Balisong: The Lethal Art Of Filipino Knife Fighting (Paperback)

~ Gary Cagaanan (Author), (Author), Sonny Umpad (Author) "The individual who has pursued an avocation in the empty-hand combative sciences tends to believe that a knife or any hand implement, other than a..." (more)
Key Phrases: bifold handle, seventeen slashes, butterfly knife, Philippine Islands, World War (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Follow the path of the Filipino knife fighter and the blinding blur of the deadly balisong in motion--its whirlwind lethality--can be yours. Three experts, having combined their knowledge of the balisong, martial arts and self-defense, show you the basics of techniques perfected in the Philippines over the course of 400: concealing, drawing, flipping and gripping the balisong; checking and rolling; and the four main phases of training.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Paladin Press (February 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873643542
• ISBN-13: 978-0873643542
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #266,723 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Book Review, April 22, 2000

By A Customer

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

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting concepts. . ., July 1, 2006

By	Tyr Shadowblade (TM) (Denver, CO) - See all my reviews

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.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good book for someone starting out, April 1, 2007

By	P. Fox (Buffalo, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is an interesting overview of basic balisong topics. I wasn't quite a beginner when I purchased this, so much of it was useless, but for someone just starting out, this book will get you started very quickly. It covers all the basics and it's filled with pictures that are easy to follow. If you already handle a balisong fairly well and want to expand your skills, you're better off using the internet to find online resources for techniques that are more advanced. Overall a good book.