Why You Should Keep Your Hands Close in Knife Training

by ilmi Khalid

In my latest video, I share a simple but powerful knife exercise you can practice safely with a partner.

Watch it here:
​Knife Training Exercise – Seni Bilah Melayu
https://youtu.be/G-Fg8OmGX_Q

​When training with blades—even training knives—discipline is everything. One key principle I highlight in this session is keeping your hands close to your body. Why? Because when your hands wander too far forward, you’re offering them to your opponent. In Silat and other blade arts, this can mean the difference between control and disaster.

​During this 7-minute tutorial, I demonstrate:

• Basic offensive knife motions: stab lines at 3:00, 6:00, and 9:00, and how to combine them creatively.
  
• Variations in height--high, mid, and low cuts—to train versatility.
  
• How to shorten your cutting motion for faster recovery.
  
• The importance of exhaling, bending your knees, and watching your opponent’s chest to read their movement.
  

These drills are adapted from my book Basic Silat Knife Drills, which focuses on understanding the speed and violence of real attacks—so you can respond effectively.

I’m currently working on my next book covering knife defense and counters, and I’ll share updates soon.

If you want to build your fundamentals or just get a good cardio workout, try the exercises demonstrated in the video. And always remember: Train responsibly, stay aware, and respect the blade.

Watch the full video here https://youtu.be/G-Fg8OmGX_Q
Get the ebook here https://payhip.com/b/XLkQ1
​

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Till next time—keep it tight, keep it small, and keep training.