Knife Fighting: A Practical Course (Paperback)

~ Michael Janich (Author) "The most basic, yet least understood, aspect of knife fighting is the grip..." (more)
Key Phrases: inward slash, comma cut, training knives, Defensive Strategies (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Michael Janich has trained SF vets, police and street fighters in the techniques of knife fighting for years. Now this highly successful, comprehensive instruction is available to the average soldier, martial artist or defense-minded citizen who is interested in developing the practical skills required for today's combative streets.

About the Author

Michael D. Janich is one of the foremost modern authorities on handgun point shooting and one of the few contemporary instructors to have personally trained with the late close-combat legend Col. Rex Applegate. In addition to making his own martial arts equipment, noted martial arts author and instructor Michael Janich has designed and engineered everything from blowguns to knives, including the highly acclaimed Masters of Defense Tempest folding knife.

Product Details

• Paperback: 108 pages
• Publisher: Paladin Press (November 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873647408
• ISBN-13: 978-0873647403
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #81,980 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars This book is a MAJOR disappointment., January 12, 2007

By	David Mastro - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

39 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Shows The Basics of Michael's Training Curriculum, November 27, 2002

By	H. Row "in1ear" (Arvada, CO United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

57 of 63 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent, January 28, 2002

By	Loren w Christensen (Portland, Oregon) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.