How or where can I learn to knife fight?

[delta1]

I assume you mean the Applegate-Fairbrian knife work. Not a bad choice if you can find it.

 

Yes, that's correct.

I've watched 3 Kenpo instructors teach knife work; all three taught Escrima as their knife class. Unfortunately, there is a fundamental and exploitable flaw in the process, but it's "better than most".

 

Well, that is interesting, since Ed Parker also thought the FMA's were flawed (though he did respect them). I find the mix interesting, but I like to use AK's more direct aproach even with the sticks or blades.

[delta1]

Without a doubt, the best place and people to learn how to knife fight is Sayoc Kali. They are the best and so far nobody has been able to prove otherwise.

 

I've worked with them, and they are generally good. But I'd avoid those absolute statements. Some Kali systems tend to be headhunters, which can be an exploitable weakness. Many are not good once it gets in close, and some Kali people focus almost exclusively on longer bladed weapons. SO, as a blanket statement, I have to disagree. But if there is a Kali class nearby, by all means check it out- it is an excellent style for bladed combat, when taught correctly, especially with other FMA styles mixed in to address some of its' shortcomeings.

[Treebranch]

Arnis, Budo Taijutsu, Daito Ryu and I'm sure there are other arts out there.

[JerryLove]

Well, that is interesting, since Ed Parker also thought the FMA's were flawed (though he did respect them). I find the mix interesting, but I like to use AK's more direct aproach even with the sticks or blades.

 

If you have not already, I'd recommend taking a look at some tof the Silat styles. I cannot speak for all styles (indeed, the numer I know of well is small), but there is a lot of similarity to the FMA knifework while avoiding the tendancy to fence that I see as (speaking in generalities) FMAs biggest assumption.

[Xtra Tribal]

I agree with Delta1 that you shouldn't head hunt. Why? You have a knife. You don't intend to knock anyone out.

 

But, Jerrylove, I guess I'm getting a kick out of certain remarks about flaws in FMA. That's like saying there's Flaws in Kung Fu. (which gungfu? who what where?) Got any specifics about those remarks?

[delta1]

Xtra Tribal, not to answer for Jerry (he's not shy about telling you himself ), but I think I know what he's alluding to here. The FMA's tend to take whatever you give them and work in. They pick you apart a piece at a time, but very rapidly. There's nothing wrong with this, unless it is all you can do. And too many schools/systems get hung up in that long range mindset. FMA's should generally work at largo (long), medio (medium), and corto (close) ranges. Some break it even farther down, but those are basic. Some also do stand up grappling (interesting with sticks or blades) and Fillipino ground fighting. The problem is the same one TKD has. When you major in kicks, even though there is short range attacks in the system, it is easy to get hung up on working at a distance. Problem is, fights tend not to stay there. Same with a blade- too easy to try to let it intimidate your opponent and keep him at bay- or as Jerry put it, trying to fence with it. Also, picking him apart piecemeal doesn't allways work to get you in close, and if the opportunity to go directly in and finish him is there, you should take it. The longer any fight goes, the more chance you will get hurt, especially with weapons.

 

This is not the case with all schools, and there are more FMA systems than anybody knows, so this is by no means an absolute statement. And a lot depends on the fighter as well. Same as with TKD, some do go directly in close and thrive there, in both styles. But the tendency is to stay out and try to hurt him first, then work in. Problem is, what if he hurts you first?

[delta1]

... I'd recommend taking a look at some tof the Silat styles. I cannot speak for all styles (indeed, the numer I know of well is small), but there is a lot of similarity to the FMA knifework while avoiding the tendancy to fence that I see as (speaking in generalities) FMAs biggest assumption.

 

I would LOVE to study Silat, but the closest school is Qi Fighting Concepts over in Wenatchee with Sifu Joseph Simonet. He does Silat, Kempo, and Wing Chun; and his number two, Addy Hernandez, teaches Taiji. But it's just a little too far. So many arts, so little time, and I prefer to live as far away from it all as I can, so I'm probably doomed. On the other hand, as long as I can find someone to work out with AK, I can't complain.

[delta1]

Beka, and anyone else interested:

 

Here's a link to another forum (Martial Talk) where I found an interesting thread just now. These guys sound like they know what they are talking about. Some really good information and good pointers there. I don't know anything about the posters other than what is in this thread, so I can't vouch for their experience. But I'm guessing that they are for real based on what they say here, especially Gaucho.

 

http://www.martialtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12042

 

But, don't any of you clods go jumping ship to MT! I enjoy the more friendly atmosphere here.

 

By the way, anyone know anything about Amok! (the system Gaucho practices)?

[JerryLove]

Xtra Tribal, not to answer for Jerry

Nope, you're good. That's pretty much my issue... The FMA I've seen or learned tended to like to stay out and manipulate (they sometimes even count off "1...2...3") and ran into trouble with the person that just pressed in.

[Ironberg]

Are there military/law enforcement camps around you that would teach civilians how to knife fight?