Violence involving knives is fast, chaotic, and unforgiving.
It does not announce itself.
It does not wait for strength, size, or readiness.

For women especially, knife defence is not about bravado or proving toughness. It is about awareness, survival, and returning home safely.
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This is why I believe knife defence matters — and why now is the right time to begin.

Most knife attacks happen at close range.

They are sudden.
They are messy.

Against a blade:

• Size advantage shrinks
• Strength fades quickly
• Panic becomes the real enemy

​This is not fear-mongering. It is reality.

Knife crime exists everywhere — including here in Malaysia. We see it in the news, in schools, in public spaces, in moments no one expects. Even if one has never personally faced a blade, the threat is real, and ignoring it does not make it disappear.

At Bladeart Studio, we do not give women false confidence.
Empty confidence is dangerous.

Training is conducted with progressively increasing pace and intent, while safety remains the highest priority. The goal is not to look impressive — it is to understand the threat clearly and respond responsibly.

For training, we use safe, purpose-built training blades made from HDPE polymer plastic. These are designed to be safe to skin and fabric during controlled yet intense contact, allowing students to train realistically without unnecessary risk.

Training is structured, supervised, and gradual.
Safety is never compromised for spectacle.
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To defend against a blade, you must first understand how it attacks.
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That is why we first teach how a knife is used offensively, and only then teach how to defend against a proper, realistic knife attack. Defence without understanding the attack is guesswork — and guesswork is dangerous.

Women are no strangers to blade training — especially where Silat itself comes from.

In this part of the world, the idea of women trained in blades is not imported.
It is inherited.

History records heroic women warrior-commanders such as Laksamana Keumalahayati of Aceh and Adruja Wijayamala Singa (Cik Siti Wan Kembang I) of the Kingdom of Grahi.

One became the world’s first recorded female admiral of a navy.
The other was entrusted with ruling her own kingdom for proven bravery on the battlefield.

Both initially led women-only forces, many of whom were widows of fallen warriors.

Laksamana Keumalahayati commanded the Inong Balee, elite women fighters who resisted Western colonising forces. In personal combat, she famously defeated a Dutch commander in a duel.

Adruja Wijayamala Singa led the Seri Wijayamala, a women-only force that fought against invading armies from the north. Mounted on horseback, she is recorded to have struck down a powerful enemy king with her trusted blade.

These are not symbolic stories.
They are historical records of women who trained, fought, commanded, and survived.
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Women and blade training are not strange ideas here.
Especially not now.

Basic Silat Knife Drills was written for everyone — but it benefits women especially.

The book focuses on fundamentals: structure, awareness, positioning, and responsibility. It avoids fantasy and avoids glorifying violence. The aim is understanding, not aggression.
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I also included historical warrior anecdotes — not to romanticise combat, but to remind us that discipline, courage, and restraint have always been part of our tradition.

Knife defence is not about winning fights.
It is about avoiding harm, surviving danger, and protecting life.

For women who wish to train, this path is physically open here in Malaysia.
You are not stepping into something foreign.
You are stepping back into a lineage.

I hope this article contributes — in a small but meaningful way — to the safety of those who read it.
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May it encourage awareness, responsibility, and thoughtful action.

Bismillah.
​
Alhamdulillah. After months of work — planning, structuring, writing, rewriting, designing, and praying — I’m proud to finally announce that my first eBook, Basic Silat Knife Drills, is now published and available for purchase on Payhip.

Buy the book now

This 120+-page guide is the first in a growing series under the Seni Bilah system — my personal take on traditional Malay blade training, rooted in the teachings of my late master Guru Jak Othman, and continued under Guru Wan Yusmar.

Inside the book:

• A structured syllabus of attacking drills using the pisau belati
• Clear instructions for solo training
• A practical approach that also works as a cardio workout
• Deep respect for Islamic ethics in self-defense
• A collection of warrior stories — including legendary figures like Nusaybah bint Ka’ab and Adruja Wijayamala

​Whether you're a silat student, martial arts teacher, or someone interested in self-protection with meaning, this book is designed to be useful, beautiful, and filled with spirit.

I’ve taught martial arts for years — Muay Thai, Kickboxing, and Silat — but I’ve always wanted to preserve what was taught to me in a format that others can access anytime, anywhere. This book is not just technique. It’s philosophy, history, discipline, and heart.
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It’s the beginning of a legacy — and inshaAllah, one of many to come.

I’m already working on the next titles in this series:

• Basic Silat Kerambit Drills
• Basic Silat Kapak Kecil Drills
• And more in development…

​Follow my journey on TikTok, Medium, and right here on ilmkhal.com. I’ll also be offering bundles, affiliate rewards, and some exclusive behind-the-scenes content soon.

This is more than just a product. It’s a small offering in the way of Allah, for those seeking strength with purpose. If you’ve been following my content, or you’ve ever trained with me, or you simply want to support meaningful martial work — this book is for you.

​Click here to get the eBook

​From the heart,
Ilmi Khalid
Founder of Seni Bilah Melayu, Silat Academy | ilmkhal.com