HOW TO BLOCK A KNIFE ATTACK?
Train on utilizing your hand when blocking a knife attack.
There are a lot of different ways to block or stop a bladed weapon. In this particular topic, I am going to discuss blocking a knife or an attack with what we called your empty hand when dealing with knife to knife situation. If you are a right-handed fighter and fight with the knife in your right hand, then you will basically utilize your left (non-weapon bearing) hand to block the given attack. You will block with the back of the hand instead of exposing the inside part of your hand. The blocking part, utilizing the back part of your hand gives you a chance to eventually later on redirect, control, and/or counter-grab the attacking hand to where you can then can execute a counter-attack finishing technique after you block their attack.
In the video below, you will see that practicing of a drill called “Palitan Drill ” (meaning “giving and taking” also known as driver and passenger roles in Filipino Martial Arts world) will teach you how to recognize a given angle and also counter the attack accordingly. In this particular video, you will see that when I block a downward angle, then I give him back a counter-strike of the same angle of attack. If he gives me a 10 o’clock to 4 o’clock angle (diagonal angle from the left side), then I gave him back the same 10 o’clock to 4 o’clock strike that I just received. A Palitan drill like this is called a “Patterned Palitan Drill” because we follow the same strike pattern executed by the partner. This is a particularly easy-to-follow drill because it does not require you to counter-strike differently. You just have to give the same angle of attack and follow the leader. You will also notice that the video example below demonstrates a particular blocking system of using “only” your empty hand when blocking (aka “Kamay” = means “hand”). This gives you a chance to be able to strengthen your response time when using your empty hand as a blocking tool for any given knife attack. This is useful when you are in the middle of drawing your weapon and have to deal with the oncoming attack. Your empty hand (non-weapon bearing) will block the attack while your other hand pulls your own knife out to apply a counterattack to the assailant once your knife has been properly deployed.
Eventually, this drill will be practiced in what we call Palitan Flow Drill. This is a free-flow drill when you no longer follow a set pattern and counter-strike with any angle of attack after taking any strike from your partner. Your partner might give you a downward strike BUT after blocking the given attack, you can then go ahead and counter-strike the attacker with either an upward angle, downward angle, or diagonal angle of your choice. This Palitan free-flow drill will give you a chance actually be able to recognize and get familiarized yourself with different angles of attacks and counter-attacks accordingly to what you feel is the best option for you!
I hope that you enjoy the video below and can learn from it. Practice it slowly and look out for different angles of attack. Eventually, try to learn to counter-strike and do this Palitan drill in a flow-like pattern instead of a regular patterned drill. Good luck with your training in one of the most practical self-defense in the world – The Filipino Martial Arts of Arnis, Kali, and Escrima!
The Fascinating History of Filipino Martial Arts
Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), often known as Eskrima, Arnis, or Kali, is more than a fighting style—it’s a vibrant piece of Filipino heritage. Rooted in ancient times, FMA reflects the resilience, creativity, and cultural identity of the Filipino people, evolving over centuries to become one of the most adaptable and diverse martial arts in the world.
Origins and Evolution:
The story of FMA begins long before the Philippines experienced foreign influences. In precolonial times, indigenous Filipinos developed unique combat systems to defend their communities. These techniques evolved within the rich tapestry of the archipelago’s many cultures and warrior traditions, adapting as new influences entered the Philippines.
Influences and Adaptability:
One of FMA’s remarkable qualities is its adaptability. Over centuries of trade and colonization, FMA absorbed techniques from neighboring countries. Chinese, Indonesian, and Malaysian influences shaped its footwork, weapon techniques, and combat strategies. During the Spanish colonial era, FMA practitioners ingeniously preserved their art by disguising it as dance to evade Spanish bans on martial arts training.
The Rise of Bladed Weaponry:
With the Spanish came the introduction of bladed weaponry, which heavily influenced FMA. Filipino warriors incorporated swords, daggers, and other bladed weapons into their techniques, transforming FMA into a sophisticated, weapon-based combat system. Despite efforts to suppress indigenous martial arts, FMA thrived underground, passed down through generations in secret.
Modern Recognition and Global Spread:
As the Philippines moved toward independence in the early 20th century, FMA began to emerge from the shadows. Filipino grandmasters played a crucial role in promoting FMA as a national treasure, inspiring a new generation of practitioners. By the latter half of the 20th century, FMA gained international recognition. Filipino martial artists introduced FMA to students worldwide, emphasizing its practicality, adaptability, and emphasis on weapons training.
Cultural Significance:
FMA is more than just combat; it embodies the spirit of the Filipino people. Its techniques reflect a history of resistance and resilience, celebrating resourcefulness and adaptability. Beyond self-defense, FMA has practical applications in modern self-defense and military training. Today, law enforcement and military personnel globally incorporate FMA techniques for their efficiency and effectiveness.
A Living Art Form:
Filipino martial arts is not static; it continues to evolve. Young practitioners innovate while respecting the art’s traditional roots, ensuring FMA remains a living, dynamic form of cultural expression. As FMA’s popularity grows, it serves as a powerful reminder of the Filipino spirit and a testament to the nation’s heritage.
In summary, the history of Filipino martial arts is a tribute to the resilience, adaptability, and cultural identity of the Filipino people. From ancient self-defense techniques to global recognition, FMA has evolved while preserving its traditional roots. Today, it stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and ingenuity of the Philippines. 🇵🇭
HOW TO BLOCK A KNIFE ATTACK?
Train on utilizing your hand when blocking a knife attack.
There are a lot of different ways to block or stop a bladed weapon. In this particular topic, I am going to discuss blocking a knife or an attack with what we called your empty hand when dealing with knife to knife situation. If you are a right-handed fighter and fight with the knife in your right hand, then you will basically utilize your left (non-weapon bearing) hand to block the given attack. You will block with the back of the hand instead of exposing the inside part of your hand. The blocking part, utilizing the back part of your hand gives you a chance to eventually later on redirect, control, and/or counter-grab the attacking hand to where you can then can execute a counter-attack finishing technique after you block their attack.
In the video below, you will see that practicing of a drill called “Palitan Drill ” (meaning “giving and taking” also known as driver and passenger roles in Filipino Martial Arts world) will teach you how to recognize a given angle and also counter the attack accordingly. In this particular video, you will see that when I block a downward angle, then I give him back a counter-strike of the same angle of attack. If he gives me a 10 o’clock to 4 o’clock angle (diagonal angle from the left side), then I gave him back the same 10 o’clock to 4 o’clock strike that I just received. A Palitan drill like this is called a “Patterned Palitan Drill” because we follow the same strike pattern executed by the partner. This is a particularly easy-to-follow drill because it does not require you to counter-strike differently. You just have to give the same angle of attack and follow the leader. You will also notice that the video example below demonstrates a particular blocking system of using “only” your empty hand when blocking (aka “Kamay” = means “hand”). This gives you a chance to be able to strengthen your response time when using your empty hand as a blocking tool for any given knife attack. This is useful when you are in the middle of drawing your weapon and have to deal with the oncoming attack. Your empty hand (non-weapon bearing) will block the attack while your other hand pulls your own knife out to apply a counterattack to the assailant once your knife has been properly deployed.
Eventually, this drill will be practiced in what we call Palitan Flow Drill. This is a free-flow drill when you no longer follow a set pattern and counter-strike with any angle of attack after taking any strike from your partner. Your partner might give you a downward strike BUT after blocking the given attack, you can then go ahead and counter-strike the attacker with either an upward angle, downward angle, or diagonal angle of your choice. This Palitan free-flow drill will give you a chance actually be able to recognize and get familiarized yourself with different angles of attacks and counter-attacks accordingly to what you feel is the best option for you!
I hope that you enjoy the video below and can learn from it. Practice it slowly and look out for different angles of attack. Eventually, try to learn to counter-strike and do this Palitan drill in a flow-like pattern instead of a regular patterned drill. Good luck with your training in one of the most practical self-defense in the world – The Filipino Martial Arts of Arnis, Kali, and Escrima!