Bloody Brazilian Knife Fighting Techniques

Bloody BrazilianKnife Fightin� Techniques

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Bloody Brazilian Knife Fightin´ Techniquesby FESTERING PUBLICATIONS

Direct inquiries and/or orders to the above addressand visit my website www.unclefesterbooks.com.

All rights reserved. Except for use in a review, no portionof this book may be reproduced in any form without the written

permission of the publisher. Neither the authors nor thepublisher assumes any responsibility for the use or misuse

of the information contained in this book.

Photos: Pedro CavalcantiDrawings: Ricardo Nakayama

Models: Ricardo Nakayama and Alexandre Cruz

Bloody Brazilian Knife Fightin’ Techniques©2004 By Steve Preisler,Bloody Brazilian Knife Fightin’ Techniques©2004 By Festering

PublicationsAll Rights Reserved

Printed in USAPublished by:

Festering Publications826 S. BairdGreen Bay, WI 54301

Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 89-092677

ISBN 0-9701485-5-0

Bloody Brazilian Knife Fightin’ TechniquesBy Uncle Fester, Rick “Kamakaze” Nakayama,

Pedro “Fat” Cavalcanti and Mad AbePublished by Festering Publications

826 S. Baird St.Green Bay,WI 54301

Copyright@2004 by Festering PublicationsPrinted in the United States of America

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PublicationsFESTERING

Bloody BrazilianKnife Fightin� Techniques

Rick �Kamikaze� NakayamaPedro �Fat� Cavalcanti

Mad Abe (J. R. R. Abrahão)Uncle Fester (Steve Preisler)

Foreword by Jim Benson

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Knife fighting is a subject that has beencovered in many books, articles and videosover the years.

There are many different styles of this artand science developed in countries and amongcultures around the world.

I am certainly no expert on this subject.Indeed, I don’t consider myself an authorityon knife fighting in any way. But I have beenthe victim of an attempted armed robbery inwhich I faced three assailants armed with alarge butcher knife.

I have also studied Karate and other mar-tial arts.

And in my nearly two decades as an edi-tor of survival publications, I’ve seen quite afew texts from books and articles on knife fi-ghting, along with numerous training videotapes on different martial arts styles employingtechniques to defend against knife attacks.

Bloody Brazilian Knife Fightin’ Techni-ques is unique among these, due to its com-prehensive approach to the subject, and itseclectic method.

It’s an interesting read and highly infor-mative educational tool for anyone interestedin defending themselves against armed orunarmed assailants.

There is in-depth discussion, accompa-nied by high-quality illustrations, of knife-fighting techniques, training for these, typesof knives available for combat situations, andthe mental preparations required to be able toreact with the speed and effectiveness to stayalive amid the vicious actions of knife com-bat.

The book’s authoritative content is due tothe combined, accumulated knowledge of itsfour authors’ long and varied training, studi-es and experience.

Knowledge is drawn from both from wi-thin Brazil, the main area of focus, and fromother countries where knife fighting techni-ques have been studied.

“Mad Abe”,“Mad Abe”,“Mad Abe”,“Mad Abe”,“Mad Abe”, as J.R.R.AbrahãoJ.R.R.AbrahãoJ.R.R.AbrahãoJ.R.R.AbrahãoJ.R.R.Abrahão is some-times called, started Judo training when he wasjust 4 years old. He began Karate training atage 7. He has trained in several other martialarts and combat sports, including Chi Kung,Western-style boxing and Arnis. As a formerintelligence officer for his country he hasworked on high-risk assignments in home andabroad.

Master Rick “Kamikaze” NakayamaMaster Rick “Kamikaze” NakayamaMaster Rick “Kamikaze” NakayamaMaster Rick “Kamikaze” NakayamaMaster Rick “Kamikaze” Nakayamacreated and developed the “SOTAI System”of personal defense and knife fighting, an ad-

Foreword

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vanced and revolutionary method whose maincharacteristics are the efficiency and simplici-ty of the techniques and its emphasis on thesafety of the practitioner.

“Fat Pedro” Cavalcante “Fat Pedro” Cavalcante “Fat Pedro” Cavalcante “Fat Pedro” Cavalcante “Fat Pedro” Cavalcante began Judo trai-ning when he was just 7 years old. He has alsotrained in Kendo, Occidental boxing and“Vale-Tudo.” His interests in knife fightingbegan when he served in a Brazilian Armyparatrooper brigade. He has studied underMaster Nakayama’s direct supervision and istoday himself a qualified master instructor ofthe SOTAI System.

“Uncle Fester”,“Uncle Fester”,“Uncle Fester”,“Uncle Fester”,“Uncle Fester”, founder of UncleFesterBooks.com, was the first American student ofthe SOTAI System and is the publisher of thisbook.

This book is not for the squeamish or fa-int of heart. Its subject matter is deadly serious.Survival is not a sport or a game.

For those of us who have faced knife-wi-elding assailants, there is a defining moment,that split second in which you realize you arefacing ghastly wounding or death and youMUST act and act decisively.

As is pointed out in the book, your mind-set in a knife fight is everything:

“Some [knife fighting] methods, undoub-tedly, are more efficient than others but withany of them the most important element is themental preparation.

There must be an internal change of thecombatant, the development of an unflinchingspirit when facing death, the final destiny ofevery human being…which so few of us arereally prepared to meet.”

Having a good quality knife you can useto defend yourself, and having the capabilityof reacting effectively against a knife-wieldingattacker provides a great deal of peace of mind,and self-assurance.

This book is a powerful resource to helpyou gain that peace of mind and self-assu-rance.

Jim BensonJim BensonJim BensonJim BensonJim BensonEditor & PublisherEditor & PublisherEditor & PublisherEditor & PublisherEditor & Publisher

ModernSurvival.netModernSurvival.netModernSurvival.netModernSurvival.netModernSurvival.netJune 2004June 2004June 2004June 2004June 2004

Brazilian Knife Fighting

66

Jim BensonJim BensonJim BensonJim BensonJim Benson is one of the foremost experts in Survival & Survivalism and surelly the most seasoned publisher on thistopic.

He is the former editor of the historic “ASG - American Survival GuideASG - American Survival GuideASG - American Survival GuideASG - American Survival GuideASG - American Survival Guide” and now, once again on the first line, heis publishing a Survival Magazine on the “last frontier”: the Internet.

See his virtual magazine “Modern SurvivalModern SurvivalModern SurvivalModern SurvivalModern Survival”, a heir to his tradition, at www.modernsurvival.netwww.modernsurvival.netwww.modernsurvival.netwww.modernsurvival.netwww.modernsurvival.net

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Why is it any different from the dozens ofKnife Fighting methods out there?

Ah... if you asked this question, you don’tknow anything about the Brazilian way of lifeand the brutal reality of the streets there!

A former Portuguese colony, Brazil wasrun by a political élite since it was discoveredin the 1500’s. Although Brazilians have a loveaffair with firearms, they were always muchtoo expensive for the common citizens.

Hence, Blades become the survival toolsof choice.

Ruled by tyrants most the time, one of themost brutal rulers was Getulio Vargas, who cre-ated some of the most draconian Gun Laws inthe World. Left with little else, Brazilian citizensresorted to Blades to defend themselves.

It was during the Vargas ditactorship thatBrazil was involved in WW II, joining the Allies.Fighting in the European war theater, they beco-me more feared for their Knife and Razor Bladeskills than for any other fighting instrument attheir disposal. When the German and Italian sol-diers heard the screams of their unfortunatecomrades who got caught by Brazilian Comman-dos, they surrendered - but demanded that theKnife-toothing soldiers be kept at bay!

With Vargas’ death in the middle-50’s, Bra-zil experienced a few years of democracy - but,

the tough Gun Laws became even tougher.It seems that Brazilian rulers fear armed ci-tizens...

After just a few years, there was a brutalMilitary Coup D’Etat. The Military ditactorshiplasted from 1964 through 1984, when a transi-tion Government was placed in power pen-ding the election of a President by the people- the first time in 40 years.

All during those Military dictatorship ye-ars, the Gun Laws became even tougher. Thedirty-war against the communist guerrillas inthe ‘70’s provided the pretext needed to beatup on the common people still more. This guncontrol was ineffective in its stated aim ofdenying weaponry to the rebels, but it didmake the already beleaguered law abidingpopulace even more defenseless.

When democracy became the ruling sys-tem again, things became even worse for thefirearms-loving citizen. Much of the populati-on is made up of people who Mohatma Gandidescribed as “savages, hardly one step remo-ved from the animal”. With the chrushing heelof the military removed, common and organi-zed crime rose to unseen levels, and new lawsagainst civilian ownership of firearms becamethe reality. With 170 million inhabitants, Bra-zil has less than 5 million firearms on the han-


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ds of common citizens. Most of these guns areold rusty revolvers or derringers and nearlyuseless.

So how can Brazilian citizens survive in aNation with the highest violent crime rate inthe world, with more killings and kidnappin-gs than in Colombia, Iraq, Afganistan, Israel,and Palestine combined?

The Brazilians become masters in the fineart of Steet Fighting, especially the Brutal Artof Knife Fighting.

Although Brazilians have no access to finecutlery (the common Knife Fighter uses US$10 knives as weapons), they are second to noneon the Brutal Arts of Fighting - and Killing -with Knives.

Now some of Brazil’s top experts on thislethal art have decided to bring to the USA theirfailsafe, foolproof Fighting and Killing Systemand share their secrets with us. I have no dou-bt it will prove very useful in these violent,terrorist plagued times, where Big Brother’sknee jerk response is to disarm the commonfolks as they have in Brazil.

No matter if you carry a big Bowie, a thi-ck Tanto, a thin Military Dagger, or a smallTactical Folder, you’ll become a dangerous fi-ghter in a weekend if you follow the simple,clear, illustrated instructions in this book - thesame instructions that keep millions of Brazi-lians alive in one of the World’s most dange-rous places!

Figure 1


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In a real life or death battle, your oppo-nent is unpredictable and violent. His onlypurpose is, in the best case, to hurt you badly,although you must always assume he wantsto kill you. He will never make it easy for you,and only then do you realize that all thosedefensive movements you trained at the dojoare extremely difficult to perform with anydegree of success.

We must consider training a techniquethat can be used by most people, independen-tly of physical limitations, preparing us toadapt our reactions to any particular methodour opponent uses, employing only the cor-rect moves and tactics in the confrontation.Therefore any efficient method must be cons-tantly put in practice in order to find soluti-ons to the new violent situations and threatspresent to our everyday life.

Many martial arts are attached to their tra-ditions too strongly, and thereby stop the de-velopment of their methods. When performingformal exercises and moves, they attend theirgoal of preserving the essence of their style butthat does not mean they are enabling their stu-dents to best defend themselves from a crimi-nal on the streets. The dynamism and versati-lity of the chosen method can be the differen-ce between life and death!

The DE-SU (Defense and Survival) methodanalyzes situations and offers answers. Kni-

ves are very popular with criminals, psycho-paths and even terrorists because they are ea-sily concealable, its use is quiet other than scre-ams or howls or other commotion from theobject of attack, and they do not present me-chanical problems as guns do. Furthermore,knives are easy to use, easy to find and carry,and they’re cheap and easily built. Be mindfulthat they are found in nearly every search po-lice do in the jails.

If the criminals (and their friends) havethis advantage, the common citizen should atleast balance the situation. Knives should losetheir image of being a “criminals-only” wea-pon and start being seen and understood as alegitimate self defense tool. Besides, in con-trast to a gun, they are very useful for every-day tasks such as opening letters, boxes, shar-pening pencils, etc. Changing this perceptionis especially important these days, as gunbuyers and owners are suffering pressure byall sides to disarm themselves, being “politi-cally correct” and respecting the human rightsof the criminals. The knife has become an ex-cellent option.

It is certainly your best CQC (close quar-ters combat) self-defense tool. The use of kni-ves for self-defense, the main focus of thisbook, should be studied for two main reasons:Knowing the risks the weapon presents allo-ws you to better defend yourself against a kni-

Introduction

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Bloody Brazilian Knife Fighting� Techniques

fe attack, and to balance forces . With a knifeone can confront a stronger opponent or manyopponents simultaneously - either againstunarmed or armed attacks.

Knives uses

A knife is a tool used by man since thevery beginning of humanity and civilization.It’s been found among cutting and perforatingtools constructed of bones, stones and woodthousands of years old. Its usefulness in a sur-vival situation cannot be overstated. After aplane crash or a ship sinking, a person mighttake a long time to be rescued, if ever. A knifeis the most useful tool to have around makingtasks such as shelter building, for instance, alot easier.

When we compare the biotype in betwe-en sexes, it’s easy to see that men, in general,have more muscle mass than women, therefo-re men are physically stronger than women.Superior strength along with surprise and in-timidation of the victim is what most sex atta-ckers rely on. To illustrate we can mention thatthe Park Maniac never used any kind of wea-pon to dominate, rape and kill his victims.

A basic rule followed by most criminalsis to choose those they think will be easy prey,normally being represented by the frail anddistracted. Women are seen as an easier tar-get due to their relative frailty. Even if theyreact with punches and kicks their chances offighting an attacker off are quite reduced. Theracial component of criminal attack shouldnot be ignored either, even if media brainwa-shing has made white people uncomfortablewith confronting the facts of life. Black uponwhite crime is many times more commonthan white upon black crime. The reason forthat is exactly the same. A criminal will viewa white victim, especially a white woman, asbeing less likely to respond with a threate-ning level of force. That is, they are viewed

as easy Photokings. In the US, 50% of blackmales end up doing time in their lives. Fromthis number comes the discrepancy in inter-racial attacks.

Let’s now suppose that when attacked, awoman manages to draw a knife, either to thre-aten him or to immediately cut his flesh. Hewill then realize that he might have chosen anot so defenseless victim. The look in her eyeschanged from fear to anger, her survival ins-tinct takes charge and there is no option. Ei-ther she will do whatever is necessary to sur-vive the attack or she will succumb. He thenrecovers from the initial surprise and decidesto go on with his attack, but she is faster andslashes his throat and punctures his eyes. Thebattle is over. The intended victim is alive andhas preserved her moral and physical integri-ty. Violence exists, it’s a fact!! In real situati-ons, most women give up fighting and sub-mit to the attackers for fear of getting killed,but that alone cannot guarantee anything. Af-ter raping them the Park Maniac strangled allhis victims to death! At the fictitious encoun-ter described above, the most important ele-ment is not the knife, but the training, whichprepared her to use the knife (or any improvi-sed weapon for that matter) correctly as wellas her mental attitude.

The mental aspects of preparation for knifefighting can’t be stressed enough. Most peo-ple growing up in a civilized society havebeen trained from birth not to slash and disen-bowel their playmates. The very thought ofusing a blade in self defense, therefore, isodious to the common person. It should notbe! The situations described and taught in thisbook are for situations in which the use of agun would be equally justified. Training withrubber or hard foam replicas of knives in com-bat situations is the first step to removing themental block or stigma which would preventyou from defending yourself justifiably in alife or death situation. While we train, we re-tain our values. We just expand the list of we-apons which we can use.

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The philosophy of defense withknives

The philosophy here presented is the per-sonal synthesis of knife combat methods, re-sulting from 30 years studies on diverse mar-tial arts, many real combat experiences, sear-ch and research on different systems and in-formation exchange with many experts on thesubject. 18 years of experience as a combat ins-tructor in many security institutions and elitemilitary units have provided me with a cons-tant feedback of my methods performanceduring tactical operations and daily events thatconstitute the work life of security guards.

Oriental martial arts work on discipline,the constant repetition of movements develo-ping muscle memory, which aims to decreasethe time in between thinking and acting. Thefocus in the fighter’s mind is not rationalizati-on but abstraction. Many masters demand to-tal trust from their students as if his methodswere absolute and complete.

Occidental fighting methods emphasizequestioning, really testing the techniques taught.

It is common to see cross championshipswhere different methods have to prove them-selves.

The Ultimate Fighting Championships arethe foremost example. Note that all of themfollow rules, in contrast to real street fightingsituations. The knife, in the hands of a fighterwith few months of training, equals the figh-ting power of a martial artist with many yearsof hard training.

The most complete methodologies of knifecombat come from the Philippines, an archi-pelago made of more than 7000 islands in thePacific Ocean. The use of weapons, mainlyknives, swords and sticks is taught at the be-ginning of the training, as opposed to mostoriental traditional martial arts, where first onetrains unarmed combat techniques only to le-arn the use of weapons when reaching an ad-vanced level. Native techniques combinedwith fencing techniques brought by the Spa-

nish conquerers made up one of the richestweapons combat systems in the world besi-de being an authentic representation of thecourage and bravery of a people. These havebeen synthesized in a unique system whichcombines physical, religious, cultural andsocial aspects to it. Most knife combat expertshave studied at least a little of the Philippi-nes systems in order to enrich and improvetheir combat skills. In a knife combat, in or-der to win or even just to survive it, it’s notonly necessary to have good instinctive reac-tions, gained with muscle memory exercises,but also a good combat strategy. Sometimesit is worthwhile sacrificing some pawns inorder to get your opponent’s queen.

Another great source of knowledge andtechniques for knife fighting is the military,which tries to standardize, register and upda-te its training methods for use on the battlefi-eld. The study of tactics and strategies, thegood fitness conditioning and the mental pre-paration for combat provide great help for thesoldier to better assimilate the foundations ofthe knife combat.

A knife is an essential tool for the soldi-er, helping him during survival or CQB situ-ations. To have the mind opened to new con-cepts and techniques is a must to any knifecombatant. The continuous search and studyof efficient training methods is the only wayto guarantee the recycling and updating ofknowledge and technical and physical skills.Constant training shapes the body and pre-pares the mind. Finally, proving the techni-ques in simulated combats, using harmlessrubber knives, makes clear the efficiency ofthe studied methods.

Some methods, undoubtedly, are moreefficient than others but with any of them themost important element is the mental prepa-ration. There must be an internal change of thecombatant, the development of an unflinchingspirit when facing death, the final destiny ofevery human being, for which so few of us arereally prepared to meet.

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Concepts developing propermental attitude

The combatant must harden himself tocontrol and even manipulate his own and hisopponent’s mind. He must completely domi-nate his bodily emotions and technical skills.The main obstacles to overcome are fear, hesi-tation and surprise. The moves to be executedare simple and fluid. The opponent should bejust a participant where you can see the voidin his defenses. His attacks should be easy todefend and yours fast and lethal.

Keeping the focus - - - - - Every combat is vi-olent and bloody, and ‘dirty tricks’ are used towin them. The focus is on cutting while avoi-ding wounds to yourself.

Weapons are all the same - - - - - They arejust tools and a fighter who is skilled in theuse of a knife can just adapt these skills toobjects at hand. Keys and pens, for instance,can be used on all the angles of attack; one

has just to keep in mind they would be usedas thrusting weapons.

Know your targets - - - - - A knife allows oneto flee, negotiate, hurt or kill the opponent. Incontrast to a handgun, one can have, almostliterally, surgical precision with it. A skilful fi-ghter must have a thorough knowledge ofhuman anatomy to be able to achieve the ex-pected effect with each attack.

Balance - - - - - To keep good balance during afight is essential for the fighter to be able todefend and attack efficiently; especially con-sidering that a mistake can be fatal. The fightermust feel comfortable and able to move free-ly. Keeping your feet together or one in linewith the other makes you unbalanced (fig. 2and fig. 3). Just try to resist someone pushingyou backwards and sideways. Keeping yourknees bent, with your feet apart, following theshoulder line and your weight slightly forwardwill give a good combination of stability andmobility (fig. 4).

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

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The Triangle - - - - - If the combat is linear itwill allow your opponent to continue atta-cking. Triangulation can be divided into twotriangles - Male or defensive to be used whenevading attacks, and Female or offensive to beused for attacks and counter attacks. They will

allow you to surprise the attacker by beingable to break a sequence of attacks and effici-ently counter attack. In order to be in an ad-vantageous position when in combat weshould always break with our opponent’s lineof attack.

}

}

Offensive Triangle

Defensive Triangle

1 2 3

Fig. 5 - The attacker steps forward, the defender steps forward diagonally and counter attacks.

1 2 3

Fig. 6 - The attacker steps forward, the defender steps backward diagonally and counter attacks.

Dead/ Live Side - When triangulating it’spreferential to move onto the ‘dead’ side ofyour opponent (outside his guard), making itharder for him to counter attack. The Live side

is represented by his frontal body side wherehis ‘live hand’ allows continuous and effecti-ve actions for attack and defense.

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The �Live Hand� - The live hand is theempty hand. Used in combat to block, pass,push, pin and hit.

Inertia - Is the tendency of a body to conti-nue the direction of movement unless some-thing, like a block for instance, stops it. The

bigger the body mass or its speed, the biggerthe inertia. The fighter can use this for his ad-vantage by:1. unbalancing his opponent2. deflecting his opponent’s attack3. Adding forces to his opponent’s momentum.

A B Two equal forces in opposite directions willcancel each other.

F=A-B

A B

F=A-B

The fighter should try to avoid a directopposition of forces

Distances - Being at the correct distan-ce when in combat will avoid wasting atta-cks in the air, which would expose yourselfto counter attacks, and it allows a better useof strategy. There are basically three combatdistances:

Risk Area - a distance that does not allowattacks but also that can be shortened quickly.

It varies accordingly with the number of atta-ckers.

Primary Combat Area - where is possibleto attack, defend, kick and punch but no grap-pling.

Hand-to-Hand Area - in this distance gra-ppling, throws, locks and ground fighting ispossible. It should be aggressively avoided!!

Fig 7 - In combat there are only 3 areas to be considered. It�s important to keep your opponent always in front of youwith compensating turns in case of him triangulating.

Hand-to-Hand Area

Primary Combat Area

Risk Area

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Positioning - A good understanding of distances allows for a better positioning.

Fig 8 - When facing multiple opponents, the Risk Area is increased considerably as you become exposed to manycombat fronts.

Fig 9 - An intelligent positioning decreases the Risk Area and the possibility of being cut.

ExplosionExplosionExplosionExplosionExplosion - This is the primary conceptfor knife combat. Explosion is the capability

of attacking with surprising speed withoutgiving away our intention. Many combatants

Risk Area

Risk Area

Hand-to-Hand AreaPrimary Combat Area

Hand-to-Hand Area

Primary Combat Area

Risk Area

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display a stance which makes them vulnera-ble to a fighter with good explosion.

Timing - Attacking and defending at thecorrect moment is essential for success. Anexperienced fighter anticipates his opponent’sattack, making the most of the moment to coun-ter attack.

Know the Weapon, study your opponent- To know knives and their different types andvariations is essential to being aware of the riskoffered by it (a dagger will be used to thrust, akukri to slash, etc). By studying different techni-ques we will be better prepared, ‘knowing’ whatto expect from an attacker. Make a quick analy-sis of your attacker, his reasons, his positioning,his weapon, his state of mind, etc.

Never underestimate your opponent -One of the most common errors is to underes-

timate your opponent. An experienced fightercan, after many combats, feel superior to anyo-ne and feel that he can win any fight. This canbe fatal! The prepared mind avoids surprises.

Always have a back-up weapon - It’simportant always to have a back up knife. It’spossible to lose the main knife in combat andhaving a back up will be essential to keep abalanced combat.

Attacking Areas - The human body canbe divided in five main areas of attack:

Fig 10 - A fighter who keeps his hand out front, inline withhis opponent�s knife, can have it easily cut by a fighterwith good explosion. Taking the �first blood� out of youropponent is excellent as psychological pressure makinghim more vulnerable to subsequent attacks.

Quadrant I - Upper right side Obs - If the fighter is ona knife forward stance, it is usually the easiest area toattack.Quadrant II - Upper left sideQuadrant III - Lower right sideQuadrant IV - Lower left side Obs - In the same stan-ce, is the most difficult area to attack.Central Body Line - V

Fig. 11

III

III IV

V

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The knife makes equal the weak and thestrong - With a knife, a person who is physi-cally weak can engage in a combat with a stron-ger person on equal terms. The knife shouldnot be seem as a ‘criminal’s weapon’ but as aself-defense tool.

The knife completes other traditionalMartial Arts - Generally any weapon is a bo-nus to a martial artist when in combat (swor-ds, sticks, knives, etc). Knives are the best we-apons to be considered by the modern fighter.

Symmetry - Any knife fighter should beas skilled with the stronger hand as with theweaker. During combat, due to injuries sus-tained, switching hands can be absolutely ne-cessary.

Precision - The correct measure of distan-ce of attacks is essential not only to strike theopponent but also to avoid throwing attacksin the air. After all, in doing that the fighter isincreasing the opponent’s chances of counterattacking.

Psychological preparation for selfdefense with knives

Preparing for real combat

Imagine yourself facing a person armedwith a knife, intending not only to intimidatebut actually to kill you. Imagine his shiningblade, cutting the air, going fast towards you.Most of us have a natural fear of being cut. Inour daily lives it is relatively rare to get cut, itbeing usually the result of an accident. Whenit happens it attracts all of our attention as wegive immediate care to the wound, no matterhow small it is. Many people get sick or evenfaint when seeing blood. In a combat with kni-ves, the wounds are usually big, painful andserious, demanding great medical care. Eventhe small wounds can be incapacitating. In fact,even a small cut on our hand can be enough todecrease our concentration, our confidence andour ‘fighting spirit’, besides the damage in it-self. In a combat scenario, it is necessary to beable to control these feelings even if seriouslyhurt and also in case of your opponent beinghurt. The control of pain is very important aswell as a certain coolness to deal with this na-ture of injury. Besides, this isn’t the movies, andyour opponent is not going to give up fightingafter being hurt. He will keep on fighting untilhis forces are completely drained.

It is necessary to be mentally prepared forthe realities of a knife combat. The scene (thesounds, the smell and the visual) will be verydifferent from what we are used to experien-cing during training. We must be prepared toget hurt and keep on fighting. Giving up orpanicking are not choices, as they will inevita-bly lead to death.

When training and we get ‘cut’ it is veryimportant we understand the gravity of whathas happened. It is common to give a littlepause to analyse what was done but this habitcan also work against us, as it makes us usedto pausing after getting hurt or hurting theopponent. In a real fight one cannot just pauseafter being hurt, as that will mean defeat anddeath. The respect and care for the opponentduring training also creates bad conditioningFig. 12

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as it shapes our attitude. In a real fight oneshould try to distract the opponent in whateverway to increase the chances of creating theopportunity for a successful attack. One mustremember that in order to survive there is noset rules when fighting. To emotionallydominate the opponent one can resort to wordsand gestures to suppliment the fightingtechniques. Intimidation and deception mightlead you to winning the fight. When trainingtry to be as real as possible, taking care toavoid serious injury.

The Feared Opponent - This is somethingwe see in the movies but in real life it can bevery frightening is to see your opponent self-mutilating to prove he feels no pain. Neverunderestimate someone who is unprepared,‘against the wall’, under the influence of alco-hol and drugs, desperate and has nothing toloose. They usually are capable of unthinka-ble feats and are able to surprise us and evenseriously hurt us. If possible, before attackingobserve and study your opponent. Note hisattitude, stance, confidence and ability. Re-member what Sun Tzu said: “If you know theenemy and know yourself, you need not fearthe result of a hundred battles. If you knowyourself but not the enemy, for every victorygained you will also suffer a defeat. If youknow neither the enemy nor yourself, you willsuccumb in every battle.”

Controlling your feelings - In the sameway you can induce emotional responses onyour opponent he can do the same to you. The-refore emotional control is essential for one whois dealing with the lives of at least two persons.You must be aware when it is necessary to fi-ght and when is wise to retreat and escape. Be-sides, do not let yourself blinded by pride orrevenge as you might regret it later. One fightsusing his knife for self defense only.

Acting with Discretion - The most suc-cessful attacks are those which get the oppo-nent by surprise. To show you are well prepa-red for fighting might simply reveal your we-apons and weaknesses. Besides, to the people

witnessing the combat, your opponent mightbe seen as a victim and not as an aggressor, nomatter what he’s done. In this context theymight even attack you.

Types of combat

Knife against Knife

It’s a rare situation these days. Sword du-els have a rich history, but knife duels just havenever really been part of Occidental culture.This type of combat ends in a few seconds ifthe combatants differ too much in skills, or itcan even end with the death of both comba-tants if their skills are of similar level. To getin a combat of this sort the fighter must be pre-pared to die. It’s also possible to have a com-

Fig. 13

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bat against more than one attacker armed withknives. In this case, if they are experienced,they will try to attack you on different frontsto increase their chance of winning. With thecorrect positioning is possible to decrease therisk, turning the combat to linear attacks asshown under the Concepts chapter.

Knife against Hand

In the real world, this is the most commonscenario. Knives are commonly used by assai-lants for intimidation and often found in allkinds of fights. Treacherous attacks due to stu-pid reasons are not rare. The problem is notthe weapon but its user. In this situation theone with the knife has the obvious advantage.It can be justified if the user is physically infe-rior to the aggressor and for self-defense.

Knife against unarmed attackers

Usually using the knife against someoneunarmed is seen as a cowardly thing, but it canbe used to balance a combat if one faces morethen one opponent. There is a saying, which says:“It is better to have 5 lions than 500 sheep”. Toshow your teeth frightens the sheep.

Knife against Firearm

The advantage is related to the distancein between the combatants. At a short distance(arms length) the knife has the advantage; atlonger distances the firearm has got it. The fi-rearm user should be at least 18 feet distant toconsider himself safe.

Knife against Stick

When used with skill, the stick will haveadvantage against the knife due to the distan-

ce in between the fighters. That advantage, ho-wever, is totally related to the fighter’s skills.

Unarmed against Knife

It will depend on the skills of both fightersbut the obvious advantage is with the one ar-med with the knife. Other than unarmedagainst gun, this is the worse scenario onecould find himself in and usually runningaway will be the best strategy for surviving.

Knife targets

Cutting Wounds - This type of woundcauses pain (distraction), bleeding (dimi-

Photo 1 and 2 - Students training defense with knives

Photo 2

Photo 1

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nishing your opponents fighting will), move-ment restriction and in many occasions death.There are two types of cut: 1 - by pressure. Forexample scissors, guillotine, etc 2 - by pres-sure and sliding. For example swords, knives,razors, etc. On arms and legs, transversal sla-shes that cut muscle or tendons might stopmovement providing an opening for attacksor even ending the combat. On joint areas(neck, armpit, pelvis) the blood vessels arelocated near the surface. There are major arte-ries in all the places were one can feel the ‘pul-se’, but be aware that in some cases very closeto these areas the artery is under muscle, ten-dons or even bones. In such cases only one cutwill not be enough to reach it.

Perforation wounds - In Combat, it’s notas easy to cause perforation wounds as onemay think it is. The rib cage or even a leatherjacket can prove to be an obstacle impossibleto penetrate. Try to thrust against a piece offoam and you will see that is not as easy as itseems. Besides, one has to be very accuratewith the attack to be able to cause the expec-ted effect immediately. The regions of the neckand thorax are preferred as usually they arefatal. Apart from the vital organs, perforationstake a while to bring results as the victim ble-eds away. Many times the bleeding will stopby itself due to the contraction of muscles andblood vessels.

Contusion wounds - Can be lethal whenon sensitive areas such as the head or neck.

They can be inflicted with the handle or backof the blade.

Skinning wounds - cause extreme painbut are not immediately lethal. They are goodas distraction wounds.

First aid: Amputation - place the ampu-tated part inside a plastic bag and immerse itin cold water. Stop the hemorrhage and pro-tect the open wound. Seek medical help im-mediately.

Perforation wounds - usually present asmall entrance wound, therefore it may havelittle external bleeding. However a knife candamage structures deep inside causing exten-sive internal bleeding. Always look for bothentrance and exit wound. Do not try to removethe knife if it is still located in the wound. Ap-ply a dry sterile dressing and seek medical help.

Perforation on thorax - breathing diffi-culties can be a sign of a punctured lung. Di-ffused abdominal pain can be evidence ofblood or excrement in the abdominal cavity.Seek medical help immediately.

Superficial cut - wash the wound withfresh water and seek specialized help for thepossible need of stitches and further medica-tions. If the bleeding continues apply directpressure for a few minutes elevating the mem-ber until it stops.

Injuries on tendons, muscles or nerves -stop any bleeding by direct pressure and im-mobilize the limb. Protect the open woundwith clean sterile dressing. It will be necessa-ry to seek surgical intervention in a propermedical environment.

Avulsion wounds - if possible replace theavulsed flap to its original position. If the woundis dirty do not replace it. Seek medical help.

Open fractures - commonly called com-pound fractures - completely cover openwounds with a clean sterile dressing and im-mobilize the limb on the same position it is in.Seek medical help.

Head injury with loss of conscious-ness - the patient needs medical evaluationeven if he recovers consciousness. A concus-

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sion is generally the consequence of beingknocked out.

Neck or spine pain after traumatic injury- the patient must not move to avoid possibleinjury to the spinal cord. Only a trained teamof rescuers should be allowed to move him/her to receive further medical care.

Hemorrhage - the bleeding of an arterycan lead to hypovolemic shock (low-volumeof blood) in a few minutes. It is therefore isimportant to control the bleeding as soon aspossible. Apply direct pressure to the wound.Elevate the member. If still bleeding try ap-plying pressure to a pulse point above thewound. When loosing too much blood thepatient will feel thirsty, but giving water willnot improve his/ her condition. Seek medicalhelp immediately.

Knife Attack Techniques - There are twomain types of attack with a knife: Slashes andThrusts.

Slashes - the edge of the blade slices thetarget. The larger the surface and the longerthe time in contact, the larger the cut. The shar-per the blade the deeper the cut.

Thrusts - the tip of the blade goes throu-gh perforating the target. It can be done in afast multiple sequence of attacks. A deep thrustcan be made even more devastating by twis-ting the knife when inside, or it can followedby a slash to maximize damage.

Amputation Attacks - heavy weapons canbe used to amputate parts of the adversarybody.

Attacks with the handleAttacks with the handleAttacks with the handleAttacks with the handleAttacks with the handle - it is possibleto use the knife handle to hit the opponent.

Thrusting to control - by thrusting theknife deep in the opponent’s body we can useit as a handle to control and move him around.

Throwing knives - it is possible to throwthe knife when your opponent is outside theattacking distance.

Contusive and cutting attacks - Usuallythe result of an attack with a heavy and badlysharpened cutting weapon like a machete oran axe.

Knife characteristics

Double edge - With the option of usingboth edges to cut, we increase the range of at-tacks. The double edge also makes it easier torelease your knife hand in case your opponentgrabs it.

Decreased resistance of blade.Not good when using as a tool for carving

and other jobs.Single and a half edge - Cuts better than a

double edge knife because the blade is stronger.Single edge - The most resistant blade with

a bit less penetration than the others and theobvious disadvantage of cutting only on oneside.

7 in. long blade - Considered to be an ide-al compromise between weight, agility andreach, is the common size found on militaryknives.

Blade thickness - A thicker blade will bemore resistant but it will be heavier.

Blade width - The wider the blade is, themore severe the damage on thrusts and theheavier it will be.

Blade hardness - The blade should be inbetween 55 and 59 Rockwell to avoid too muchbending or breakage.

Handle - It should provide a good secureand comfortable grip even when wet with swe-at or blood. Those shaped like knuckle-dus-ters make it very hard to change grips effici-ently. Cylindrical handles make it difficult toknow exactly where the edge is.

Fig. 14

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USM

C

Folding Knives - They must have onehand opening. In the urban environment theycan be easily concealed. Usually they do notexceed 4 in. blade.

Blade Types

Many blade types can be used for self-defense, depending upon their design, use,material and carry. One must choose it accor-ding to its main intended use, but as with anytool it must not be super valorised as the mainfactor to win a combat. There are many diffe-rent blade types around the world, and theyare generally a reflection of the culture in whi-ch they developed. The knife has been one ofthe oldest tools in history being used since theStone Age.

Knife:

Dagger:

Balisong:

Push Dagger:

Stiletto:

Characteristics - It has only one edge although it mightalso have a half edge on its back. Usually their sides aresymmetrical.Attack Types:Primary - slashesSecondary - thrusts, contusive and skinning.

Characteristics - It has two edges with symmetrical si-des.Attack Types - Primary - Thrusts (penetration)Secondary - Slashes, contusive skinning.

Characteristics - Compact Philippine folding weapon witha single or double edge and with many different designs.Attack Types -Primary - SlashesSecondary - thrusts, contusive and skinning.

Characteristics - It is small blade with transversal grip.Attack Types -Primary � ThrustsSecondary � Slashes

Characteristics - It has a long triangular dull edged bla-de with a sharp tip providing good penetration.Attack Types -Primary - ThrustsSecondary - contusive

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Tanto:

Razors:

Utilitarian (aka: the Swiss army knife):

Folding Tactical Knives (aka the switchbla-de knife):

Kris:

Characteristics - Japanese weapon with a curved singleedged blade. It provides excellent penetration.Attack Types -Primary - Thrusts and slashesSecondary - contusive, skinning, and amputation

Characteristics - Small size folding single edged bladewith a square tip.Attack Types -Primary - Slashes, skinningSecondary - Contusive

Characteristics - Multi use tool with different tools fol-ded inside.Attack Types �Primary - Slashes and skinningSecondary - Thrusts, contusive.

Characteristics - They come in many sizes and designs,allowing user to open them with only one hand or at thetouch of a button.Attack Types -Primary - Slashes and thrusts.Secondary - Contusive and skinning.

Folding knife

Automatic Folding knife

Characteristics - Malaysian weapon with an asymmetri-cal curves design (undulations), made of iron with manyemblems and decorations on the blade. It used to be astatus symbol. During its time the warriors used to wetits tip in poison.Attack Types -Primary - ThrustsSecondary - contusive, skinning

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Kukri (aka the Ghurkha knife):

Improvised weapons

Every day mundane objects can be usedas knives, and the same techniques can be ea-sily adapted. This concept is interesting tovarious self-defense scenarios. No matter whe-re you are observe everything around youwhich could be used as a weapon.

Characteristics - Heavy Nepalese weapon with the sizeof a small sword. It�s the signature weapon of the Ghurkhas,the feared Nepalese soldiers who fight for the British RoyalArmy.Attack Types -Primary - Slashes (which due to its weight end up ampu-tating or beheading the enemy).Secondary - Contusive

Fig. 26 - Broken bottles

Fig. 27 - Keys

Fig. 27 - Keys Driver

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Attack types

Knives and many other objects can cut orperforate skin and contuse. Criminals use themost diverse way to cause violence. Attackscan be categorized as:

Fig. 29 - Kitchen Knife

Fig. 30 - Pens and pencils

Fig. 31 - Scissors

Immobilizing:Characteristics - The goal is to incapa-citate the opponent preserving its life.Targets - Ligaments, muscles and ten-dons. Avoid main arteries.

Fig. 32

Eyes (avoid deep thrusts, superficial cuts)

Shoulders - muscles and tendons

Forearms - Tendons

Hand - Tendons

Knees - Tendons ligaments (front back)

Feet - Tendons and Ligaments (front an back)

Arms - Biceps and Triceps

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Vessels:

Characteristics - Quick loss of consciousness, death.Targets - Arteries

Fig. 33

Subclavian

Brachial

Radial

Femoral

Stomach

Spleen

Carotid

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KillShots:

Fig. 33

Grips

The most basic skill a fighter must masterto use a knife as a combat weapon is the grip.The way a person holds the knife reveals one’s

skills and can even cause the opponent to giveaway the strategies which he is planning toemploy. A good grip shows efficiency andopens up the main attack angles that will beused. It also allows for power in those attacks.

Characteristics - Quick loss of consciousness, death.Targets - Vital organs

Ears (thrustinto the brain

Under the chin(Ascendingthrust intothe brain)

Temporal region - (thrust)

Eyes (thrust into the brain)

Trachea (slasch orthrust)

Heart (Ascendingthrust throughstomach or straighttrough the ribs)

Back of the Neck(thrust into spinal????????)

Kidneys(thrustwithtwist)

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Saber:

Characteristics: The blade is positioned tothe front of the hand with it main edge turneddownward, the thumb pressing the knife’sguard, the fingers wrapped firmly around thehandle, and the wrist remains loose (Photo 3).This grip allows for a better accuracy of atta-cks, flexibility to change grips (Photos 4,5 and6), longer reach and types of attacks but it alsoexposes the thumb to injuries by hitting hardstructure on the opponent’s body (bones, clo-thing, belts, etc).

The ideal distance: secure area, and pri-mary combat area.

Reverse:

Characteristics: The knife is held with itsblade turned downwards or towards the el-bow (for deception) with it main edge turnedto the opposite side of the thumb. The thumbcan be positioned on the pommel (Photo 7) oraround the handle. The reverse grip makes iteasier to attack with a slash as a primary atta-ck, being followed by a thrust as a secondaryattack. It restricts the distance of attack but it

Photo 3

Photo 4

Photo 5

Photo 6

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makes it a lot harder for an unarmed personto be able to catch and control it. The thumbover the pommel (Photo 8) allows for morepowerful attack stopping the knife from sli-ding down on the hand if it strikes a bone orother hard surface besides increasing a littlebit the distance of attacks. This grip also allo-ws using the knife to be used, after penetra-ting the shoulder for example, to immobilize,to pull or to control the opponent.

The ideal distance: primary combat areaand hand to hand area

Hammer:

Characteristics: The fingers are wrappedaround the handle with its blade pointingforward with its edge pointing downwards

(Photo 9). This is the most basic grip of all beingused by beginners and experts alike. It allowseasy change of direction of attacks but it’s notas accurate as the saber although it has its samereach.

The ideal distance: Secure area and pri-mary combat area.

Florete or Fencing:

Characteristics: The fingers wrap aroundthe handle with the blade pointing forwardand the edge turned downward (Photo 10), thethumb is positioned on the side of the handle.This grip is very versatile allowing slashesthrusts or contusive attacks, besides an excel-lent reach. All levels of fighters use it. It allo-ws the change of directions by using the wrist.


Foil:

Photo 7

Photo 8

Photo 9

Photo 10

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Characteristics: The hand holds the knifeas if this were a sheet of paper; the thumb canbe before or after the guard (Photo 11). The foilgrip allows for a good reach but it is difficultto use with knives with a cylindrical handle,the thumb can maintain a good control of theknife or let it loose with ease depending uponon the handle design.


Peek a Boo:

Characteristics: The fingers are wrappedaround most of the weapon limiting its use(Photo 12). It’s a grip which limits attacks inreach and penetration (superficial slashes andthrusts), although the knife is kept well hid-den. It is thereby useful for surprise attacks.

The ideal distance: hand to hand combatarea.

Palm Job:

Characteristics: The knife is hidden in thehand (this is only possible with a smaller kni-fe) with its pommel resting on the palm andthe thumb supports it (Photo 13). It is a gripwith limited use, having sneakiness as its mainadvantage.


Ice Photok:

Photo 11

Photo 12

Photo 12

Photo 13

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Characteristics: The knife is held just likein the reverse grip but with it edge turnedinwards, towards the arm (Photo 14 and 15). Itis a grip which allows for thrusts as its mainattacks, especially from above the head. It allo-ws for a more powerful attack, but at closerdistances only. It has limited use for slashing.

The ideal distance: hand to hand com-bat area.

The Allen Wrench or Corkscrew Grip:

Characteristics: The knife is supported onthe palm and the shaft of the weapon sticksout between the fingers, which are firmly clo-sed to keep it stable (fig 36). This grip requi-res a specific kind of knife, as the name of thegrip implies.


Combat Stances

There are many different stances whichcan be adopted. They vary according to one’straining or preferred martial art style. A goodstance will allow the combatant more mobili-ty, stability, and efficiency while decreasingvulnerability. Most martial arts use basic stan-ces which do not allow for good mobility du-ring combat. Mobility is especially crucial ina knife fight where the agility to move in andout is essential to win the combat.

Classical stance used by traditional mar-tial arts, decreasing mobility and speed in com-bat (Phototure 16).

Photo 14

Photo 16

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Basic Stance - with the weapon in the fronthand.

Characteristics: the knife is located aheadof the fighter, both knees are slightly bent. Thebody is at an angle, presenting a smaller target(Photos 17 and 18). The free hand protects theneck (high guard); the forearm and elbow pro-tect the heart, lungs and waist line. This is theideal stance for a knife against knife combat.With the weapon in front one will have fartherreach and it also will be a good first line defen-se, cutting off the opponent’s attack. The shoul-ders must be relaxed, and the body weightshould be slightly towards the front leg. Theback leg’s ankle should be slightly raised allo-wing for a fast explosive attack (spring effect).It’s important to note that by leaving your wei-ght on the front leg it becomes easier to defendattacks against the front leg. The free hand mustbe ready to block, grab, pass or counter attackas the opportunities present themselves. Wemust always keep the knife in movement tomake it more difficult for the opponent to atta-ck it. This is a fundamental action.

Stance with weapon backward:Photo 17

Photo 18 Photo 19

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Characteristics: The free hand is forwardwith the weapon held behind it. Both kneesare kept slightly bent. The body is at an angleto present a smaller target. Some schools thinkthat leaving the weak hand forward has thebenefits of protecting the fighter from gettingdisarmed. They also think it allows for a bet-ter control of the distance therefore improvingthe efficiency of the attacks. In a knife againstknife scenario, this is a stance that should beavoided, as it is easy for the opponent to cutthe free hand. This stance is advisable againstan unarmed opponent and also when havinga shield on the weaker hand. This stance issimilar to the military knife combat stance butthe arm is not on the horizontal position andthe back leg is lighter on the ground.

Military Knife Combat Stance:

Characteristics: The weaker hand is for-ward parallel to the ground, the weapon handis backward and the body is almost square tothe opponent with the knees slightly bent. Byleaving the weapon hand backward low on thestomach line, the fighter will have a good am-plitude of movement but it will take longer toreach a target when attacking. The weak handin front is supposed to work as a shield butthis positioning allows the experienced oppo-nent to slash it with ease.

Sneaky Stance:

This grip is commonly used to hide theknife from the opponent. The knife is held inthe reverse grip with its blade hidden behind

Photo 20 Photo 21

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the arm (Photo 22 and 23). Another option isto have it forward and cross the arms hiding it(Photo 24 and 25).

Characteristics: The knife, being quiet andeasily hidden, is the ideal weapon to use for

ambushes and for surprise attacks. The oppo-nent will never know what hit him. It is veryimportant to be aware of that to avoid beingsurprised by such attacks.

Photo 22 Photo 23

Photo 24 Photo 25

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The Carry and Draw

Carry: In order to decide where to carry yourknife is necessary to establish some priorities:

Purpose - In the military the knife can becarried openly with it sheath hung on the beltor webbing shoulder strap. For urban use the-re are many law restrictions, which will varyfrom state to state, but usually the size is limi-ted and concealment is forbidden.

Design - The weight, size and type mustalso be considered. A heavy knife can be un-comfortable, a large knife can be difficult tohide, while a folding knife can be carried inmost pockets, etc. Most tactical folders have

clips to allow easy draw when carried in po-ckets. The carrier position - To have a foldingknife in your pocket when you are sitting isnot going to allow a quick draw. You will besimilarly impeded carrying a knife on yourback when you are against the wall.

Clothing type - If you are wearing a jacket,an armpit sheath might be excellent but if it ishot weather it might be better to carry it in yourpocket or under the belt.

Need - In situations where danger is pre-sent, the ideal is to have it hidden in your hand.Do not wait until you really need to use theknife to draw it as it might be too late.

Figure 37

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DrawDrawDrawDrawDraw: When drawing some situationsmust be considered.

Distance - If the opponent is too close hecan hold your arm to prevent you from dra-wing your knife. It is a good idea to use your

weaker hand to block his attempt, or to pushhim, or to distract him with an attack.

Stages of the draw: Defense of aggressor’sattack (Photo 26 and 27), Control of aggressor(Photo 28),

Figure 38

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Counter attack and Immobilization.The knife must be carried in the most na-

tural place to be drawn quickly without war-ning the opponent of your intentions. As wesaid before the ideal is to draw it as a precau-tion not as a reaction.

Combination of attacks (Photos 29 and 30)- Only one attack is rarely enough to put anopponent out of combat. A sequence will in-crease your chances of doing it quickly.

Warming Up

It is ideal that the combatant be a comple-te fighter, who works not only on combative

techniques but also on his/ her fitness to beable to survive the efforts and stress real com-bat demands. The following exercises do nothave the intention of working on the overallfitness but only on the specific demands of aknife combat. They will work on grip, speed,

Figure 26

Figure 28

Figure 27

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flexibility, and power of the wrist, arms andshoulders. You will need two sticks thatshould be 60cm or 70cm long.

2 sticks doing side circular movementforward (Photo 31) 2 sticks doing side circularmovement backward (Photo 32)

Photo 29

Photo 30

Photo 31

Photo 32

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2 sticks doing side circular movement al-ternating directions (Photo 33) 2 sticks doingvertical simultaneous movement (Photo 34)

2 sticks doing vertical alternated move-ment (Photo 35 and 36)

Photo 33

Photo 34

Photo 35

Photo 36

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2 sticks alternating horizontal and verti-cal movement (Photo 37 and 38)

2 sticks doing the figure 8 movement, bothdirections (Photo 39 and 40).

Photo 37

Photo 38

Photo 39

Photo 40

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AbanikoAbanikoAbanikoAbanikoAbaniko - move with sudden changes ofdirection (on the wrist) with the intention ofmaking it difficult for your opponent to de-fend attacks.

If your sticks are heavy, they will giveyou a better workout than if they are made

of foam or balsa wood. Use a material whichmakes your arms feel the workout, and thenmove on to heavier objects. This smallworkout is NOT training, but it will addstrength to the muscles crucial to controllinga knife.

Photo 41 Photo 42

Foot work

Good footwork reflects the skills of a goodfighter as it is what gives him mobility, and

subsequent capacity for attack and defense.Footwork is the key to allowing him/ her tofinish the combat quickly.

Figure 39

Half Step Forward:

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Characteristic - From the basic stance, thefighter advances the front leg’s weight slightlyforward, with a small step, in a very fast movefollowed immediately by the back leg retur-ning to the original stance, with the goal of clo-sing small distances quickly. This is the most

important step as it is the most used duringcombat due to its capacity of allowing fast andunexpected attacks. Usually the strong handworks in synchrony with the legs but someti-mes it explodes first.

Characteristic - From the Basic stance thefighter initially pulls back the back leg, with asmall fast step following immediately with thefront leg, returning to the original stance. Its

Characteristic - From the Basic stance the fi-ghter goes a full step forward. Its goal is to closein the distance from the risk area to the primary

Photo 43 - Back leg retreats Photo 44 - Front leg retreats Photo 45 - Return to original stance

Half Step Backward:

main goal is to a do fast retreat gaining spacefor a counter strike, which many times is donesimultaneously with it.

Complete advance:

Figure 40

combat area. It’s slower than the half step, andshows to the opponent your intentions, therefo-re it should be avoided on a direct attack.

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Complete Retreat:

Characteristic - From the basic stance thefighter gives a full step backward changingweapon hands. The ideal movement is to per-form at least two steps to return the knife to

Figure 41

the strong hand ending on the original stance.Its goal it to achieve a good distance in orderto avoid the opponent’s attack. This move es-tablishes a defensive strategy to the combat.Avoid turning your back to your opponentwhile retreating, as you will be an easy target.

Changing combat stance:

Characteristics - From the basic stance thereis a quick change of stances from the strong handforward to strong hand backward. Its goal it to

B

A

distract the opponent or to change your attackingand defending focus. This change of stances allo-ws for a great number of variations.

Triangulation:

Figure 42

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Characteristics - From the basic stance itis possible to execute attacks and defenseswith ease, changing the general combat direc-tion from linear to diagonal. The legs should

move on a diagonal direction (45º) going to theleft or right. This move can be performed byboth feet. It’s preferable to move towards thedead side of your opponent (his back).

Photo 46

Photo 47

Photo 48

Photo 49

Photo 50

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Sideward Stepping:

Characteristics - From the basic stance theback leg moves on a 45º angle to the side withoutmoving the front leg. This move also breaks withthe linear combat, allowing you to reach youropponent with counter attacks. Always look tomove towards your opponents dead side.

Basic Techniques - Solo worf

The following exercises are very impor-tant for learning the basic techniques as theydevelop fluidity, agility and control over thetool making them natural and instinctive mo-ves. The constant use of the knife decreasesthe natural fear we all have for knives and atthe same time makes one be more at ease withthe idea of using it in combat.

Cutting Techniques:

Exercise 1 - Figure EightExercise 1 - Figure EightExercise 1 - Figure EightExercise 1 - Figure EightExercise 1 - Figure Eight

Characteristic - 2 cuts forming an X star-ting from the right (if right handed) following

Figure 43

a diagonal to the left downward and againfrom the left to the right downward. This exer-cise will work on the fluidity of the attacks.Use the Hammer, Saber or Floret grip.

Execution: Start the exercise slowly payingattention to the direction of the cut and beingedge aware. Accelerate it gradually alwaysmaintaining it flowing in a continuous move-ment.

Figure 44

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Photo 52

Photo 51

Exercise 2 � Reverse Figure Eight

Characteristic - 2 cuts forming an X star-ting from the right (if right handed) followinga diagonal to the left upward and again fromthe left to the right upward. This direction ofcuts increases the options for attacks and de-fenses. Use the Hammer, Saber or Floret grip.

Execution: The same as in exercise 1.

Figure 45

Photo 53

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Exercise 3 - Cross

Photo 54

Photo 55

Characteristic - 4 cuts - 2 on the horizontal(Photos 53 and 54) followed by 2 on the verti-cal (Photos 55 and 56). Start from right to left(if right handed) and repeat the move from leftto right. Then cut from up downward and thenfrom down going upward. Use the Hammer,Saber or Floret grip.

Execution: The same as in exercise 1. Startslowly with the movements paying attentionto where the knife’s edge would be cutting.Then speed up the movements.

Exercise 4 - Asterisk

Characteristic - 6 cuts unifying all the pre-vious exercises. It is important to work thewrist and not only the arm and shoulder. It isa good idea to practice it in front a mirror asyou will be able to look for mistakes and cor-rect them. Do not exaggerate on the amplitu-de of the cuts keeping them tight (cutting onlythe length of the body) and flowing. Use theHammer, Saber or Floret grip.

Photo 56

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Execution: The same as in the previousexercises. Pay attention to the edge of the kni-fe to make sure that with your movements itis aligned to make contact with your opponent.

Changing the direction of the cut.

Exercise 5 - Making the �C�

Characteristic - 2 cuts in sequence with asudden change of direction, increasing theunpredictability of the attack. Its defense isvery difficult as we are led to defend the initi-al attack and are then surprised by the changeof direction. Most Martial Arts train to defendagainst a committed linear attack therefore thissort of attack will almost always be successful

even with the most experienced Martial Artist.Use the Hammer, Saber or Floret grip.

Execution: The same as with the previousexercises. Practice in several different anglesas shown below. The attack starts towards thehead then changes towards the legs. (Photo57 and 58)

Figure 47

Figure 48

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Exercise 6 - Abanniko

Characteristic - The direction of the cut ischanged quickly with a wrist twist in an acti-on simlar to using a hand fan. This movementalso has the unpredictability factor in its favorand can be used for multiple attacks or as de-fense and counter attack or solely as defensewith multiple cuts to the attacking arm.

Execution: Practice 3 different heights - 1)eye level - 2) arm level - 3) legs level.

Photo 58

Photo 57

Photo 59

Photo 60

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Exercise 7 - Slapping

Characteristic - Slap your own wrist or fore-arm to help changing the direction of cuts orthrusts in a fast and powerful way. Use the Ham-mer, Saber, Floret, reverse or ice-Photok grip.

Execution: Practice 3 different heights - 1)eye level - 2) arm level - 3) legs level.

Exercise 8 - Crossada

Characteristic - Aggressive defensive mo-vement which allows one to defend an attackand cut the attacking arm at the same time. Thefree hand deflects the attacking arm accelera-ting its movement towards the knife handwhich in turn cuts it.

Execution: Practice the movement on 3different heights. 1) against an attack from abo-ve the head, opening the arms in opposite di-rections (Photo 63 and 66). 2) against an attackto the eye and stomach, closing the arms inopposite directions.

Photo 62

Photo 61

Photo 63

Photo 64

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Exercise 9 - Nine angles of thrusts.

Characteristic - 9 thrusts, 4 in diagonal di-rections, 2 on vertical, 2 on horizontal and onethrust straight to the heart.

Execution: The same as with the previousexercises. Start slowly in front of a mirror.

Watch the attack angle of the blade, andthen speed up your movements.

Photo 66

Photo 65

Photo 67

Photo 68

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Photo 69 Photo 70

Photo 71 Photo 72

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Photo 67 Superior Right DiagonalPhoto 68 Superior Left DiagonalPhoto 69 Right SidePhoto 70 Left SidePhoto 71 Inferior Right DiagonalPhoto 72 Inferior Left DiagonalPhoto 73 Inferior Central UpwardPhoto 74 Superior Central DownwardPhoto 75 Central (just below Xiphoid pro-

cess)

Exercise 10 � Thrust with Twist

Characteristic - All thrusts, if possible,should be followed by a quick wrist twist ro-tating the knife during or after penetration.This move will increase the attack efficiency,increasing the damage, and at the same time itwill make the knife easier to withdraw.

Execution: Add the twist to every thrustfrom the previous exercise.

Photo 75

Photo 73

Photo 74

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Photo 76 and 77 - This move icreases thedamage considerably besides allowing theknife to be withdrawn more easily.

Exercise 11 - Thrust with Cut

Characteristic - The thrust should be fo-llowed by a cut. This move increases damageand allows the attacker to quickly change di-rection for a new attack improving the flow ofattacks.

Execution: Add a twist and cut to all an-gles of exercise 9.

Exercise 12 - Free Training

Characteristic - The practice of these exer-cises will work on the flow of the movesmaking them increasingly instinctive and na-tural. When free training, be creative and workon follow ups for all the attacks keeping a con-tinuous flow of moves.

Photo 77

Photo 76

Figure 49

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12 Angles of Attack

The 12 angles of attack are very common inArnis de Mano, Philippine fighting style. Theyalso work on fluidity and have selected targetsto be attacked. There are many variations of exer-cises that can be done using these angles. The

attacks can be short or long. It is interesting towork both ways but your emphasis should beon short economical and fast attacks, as they aremore difficult to defend and provide lessopening for counter-attacks. On these exerciseswe are going to practice cuts and thrusts and asbefore it is a good idea to do it in front a mirror.

Angle 1 - Diagonal downward slash from right to left targeting the left side of opponent’s neck.

Angle 2 - Diagonal downward slash from left to right targeting the right side of opponent’s neck.

Photo 78Fig. 50

Photo 79Fig. 51

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Angle 3 - Horizontal slash from right to left targeting opponent’s left ribs.

Angle 4 - Horizontal slash from left to right targeting opponent’s right ribs.

Photo 80Fig. 52

Photo 81Fig. 53

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Angle 5 - Straight stab to opponent’s central region.

Angle 6 - High straight thrust targeting opponent’s left shoulder.

Photo 82Fig. 54 Photo 83

Photo 81Fig. 53

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Angle 7 - High straight thrust targeting opponent’s right shoulder.


Angle 8 - Diagonal low downward slash from left to right targeting opponent’s forward thigh.


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Angle 10 - High straight thrust targeting opponent’s right eye

Angle 9 - Diagonal low downward slash from right to left targeting opponent´s forwar thigh.

Fig. 57 Photo 88

Fig. 58 Photo 89

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Angle 11 - High straight thrust targeting opponent’s left eye.

Angle 12 - Straight downward slash from above head targeting opponent central line.

Fig. 59 Photo 90 Photo 91


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.

After these attacks are flowing with ease you should do the same exercise together with foo-twork stepping in and out on each attack.


Fig. 62

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Basic moves - combinations

Combinations will work on the flow of at-tacks and defense improving the technical ski-lls of the fighter. The moves in combinationwork muscle memory making reactions moreinstinctive in a real combat.

First combination - Six defensive moves:

Photo 96 - High defense

Photo 97 - Low defense Photo 99 - Inside defense

Photo 98 - Outside defense

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Second Combination - Six attacks

Photo 100 - Internal

Photo 101 - External defence

Photo 102 - Slash angle 3 (to the neck)

Photo 103 - Slash angle 4 (to the neck)

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Photo 104 - Thrust angle 5 (to the neck)

Photo 105 - Thrust to opponent�s left temporal region

Photo 106 - Thrust to opponent�s right temporal region

Photo 107 - Slash angle 12, right up the middle

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Third-Combination Six Contusive Attacks

Photo 108 - Contusive attack to the chest

Photo 109 - Contusive attack to the nose

Photo 110 - Contusive attack to the left rib region

Photo 111 - Contusive attack to the right rib region

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Basic moves - working with a partner

It’s important to work with a partner toget used to the distance and timing for atta-cking, to train blocks and passes, to train mo-ves that could be used in a real combat andmainly to make clear the deficiency of yourtraining. The most common shortcoming formost people will be that they ‘telegraph’ theirattack. The basic exercises with a partner canbe divided in to two types:

Simple drill:

This drill has a beginning, middle andend. We can work on attack, defenses and

Photo 112 - Contusive attack to the testicles Photo 113 - Contusive attack to the back of the head

counter-attacks. When we think about selfdefense we always analyse scenarios andfind answers to them. This is an essentialaspect when in a real dangerous situation,as it will lead us to instinctively react to itwithout much thought using techniqueswhich are simple to do and can be remem-bered easily. This way we will not lose pre-cious time being confused and trying to de-cide what to do in order to save our lives. Inour system we study knife use to defendourselves not only against unarmed attackerswho are stronger physically but also whenthey are armed with knives, sticks, guns, andin numbers. We also train for special use bythe military and security organizations.

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Simple sequence against fire arm attack:

Photo 114 - The aggressor threatens witha gun. Observe that the victim has a concealedknife in his hand.

Photo 115 - We deflect the gun holding itand counter-attack with the knife.

Photo 116 - Still keeping the control over thegun we finish with a thrust against his trachea.

Photo 116Photo 114 Photo 115

Exercise to improve muscle memory - Thisexercise strives to decrease the time in betwe-en thinking and reacting by working on themuscle memory to defend against possibleknife attack.

Photo 117 - Defending low Photo 118 - Defending outside

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Observation - Note that both practionersare using the knife. On this exercise one shoulduse any of the moves as shown in the previouschapter without following any logical order tomake the defensive response more difficult.This better prepares the fighter for any attack.

Attack and Defense Sequence

This is a fundamental exercise to impro-ve and condition muscle memory to defendand counter attack. It has to start slow incre-asing the speed gradually. It is a good ideato train with different partners to get diffe-rent variations of attacks and to become bet-ter prepared for dealing with any attacker,no matter his/ her physical characteristics.

We should start using training knives toavoid injuries, and then progress to real kni-ves as this will improve the overall training.One has to be prepared to face a real knifein a real scenario. By training with real kni-ves we prepare ourselves psychologicallyfor combat. We also should undestand thisexercise as an emotional preparation percei-ving it as a real combat where our lives arein danger. Just giving it a good try is notenough. One must succeed.

DescriptionDescriptionDescriptionDescriptionDescription

B attacks the right eye. A defends (photo119)

A prepares to counter-attack (photo 120)

Photo 119

Photo 120

Photo 121

A B

A B

This drill is also named a continuous se-quence as it flows without a defined end andit can be performed alternating the initial atta-cker.

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Control Drill:

As its name suggests, its goal is to controlthe aggressor using the knife to immobilizehim/ her. We do not use lethal attacks. Insteadwe use techniques to break his attacking will.

Photo 122 - The opponent blocks your attack

Photo123 - You lock up his arm

Photo 125 - You control his weapon using your knife

Photo 124 - You block his weapon hand

Releasing the knife hand

A common reaction for many fighters is tocontrol the attacking knife hand. This techni-que has a few deficiencies: If not quickly fo-llowed by subsequent attacks the knife fighterwill be able to attack with his free hand (Photo

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126), knee (Photo127) or feet. When havingyour knife hand held is easy to release it bycutting his arm. This is done by twisting yourwrist and arm.

This is done by twisting your wrist andarm.

Photo 127

Photo 126

Photo 128 - The opponent controls your wrist

Photo 129 - Twist your wrist

Photo 130 - Twist your wrist inward

Photo 131 - The attacker takes you down

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12 Common errors

Keeping the knife still - One of the mostcommon errors of beginners is to keep the knifeforward and still in the air making it easier forthe opponent to attack the knife arm or grab it.

To lower the guard - A low guard allowsthe opponent to attack with ease lethal targetstherefore one should always keep it high.

To telegraph the attack - any attack shouldstart from the basic stance without demonstra-ting any preparation beforehand as it will giveclues of your intention.

Photo 132 - With a knee blow you take him out of ba-lance and it�s time to reach the knife

Photo 133 - By uplifting your waist sideways you turnhim down and counter-attack with the knife

Photo 134

Photo 135

Photo 136

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Inappropriate base - a wide base or a basewith your weight on your back leg will decre-ase mobility and expose front leg for attacks(Photo 137). Photo 138

Poor Grip (Photo 139) - it makes an attackon the hand easier beside decreasing the po-tential power of attacks.

Stance with weapon Backward in a fightagainst a knife attacker - It allows an attack tothe free hand.

Staring at the weapon - One should neverkeep all the focus of attention on theopponent’s weapon.

Being tense during combat - By being ten-se the fighter will be slower. This will causehim problems in both defense and attack.

Photo 137

Photo 138

Photo 139

Photo 140

Photo 141

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To attack the opponent’s leg - when in thebasic stance, it is going to be easier for the de-fensor to counter-attack targeting a more le-thal region of the attacker.

To thrust as an initial attack - Without apreliminary feint or other preparatory atta-cking move, thrusting facilitates theopponent’s defense of the attack.

To hold the blade as a control maneuver -It is very easy to release the knife by cuttingyour hand to shreads.

Photo 143

Photo 142

Photo 144

Photo 145

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To Substimate your opponent can beTo Substimate your opponent can beTo Substimate your opponent can beTo Substimate your opponent can beTo Substimate your opponent can belethal – lethal – lethal – lethal – lethal – every and any opponent can be thre-at to your life when using a knife. Even anapparently weak person can easyly can reacha vital organ very quickly putting an end tothe fight and to your life.

Defenses against knives

When confronted with a dangerous situati-on, usually the victim is paralized (even if justfor a few seconds) due to the surprise factor. TheSotai System’s goal is to prepare a fighter to becomplete, with a broad view of combat. In order

to achieve that we provide training with wea-pons (firearms, edged, striking and improvised)and unarmed (standing, ground, tacticalimmobilizations,against weapons, etc).

In any system the most important know-ledge is the preventive philosophy. We studythe risks and avoid routine. We elaborate ru-les and procedures that will balance confortwith security and we prepare ourselves to re-act if necessary. One should know oneself andbe able to control emotions. The techniquesmust be simple, fast and effective. The trainingmust be continuous and one must be aware ofthe best moment for reaction.

The first rule of defense against knives is:Avoid it at all costs!! Try to escape, but if that isnot possible be prepared for fighting. Be pre-pared to get cut and never to give up fighting.

Most people including experienced mar-tial artists are simply not prepared for the rea-lities of a knife fight, since this one of the worstof all scenarios.

One of the main reasons for that is the de-ficiencies and defects of most self defense trai-ning. Give knives the respect they command.Then by studying the use of the knife you willalso learn the best ways of defending againstit. Most defensive systems study only movesagainst a linear attack but it all gets messywhen the attack is done differently, such as withdifferent attack angles or with feints.

Many other objects, such as a tire iron, canbe used with the same deadly consequencesas a knife. During a combat situation, one mustthen take care to prevent such deadly weaponsfrom falling into the hands of your opponent.If they are laying about, push the field of com-bat so they are away from his reach. Be waryof unknown weapons which the opponent mayhave hidden on his person.

Tactical options of defense

Prevention - Avoid unnecessary violence.The best defense is to be somewhere else.

Photo 146

Figure 63

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Negotiate - To apologize will not kill you,the knife will.

Escape - Increasing the distance is essen-tial to controlling the situation. Be miles away!!

Do not react - Study the attacker’s intenti-ons while avoiding unnecessary moves. A cri-minal might only want your money.

Keep you eyes open for improvised wea-pons - Many objects from your surroundingscan be used as improvised weapons (umbre-llas, belts, walking sticks, jackets, etc) and theyhelp you to keep the distance or to immobili-ze the attacker.

If running away is not an option, attackfirst to take him by surprise. Be efficient!! Makea sequence of 5 or 6 devastating attacks. Oneattack only might be defended or controlled.A sequence will improve your chances of suc-ceding. Be sure to take him out!!

Shields: Its wise to use a shield in the fronthand to stop an attack and counter attack.They can be improvised from jackets, trash-can lids, chairs, etc.

Defensive principles

Repetition - Repetition - Repetition - Repetition - Repetition - It is necessary to repeat themove as many times as necessary to reallyassimilate a technique. The move must be-come natural and the reaction instinctive andimmediate.

Pain - Pain - Pain - Pain - Pain - One controls other by pain!! Thebigger the pain the bigger the control. We canuse pain to control, distract or to destroy his/her physical integrity.

Adaptation -Adaptation -Adaptation -Adaptation -Adaptation - It is not the opponent whoadapts to the technique but the technique thatis adapted to the opponent. To know the intri-cacies of the technique might be the differencebetween living and dying.

Changing - Changing - Changing - Changing - Changing - When a technique is not beingeffective, change to a different one. Be unpre-dictable and ready to overcome defenses.

Versatility -Versatility -Versatility -Versatility -Versatility - One technique for various si-tuations and many techniques for one situation.

Basic Defences

Attack low when the opponent attackshigh. The timing must be correct (through alot od training) and the move fast.

Figure 64 - A longer weapon, as a tonfa, provides a fi-ghter with a longer reach giving him a great advantageover his opponent with a shorter weapon

Figure 65

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Counter-attack - It stops the flow of atta-cks making the attacker defend. The defensorstops being perceived as an “easy prey”, be-cause the best defense is a good offense.

Retreat - Is is an useful move, but it doesn´tstop the attacker from continuing the assault.

Evasion - To move sideways breakingwith the linear sequence os attacks facilitatescounter-attacks.

Figure 66

Figure 67

Blocks - The free hand can be used to blo-ck. This is an easy move to learn.

Avoiod the X block, because the attackercan draw the knife back, cutting both armscounter-attgacks.

Figure 68

Figure 69

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Increase distance - By using longer reachweapons (sticks, etc) you will be able to keepa safe distance.

Barriers - Car, furniture, etc. can be usedto keep a safe distance. Being far from the at-tacker is your best chance of surviving.

Figure 70

Figure 71

Figure 72

Figure 73

Figure 74

Firearms - Even when having a firearm,the attacker should not be allowed closer than7 yards.

To run away is not a coward’s measurewhen knowledgefull of our limitations. A knifeattacker always has a big advantage in combat.

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Pedro “Fat” CavalcantiPedro “Fat” CavalcantiPedro “Fat” CavalcantiPedro “Fat” CavalcantiPedro “Fat” Cavalcanti is a Brazilian who started studying Judo atthe age of 7 and who is now an accomplished master of this art. Pedro,however, has been in a constant search for the ultimate fighting system, sohe also studied Kendo, Boxing, and the “Vale-Tudo” form of Brazilian Jujitsu.Pedro’s interest in knives started while he served with the paratrooperbranch of the Brazilian Armed Forces (Army). He knew a good thing whenhe saw it, and trained under Master Nakayama’s direct supervision. He istoday’s most accomplished Brazilian student of this art, and is a MasterInstructor. Pedro is now an advisor on threats management for radical sportsand other high risk outdoors activities. His website iswww.adventurefactory.com.brwww.adventurefactory.com.brwww.adventurefactory.com.brwww.adventurefactory.com.brwww.adventurefactory.com.br

Rick “Kamikaze” NakayamaRick “Kamikaze” NakayamaRick “Kamikaze” NakayamaRick “Kamikaze” NakayamaRick “Kamikaze” Nakayama was born in Brazil, and is married, withone son who is following the father´s steeps. Master “Kamikaze” Nakayamacreated and developed today´s most sough-after personal defense & knifefightingin system: SOTSOTSOTSOTSOTAI SYSTEMAI SYSTEMAI SYSTEMAI SYSTEMAI SYSTEM. Brazilian SOTAI SYSTEM is a veryadvanced and revolucionary method, whose main characteristics are theextreme efficiency and simplicity of the techniques, along the utmost carefor the preservation of the practitioneers well-being. We can say that SOTAISYSTEM is the most vicious, brutal and ruthless fighting system to one´sfoes, and a very secure one and friendly to it´s students. He started his trainingbefore he was 5 years old, under the wise guidance of his father and firstKarate Master: worldwide renowed Sensei NakayamaSensei NakayamaSensei NakayamaSensei NakayamaSensei Nakayama, deceased. (SenseiNakayama, Sr., moved from Japan to Brazil to teach Karate, a mission he

acomplished with honour). For more than 30 years, Master Rick “Kamikaze” Nakayama honored hisearlier teachings, pursuing a lifelong search for the ultimate Martial Art; he learned and earnedGrades in such diverse Martial Arts ,Contact Sports and Combat Techniques as Arnis de Mano, KickBoxing, Hapkido, Karatê, Krav-Magá, Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu, Brazilian Jujitsu, Vale-Tudo, Kombato,Aikido, Capoeira, Occidental and Oriental Boxing, Judô and Kung Fu, besides being a CombatHandgun Master and teacher. Since 1982 he has taught at the most prestigious Dojos and SecurityInstitutions (both Public and Private). His research on weapons combat started in 1978, when hestarted to learn the martial use of such traditional weapons as the Bo (long wooden stick), ChineseShort, Medium and Long Swords, Katana Sword, Balisong Knives, and the Nunchaku. At 22 years ofage, he moved to Japan, where he earned his 2nd Dan in Karate, and there trained with severaltraditional Masters of different schools of Martial Arts, specially the Internal Arts, which were thenvery secret to the outsiders. After a 2-years period in Japan, Rick “Kamikaze” Nakayama moved toChina, where he refined his skills on the Internal Arts like Tai-Chi, Chi-Kung, and Dim-Mak . Back inBrazil, he was the first Martial Arts Master to develop a systematized Knife Fighting System, unitingthe raw realities of the Streets, with the coordinnated methodology of the Oriental Dojo, alongwith a rational, simple approuch, that incorporated unarmed defense skills with the Knife Fightingtechniques. Since the early ´80´s, Rick “Kamikaze” Nakayama has taught unarmed self-defense,Knife Fighting, Tonfa and ASP (Baton) police techniques, as well as a very effective, street-proven,improvised weapons combat system using common items. For about 10 years, he was the technicalmanager of Latin America´s largest private security instituition, where he taught self-defense tomore than 50.000 trainees. Besides being such a skilled Master on the Combat Arts, Rick “Kamikaze”Nakayama is also a Mathematics teacher, a Fighting Knives designer, and a very accomplishedillustrator. He has a website: wwwwwwwwwwwwwww.sotai.com.br.sotai.com.br.sotai.com.br.sotai.com.br.sotai.com.br, where internauts can see his techniques in photosand short movies.

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Mad AbeMad AbeMad AbeMad AbeMad Abe – a.k.a. J.R.R. AbrahãoJ.R.R. AbrahãoJ.R.R. AbrahãoJ.R.R. AbrahãoJ.R.R. Abrahão, is a well known author in hisnative country of Brazil. He has over 60 published works, the mostinfluential of which deal with the subjects of magic, sorcery, and theoccult. Starting at Judo at the age of 4, under the worldwide renowedSensei YamazakiSensei YamazakiSensei YamazakiSensei YamazakiSensei Yamazaki, and at Karate at 7, he graduated in these Arts.Besides these, he trained in several Martial Arts along the years, likeTae-Kwon-Do, Kung-Fu Wing-Chun, Tai-Chi, Chi-Kung, OccidentalBoxing, Arnis, Fencing, Combat Hapkido, and Sotai System. He isalso a Master at Pistol, Submachinegun, Shotgun, and Rifle. He nowworks as an attorney, but from 1980 to 1996 he battled the forces ofCommunism at home and abroad. He still does occasional “advisor”work in the fields in which he has expertise, specially terrorism, NBCR-warfare/MD-weapons, andarmed combat. His spare time is spent with his favorite playthings. The 20,000 + rounds per year hefires from his machine gun and “destructive devices” collection would bankrupt a lesser man. Whendiversions with guns become tiring, he likes to light up a flame thrower. Special times are spenttesting improvised fuel/air explosive devices (see “Home Workshop Explosives”, 2nd. edition, byUncle Fester, to see some of his ideas on FAM/FAE devices). Mad Abe was also a VIP-BG to theMayor of São Paulo city (largest South American city) in the late ´80´s, and also to other State VIP´s.Retired from the operative field, he now serves the people by offering the world’s largest free virtuallibrary at www.alexandriavirtual.com.brwww.alexandriavirtual.com.brwww.alexandriavirtual.com.brwww.alexandriavirtual.com.brwww.alexandriavirtual.com.br

Uncle FesterUncle FesterUncle FesterUncle FesterUncle Fester – a.k.a. Steve PreislerSteve PreislerSteve PreislerSteve PreislerSteve Preisler, is the author of several books, and isgenerally recognized as the world’s foremost clandestine chemist. His mostinfluential works include Secrets of Methamphetamine Manufacture, HomeWorkshop Explosives, and Silent Death. Fester was an outstanding wrestler inhigh school and college, and when he saw the original Portuguese-languageedition of this book he was fascinated and began to study and train. He becamethe first American student of this school of Brazilian knife fighting. He nextundertook the English translation and rewrite of the original text. Fester is thefather of two children, and he at present works a dayjob as an industrial chemistto support them in the style they are used to. When not working that dayjob orraising his children, he writes more books, researches the problems facingclandestine chemists, runs Festering Publications, and trains for marathons.His website is www.unclefesterbooks.comwww.unclefesterbooks.comwww.unclefesterbooks.comwww.unclefesterbooks.comwww.unclefesterbooks.com

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Bloody Brazilian Knife Fighting Techniques