I have trained in what is essentially Kali, but filtered through a more eclectic practitioner who has studied many, many fighting arts, and is knowledgeable about the law as well. I was unbelievably blessed to receive several months of private instruction with one of the best (knife)combatives teachers in the business. So what I learned was based in Kali, but I am sure included aspects of other arts as well. It was oriented not toward "knife fighting" per se, but rather civilian-oriented self-defense to include environmental awareness, empty hand, knife, stick, and handgun (to include study of knife vs knife encounters). Since then, I've continued with solo/dummy practice studying books and videos, then on to ground fighting with another instructor. I had previously spent several years studying both fencing, and a southern Kung Fu style, which gave me a good base the classical theories of blade(rapier, essentially)-work, and in stand-up empty-hand fighting. But the weapon-oriented training stripped away the "art" and left the "martial" (to me, the important part).
Bravo to Crayola and others who said, "the more I learn about knife combatives, the more I want to run." That is the biggest way knife/weapon training has affected my life. You simply don't know how skilled, aggressive, or armed the other guy(s) is. I've never been one to pick fights anyway, but after that training, I wouldn't in a million years. **** happens in a fight (esp. a "knife fight"), and there are many variables that you really aren't in control of. I learned that knives are incredibly deadly, especially if used aggressively and with conviction of attitude and action. I learned that taking the initiative with a focused, aggressive counterattack is as sure a way to survival as exists in a knife encounter.
Strike, break contact, and escape.
Gratitude and respect to those who have given me their time, knowledge, and skills in these powerful ways of survival.
