Customer Reviews

Knife Fighting: A Practical Course

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

While there is useful info within the pages of Michael Janich's book, I personally found it to be a big letdown, based simply on his claims regarding one of the foundations of knife combat--i.e., proper grip. After inaccurately criticizing the "saber grip" (which is, in fact, used in many knife systems around the world, including the Filipino arts which Mr. Janich professes to be "proficient" at), the author introduces us to the ludicrous grip he refers to as the "Filipino grip", where the knife is held only by the 4 fingers, and not the thumb! Considering that the thumb is responsible for at least 45% of one's grip on a knife, one has to wonder what Mr. Janich was thinking, when he decided to advocate such a weak grip. Even more ironic is the fact that Mr. Janich himself can be seen in many of the photographs in his book, reverting back to the more practical "saber grip" and sometimes also to the "natural grip" (aka the "hammer grip").

Janich tries to validate the use of this so-called "Filipino grip" by talking about "established neuromuscular pathways", but his reasoning is easily blown out of the water by anyone employing plain old common sense.

I've had the pleasure of taking a beginners class in MBC taught by Mr Janich here in Colorado. This book and the videos fall a bit short of actual in person training, BUT NOT BY MUCH! And only for the reason that LIVE partner training is so much superior than just reading a book J anich has lot's of confirmable bona fides (a student / co developer of and with Col. Rex Applegate) among many other credits. I question some other knife fighting writers biographies.
There are a lot of books that are written that could get you killed, this one can give you the beginnings to saving your life. No BS, just technique written in a pretty mellow manner.
If you feel that at you may need to defend yourself using or against a knife then this book is a great starting point. I would suggest that you not stop here though. Read more and get the "LIVE" training.

Michael Janich knows knife fighting. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Janich recently and I was instantly impressed with his unassuming manner. But don't be fooled by it. He knows the fighting arts and he is a true master of the blade.

I am also a big fan of his Fighting Folder video series. Unlike many martial artists who use the video format to show off their skill, Mr. Janich refrains from such childish behavior and gives the viewer a solid presentation on how to choose a blade, carry it, and draw it as quickly as possible. I saw him draw his knife in person and I can tell you that his skill and his speed are incredible.

As an author of 13 books on the martial arts, I highly recommend anything by Michael Janich.

Michael Janichs book does exactly what it says. It gives a person a basic overview of his knife fighting curriculum. It covers different grips, the pros and cons of each grip and what he recommends and why. He introduces his zone theory and basic knife fighting skills. He shows basic thrusts and cuts, he shows some basic defenses.After that he gives examples of some common attacks and defenses for knife fighting.

He then recommends some other books and videos on knife fighting.

The book shows you the basics of "how to fight knife to knife."

What he doesn't spend much time on is defending yourself if attacked with a knife when you don't have your knife out already. He does give a few examples, but it's definitely not the focus. Also, there is virtually no details on defending yourself from a knife if you do not have one.

While these may seem like oversights, they are not the focus of the book. The focus is to teach you the basics of his knife fighting system, pitting knife vs knife. This takes place after the initial ambush and where the fight/duel itself begins.

This book is well written, realistic, and easy to follow. Janich has trained with Special Forces vets, police, and street fighters. He really knows his stuff, cutting through the machismo bovine excrement many authors blather to provide a down to earth, effective approach.

For example, his first piece of advice is to avoid knife fights altogether. As the survivor of a couple such encounters I wholeheartedly agree. Further, he reminds practitioners not to forget other weapons (e.g., hands, feet) and focus solely on the knife. He talks about moral/legal considerations as well as the appropriate defensive mindset. This excellent tome covers all the basics: stance, grip, footwork/mobility, zones of attack/defense, cuts/thrusts, defensive responses, defensive strategies, targets, counter-defenses, and more.

Unfortunately Janich, like many self-defense experts, casually throws out the phrase, "it's better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6." It's only one sentence in an otherwise outstanding tome but I feel obliged to point out that I'm not personally an advocate of that sentiment. I feel that it can trivialize the seriousness of violent confrontations. Never forget that if you are found guilty in a jury trial you will be spending a whole lot of quality time in a confined environment with unpredictable, dangerous neighbors who may be less than friendly as you interact with them. You will also suffer other personal and professional challenges upon release. Janich's point, which I sincerely agree with, is that under no circumstances must you let fear of legal consequences keep you from surviving a violent encounter.

Overall, this really is a great book. I heartily recommend it.

Lawrence Kane
Author of Surviving Armed Assaults, The Way of Kata, and Martial Arts Instruction

Michael Janich is one of the biggest names in this field. He teaches schools that lots of people pay a lot of money to attend. This book provides an introductory overview of his teaching. The methods shown in this book are straightforward and simple. There's not a lot of earth-shattering information in this book but the book does provide a solid and well rounded overview of the topic. I've read several of the older books on knife fighting (W. Cassidy, M. Echanis, etc.) but none have been as useful as this book.

The photos are clear and provide a lot of information. The book is formatted well for training. The large 8.5x11 format can lay open so can have the book out for reference use during training. The print is large with lots of white space on each page for easy reading.

Janich's book is a solid, basic and straightforward introduction to proper use of the blade. While nowhere near as comprehensive as Hochheim's book on the subject, it never really attempts to be. This is a streamlined approach to the very basics:

Filipino saber grip, stance, footwork, zoning and angling, basic defense (Meet, Pass, Follow), use of your other tools and perhaps the most important skill...Nike-Do (trust me, check the back cover).

Instruction is sound and systematic, following a logical progression. An important touch; use of the blade is never glamourized. Diligently practicing the skills in this book will quickly make you proficient and better capable of looking after yourself and your loved ones. None of us ever want to find ourselves in a situation where these types of skills are needed, but if you do, Janich's instructions could save your tail. For those looking for more advanced instruction, this book is also a great lead in to Hochheim's Knife Fighting Encyclopedia. Also recommended: Get Tough, Kill or Get Killed, Real World Self Defense

Janich does a great job of introducing the raw beginner to knife fighting in its most practical aspects. He starts from the ground-level basics of grips and footwork--something often overlooked or ignored in other titles--and proceeds to provide the reader with a practical, systematic knife system, focusing on concepts and principles rather than memorization of specific techniques. It's also remarkably well-written, an easy-reading and enjoyable book from start to finish.

I must preface this review with a recommendation: read the other reviews by people who have been there. Never been in a knife fight, but based on reading other knife fighting books and my martial arts training, I must say this is the best book I have read on the subject. Even if you never plan to carry a knife or use it, the techniques covered by Mr. Janich are invaluable. The other books I have read are incomplete, outdated, or are simply vehicles to get you to buy the authors' knives. The grips, stances, and tactics all seem to be logical and well thought out. One thing I have heard from experienced knife fighters: " expect to be cut ". A must have for the martial artist's bookshelf.

First, a confession. I am not a martial artist, save a knife fighter. I bought this book for pleasure reading.

So, what can I contribute to you the curious martial artists who are considering buying this book? Well, firstly, this book is really a good introduction to knife fighting. While I don't know knife fighting, I know good book when I see one. It is thorough, not too complex, and covers important points.

Secondly, this is a good book if you have an overconfident-young-martial-artist-nephew :). It tells you to stay out of knife fighting, and it shows you why.

Regards,
Yudha