Balisong: The Lethal Art Of Filipino Knife Fighting
by Gary Cagaanan, Sid Campbell, Sonny Umpad
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Book Summary Information
Author: Gary Cagaanan, Sid Campbell, Sonny UmpadEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1986-02-01
ISBN: 0873643542
Number of pages: 192
Publisher: Paladin Press
Book Reviews of Balisong: The Lethal Art Of Filipino Knife Fighting
Book Review: Interesting concepts. . .
Summary: 4 Stars
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.
Summary of Balisong: The Lethal Art Of Filipino Knife Fighting
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.Martial Arts Books
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