martial artist's library. Brief and concise, it educates without overwhelming, which I believe is the most solid approach for teaching something as dangerous as knife fighting. As a practitioner of Bandalan Doce Pares Eskrima, I found everything taught in this book to be familiar, and greatly enjoyed reading it, as it gives me another vision of the martial framework which I have trained in for years that will enable me to teach, train others in, and use myself. Janich obviously has a very sound background in FMA (Filipino Martial Arts), though his approach is the egilitarian education of the average citizen in the fostering of a perception, understanding, and means of training that could very well save his or her life. It is an interesting time for me to read this, as am reading Rex Applegate's extremely important combat manual "Kill or Get Killed" now as well, and Janich's critiques of some of his knife fighting claims (the saber grip vs. the "Filipino grip") make a lot of sense.

The experienced martial artist will enjoy it, and it is an excellent introduction for the neophyte or beginning practitioner.

[Doug · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely valuable. Isn't totally comprehensive and doesn't claim to be. A great first step on the path, which is just what I needed.

[Frank Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is completely as advertised - A PRACTICAL COURSE IN KNIFE FIGHTING. Well written, down to earth, practical information.

[J.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this after learning a knife kata. Reading this made me understand and appreciate the kata in ways I wouldn't have otherwise. I also suggest reading, in conjunction with this, the Way of Kata.

[Hugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a martial artist of over 40+ years, I can say that this was an excellent and well illustrated manual. Easy to follow and learn from.