Rating: 
Summary: So good it should be banned....
Review: First let me say that i have no merits as i knife fighter, and therefore i am not an autorithy on the subject. But i have been teaching the martial arts as Self defense, recreation and sport for the last three years and been a practitioner for more than ten (wich is not a long time). My imression is that the techniques described in this book are very effective in real life, they apear to be simple and straight foreward without any "mombojombo". But what i liked fare better theb the relatively few techniques descibed in this book where all the principles and facts on knife fighting that it provides you with. From a few principles can come a lot of techniques but never the other way around. The book is very thorough in describing everything from proper grip, footwork, defensiv actions, basic thrusts and slashes to how you should best remove your knife from your opponents body to prevent it from getting stuck inside the wound. Alsoe included are usefull drills and training tips to help you get startet and going. The reason i bought this book was actually to improve my own unarmed against a knife self defens, but i soon realized that this book deals only with using a knife to defend yourselfe, and it does so in a great way. Some of the techniques and facts presented within this book is actually scaring, and should be scaring since facing an opponent in a knife fight is extremely dangarous, and shoul be avoidet at al costs, wich is brilliantly pointed out with a photo in the end of the book where the best way to deal with a attacker armed with a knife is actually running away.
Rating:
Summary: Non martial artist review
Review: First, a confession. I am not a martial artist, save a knife fighter. I bought this book for pleasure reading.So, what can I contribute to you the curious martial artists who are considering buying this book? Well, firstly, this book is really a good introduction to knife fighting. While I don't know knife fighting, I know good book when I see one. It is thorough, not too complex, and covers important points. Secondly, this is a good book if you have an overconfident-young-martial-artist-nephew :). It tells you to stay out of knife fighting, and it shows you why. Regards,
Yudha
Rating: 
Summary: In depth, complete.
Review: I have rarely encountered such an in depth tome on the age old art of knife fighting. Before I digested this material, only two years ago, I had no idea with what novice inclinations I wielded the shiny blade. Now I hold a knife in each hand slicing through the air and at my sandbag target shaped in the effigy of a small tiger. Thank you Michael D. Janich for such an inspiration book.
Rating:
Summary: Cold steel for the man on the street
Review: I must preface this review with a recommendation: read the other reviews by people who have been there. Never been in a knife fight, but based on reading other knife fighting books and my martial arts training, I must say this is the best book I have read on the subject. Even if you never plan to carry a knife or use it, the techniques covered by Mr. Janich are invaluable. The other books I have read are incomplete, outdated, or are simply vehicles to get you to buy the authors' knives. The grips, stances, and tactics all seem to be logical and well thought out. One thing I have heard from experienced knife fighters: " expect to be cut ". A must have for the martial artist's bookshelf.
Rating:
Summary: Basic, informative and effective
Review: I think that about sums it up. A good beginning book. Just the basics, no hype and no bull. Janich's best advice? Read the book. :)
Rating:
Summary: Shows The Basics of Michael's Training Curriculum
Review: I've had the pleasure of taking a beginners class in MBC taught by Mr Janich here in Colorado. This book and the videos fall a bit short of actual in person training, BUT NOT BY MUCH! And only for the reason that LIVE partner training is so much superior than just reading a book J anich has lot's of confirmable bona fides (a student / co developer of and with Col. Rex Applegate) among many other credits. I question some other knife fighting writers biographies.
There are a lot of books that are written that could get you killed, this one can give you the beginnings to saving your life. No BS, just technique written in a pretty mellow manner.
If you feel that at you may need to defend yourself using or against a knife then this book is a great starting point. I would suggest that you not stop here though. Read more and get the "LIVE" training.
Rating:
Summary: Great primer for knife combatives
Review: Janich does a great job of introducing the raw beginner to knife fighting in its most practical aspects. He starts from the ground-level basics of grips and footwork--something often overlooked or ignored in other titles--and proceeds to provide the reader with a practical, systematic knife system, focusing on concepts and principles rather than memorization of specific techniques. It's also remarkably well-written, an easy-reading and enjoyable book from start to finish.
Rating:
Summary: Good basics
Review: Janich does a very good job of covering the basics. Beginners would benefit greatly from this well written and well thought out book.
Rating:
Summary: Good basics
Review: Janich does a very good job of covering the basics. Beginners would benefit greatly from this well written and well thought out book.
Rating:
Summary: Highly Recommended!
Review: Janich's book is a solid, basic and straightforward introduction to proper use of the blade. While nowhere near as comprehensive as Hochheim's book on the subject, it never really attempts to be. This is a streamlined approach to the very basics: Filipino saber grip, stance, footwork, zoning and angling, basic defense (Meet, Pass, Follow), use of your other tools and perhaps the most important skill...Nike-Do (trust me, check the back cover). Instruction is sound and systematic, following a logical progression. An important touch; use of the blade is never glamourized. Diligently practicing the skills in this book will quickly make you proficient and better capable of looking after yourself and your loved ones. None of us ever want to find ourselves in a situation where these types of skills are needed, but if you do, Janich's instructions could save your tail. For those looking for more advanced instruction, this book is also a great lead in to Hochheim's Knife Fighting Encyclopedia. Also recommended: Get Tough, Kill or Get Killed, Real World Self Defense
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