The Balisong Knife
I've been fascinated by the balisong knife ever since I saw
an elementary school friend manipulate one. The sound of
the blade snapping in and out of the handles, the fluid
swinging motion of the handles, the dazzling glint of the
steel. Since the 1950's, the balisong has had a notorious
reputation due to its association with motorcycle gangs of
the period. Perhaps some of this notoriety contributes to
its popularity. Today, its popularity is continuing to rise,
and there are many resources now available to learn
advanced manipulation techniques.
The balisong, or Philippino butterfly knife, is one of the
ancient weapons of Kali, and dates back to the latter part
of the Tang Dynasty (~800 A.D.). Early balisong knives
were crafted rather crudely when compared to Japanese
blades, but unlike Japanese swords, the balisong was not
meant to pierce through armour. Today, well crafted
balisong knives are being produced utilizing modern
materials like titanium handles, phosphorus bronze
bushings, and even teflon coated blades.
All balisong knives are constructed of two handles that are
deeply grooved and a single or double edged blade. Each
handle is attached to the blade by a pin. A metal stop at
the base of the blade serves to limit the rotation of each
handle to 180 degrees. When not in use, the handles may
be folded over to completely cover the blade, thereby
forming it's own sheath.
an elementary school friend manipulate one. The sound of
the blade snapping in and out of the handles, the fluid
swinging motion of the handles, the dazzling glint of the
steel. Since the 1950's, the balisong has had a notorious
reputation due to its association with motorcycle gangs of
the period. Perhaps some of this notoriety contributes to
its popularity. Today, its popularity is continuing to rise,
and there are many resources now available to learn
advanced manipulation techniques.
The balisong, or Philippino butterfly knife, is one of the
ancient weapons of Kali, and dates back to the latter part
of the Tang Dynasty (~800 A.D.). Early balisong knives
were crafted rather crudely when compared to Japanese
blades, but unlike Japanese swords, the balisong was not
meant to pierce through armour. Today, well crafted
balisong knives are being produced utilizing modern
materials like titanium handles, phosphorus bronze
bushings, and even teflon coated blades.
All balisong knives are constructed of two handles that are
deeply grooved and a single or double edged blade. Each
handle is attached to the blade by a pin. A metal stop at
the base of the blade serves to limit the rotation of each
handle to 180 degrees. When not in use, the handles may
be folded over to completely cover the blade, thereby
forming it's own sheath.
This is the book that started the
Balisong sensation in the 1980's.
Written by Jeff Imada, a well
respected leader in the Philippino
martial arts. This book is a really good
resource on the history and basic
techniques of this dynamic weapon.
Balisong sensation in the 1980's.
Written by Jeff Imada, a well
respected leader in the Philippino
martial arts. This book is a really good
resource on the history and basic
techniques of this dynamic weapon.
Sample video from balisongxtreme.com
It can be dangerous to practice with a
sharp Balisong. The Balisong may
also be illegal to purchase or carry in
your state or province. One solution
to all of these problems is to use a
practice Balisong. All of us at
KUNGFUBROTHERS use this one
made by RAM Instruments. It's a very
economical and safe alternative.
sharp Balisong. The Balisong may
also be illegal to purchase or carry in
your state or province. One solution
to all of these problems is to use a
practice Balisong. All of us at
KUNGFUBROTHERS use this one
made by RAM Instruments. It's a very
economical and safe alternative.
Recommended Websites:
http://www.balisongworld.com/
http://www.balisonginfo.com/
http://www.balisongxtreme.com/
(Look for the free video clips on these
websites, they're guaranteed to
impress you!)
http://www.balisongworld.com/
http://www.balisonginfo.com/
http://www.balisongxtreme.com/
(Look for the free video clips on these
websites, they're guaranteed to
impress you!)
"More than a team, we're brothers"
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