Customer Reviews

Balisong: The Lethal Art Of Filipino Knife Fighting

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This was an interesting book. It would, however, be easy for a novice to misunderstand a few concepts, as they are not always presented clearly. For example, in the section on traditional slashing methods, it seemed as if the author was advocating a 19 step kata to be followed precisely when confronting an adversary. I doubt very much if this was the author's intent. Indeed, a 19 step kata -- with several plates illustrated with a series of numbered arrows (then later backed up with B&W photos) is provided, along with instructions to memorize the moves as shown. This is wrong. It is important to repeatedly practice certain movements to integrate them into one's "muscle memory"; and it is advisable that all multi-step moves be performed in a flowing and circular manner; but I feel that the author meant to convey that, while the kata should be practiced, only select portions of it are meant to be used during a given confrontation, as all scenarios are different (i.e., a flowing 3-step movement, rather than the entire kata).

Other concepts were presented that I have not seen elsewhere. The use of balisong as a fistload is nothing new, nor is the use of the tang to crush pressure points. Snapping the tang -- like a sap -- is also familiar to FMA enthusiasts. However, using the partially opened balisong -- both as an extended fistload and a hinged sap -- is something I've never seen before. Of course, such moves are unique to balisong and cannot be applied to other knives.

Another interesting topic was that of compelling an opponent to "yield." One technique finished by brushing the opponent's arm wth the flat of the blade, rather than cutting him, as a "warning." Another finished with the blade lightly resting on the opponent's throat. However, this is not the Phillipines, and a "Master" who spares an opponent is not likely to receive a humble apology from a bested former aggressor. Crackheads and wannabe Gs have no concept of honor or chivalry, and would blindside you the moment you turned your back to walk away. Sad, but true.

This was a good book, with unique concepts and sound advice. One of the few things I took issue with was the recommendation that one utilize an "aerial" opening technique versus an opponent!!! That is known as "show boating" and I wouldn't even try that against someone who was both drunk AND retarded. If your EDC knife is a balisong, this would be a good book to have. If you carry something else (as most of us do), the section on slashing techniques is worthy of study.

A well put together book. Gives a variety of openings and closings to the Balisong (Butterfly) knife. Good for beginners. Exceeded my expectations.

Where to begin? Maestro is a title of extreme respect given to a master. Maestro Sonny Umpad was a reclusive and humble man who taught small groups of students in his living room in order to devote sufficient attention to each student's progress. Preferring being anonymous, and doing his own thing. Sonny's research, which he synthesized into his own unique contribution to the art is still alive in his students.
This Book was the start to the laying out of his system. Maestro was creative genius that went beyond just movement. His system was always improving. This book could have been number 1 of many volumes. It's very sad that he has passed. I was a long time student of his, and miss him daily.
VKC System , (Handwork) Panamote, (sticks)- Single, double, long and short, long cane and staff ,Sikaran- Moro- Moro footwork ,(Blade) all kinds ,(Dumog)-closing, Principles, Skills, Concepts, (WAYS OF UP GRADING YOUR SKILLS)The list can go on. Truly a Great man!

RIP Maestro

This is a good book on the basics of Filipino knife fighting which covers very basic information. The illustrations are adequate but at times confusing. The 4 basic attacks of the slash, rake, gouge and rip are discussed, and although I already knew the principles, there was still a hearty discussion. There are a few important key points such as the "Visayan Knife Cutting Do's and Don'ts" and the "17 Slashes of Death". These 17 "Slashes" are the main vascular pathways that, if attacked, will lead to incapacitation. Defensive and Offensive drills are illustrated but author/photographer do not make it clear on who the actual person is that we are supposed to emulate (both wear black shirts).

It's a decent book but there are far better titles than this one. It's worth a read but more detail is covered in other texts, such as The Balisong Manual and Advanced Balisong Manual by Jeff Imada.

This was a pretty informative, well written book. It lacked a little depth, but that wasn't a problem seeing as how I was up and using the balisong in no time.

Sonny Umpad is an innovative master of Filipino martial arts, creator of the Visayan Corto Cadena system. I've had the privilege of knowing him for many years, and I've watched many skilled practitioners of other systems come to him for advanced training. This book is an introduction to one aspect of his system, co-written by Sid Campbell, another martial art master, and Gary Cagaanan, one of Sonny's long-time students. Anyone with an interest in Filipino martial arts should really have this in their library.

This book is one of the best I have on martial arts and I have over 100. It is so packed with quality information that I may not need any more books on Balisong! A for sure buy if you want to learn this skill.

If you're a beginner, this book will teach you the basic techniques very quickly.The pictures contained in the book are very easy to understand and follow. Much better than I expected.(The reviewer was compensated for posting this review. However, the opinion stated in the review is that of the reviewer and the reviewer alone. Further, the reviewer independently selected this product to review and has no affiliation with the product maker/distributor, Amazon or the review requester.)

I bought this book for my boyfriend for Christmas, as well as butterfly knife to accompany it. It was his first knife of that kind, and he loves that I gave him the book as well, as it explains not only basic techniques, but also the history and philosophy behind the knife itself. He hasn't put it down for days!

When I got a chance, I looked through it a bit and it was very informative, with pictures to further enhance its teachings. Overall, it was an awesome buy, especially if you're looking for a boyfriend/husband gift. I would reccommend, however, to also buy (or suggest to the recipient to buy) painter's tape, so they can cover the blade while they practice without messing up the knife at all. Super helpful!

I don't claim to be a master knife fighter, but I have found most of the information in this book elsewhere on the Internet and available for free. There were some parts that I found new and interesting. For example the chapters on rolling and closed knife techniques.

But, everything thing in this book is still just an overview. The chapters are very short and don't go into much depth. They just give you a few pictures to work with. I was hoping to see detailed step by step manuevers for foot work and perhaps a detailed map of the body labelling pressure points.

The book was not what I expected. Try google before you commit to buying a book.