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Mastering the Art of Kali Knife Defense: A Guide to Five Essential Habits

Writer's picture: Sifu Jeramiah GiehlSifu Jeramiah Giehl

Kali, known for its effective and dynamic stick and knife defense techniques as seen in many movies. The foundation of Kali's knife defense lies in the development of five essential habits during training, each play a crucial role in creating a robust defense system. Some of those keys include:


1. Awareness: Sharpening Your Senses

The first habit cultivated in Kali knife defense training is heightened awareness. Practitioners are trained to:

  • Recognize the presence of a weapon

  • Detect subtle moves indicating an attempt to conceal a knife

    • Assume a hand out of sight has a weapon

  • Be alert to any potential attacking motion


2. Movement: The Dance of Defense

Understand the importance of proper movement and body mechancis in knife defense:

  • Positioning: Mastering the art of positioning to gain a tactical advantage

  • Distancing: Maintaining an optimal distance to control the encounter

  • Evasions: Swift and strategic evasive maneuvers to avoid attacks

    • Pike Out your middle to avoid a Slash

    • Bagsak (the Hanging Leg) to avoid a Slash

    • Step-Slide Back to avoid a Slash


3. Deflection: Turning the Blade Away

Deflection is a critical habit in Kali knife defense, involving:

  • Parrying: Redirecting the knife away from vital areas

  • Blocking: Employing solid blocks to intercept attacks

  • Stopping: Halting the attacker's motion with controlled force or termination


4. Counter Attack: Strategic Response

This habit focuses on turning the tables through a well-timed counter attack:

  • Purpose for Counter Attack: Understanding the objective to stop the attack

  • Identifying Openings: Recognizing vulnerabilities in the opponent's defense

  • Appropriate Tools: Selecting the most effective techniques for the situation


5. Disarming: Taking Control

The final habit in Kali knife defense training revolves around disarming the opponent:

  • Capture and Control: Skillfully gaining control over the weapon, prevent further attacks

  • Levers: Using armbars or jointlocks to leverage and restrain your assailant

  • Disarm: Sometimes striking or a violent joint lock with facilitate a disarm

  • Edge Awareness: Understanding the danger zone and evacuate to safety


After Altercation Priorities: Safety Checks and Rest

  • Do a Physical Safety Check: Field Check for Injuries after a Live Blade Encounter, Report to Proper Authorities, Get Checked by EMT or an Emergency Room, and

  • Do a Mental Health Safety Check: Address the Stress of an Altercation with Rest.


Integrating First Aid: Safety First

Kali practitioners should also train in Basic First Aid, or Tactical First Aid, in the event of an unfortunate acccident, knowledge of immediate first aid measures can make the difference.


The five habits of Kali knife defense create a well-rounded skill set for effective knife defense priorities. By instilling awareness, mastering body mechanics, perfecting deflection, executing strategic counter attacks, and incorporating disarming techniques, practitioners develop a comprehensive set of tools to navigate potentially dangerous situations with confidence and control and can address the after conflict effects.

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