Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) are a global phenomenon. You’ve probably seen FMA on the big and small screens and weren’t even aware of it. I was introduced to FMA when I was 14 years old by Sifu Al Dacascos at a seminar in Nashville, Tennessee. Sifu Al Dacascos is the father and teacher of Mark Dacascos, Star of “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum.”
(“Sifu” is a title for and role of a skillful person or a master in the context of martial arts. -Editor)
For this article, I decided to try something different. Instead of a simple knife review or giving my opinion on the ability of certain knives, I held to a round table interview with several blade enthusiasts from around the country. I brought together a group of makers, students, designers and instructors of FMA blades and fighting concepts, and asked them 11 questions to discuss historic and modern blades, as well as the pros and cons, and what to look for. I wanted to give you, our readers, more than just one or two opinions on this subject. Allow me to introduce you to our panel of specialists.
Q1) Hey guys thanks for being a part of this article. In a sentence or two, can you tell me your FMA training background? Are you a maker? Instructor? Or collector?
Richard Derespina: I’m a knifemaker. However, I have a background in various martial arts, but specifically Pekiti Tersia Kali.
Tuhon Jesse: Been training Martial Arts for over 45 years, but specifically FMA for over 30 years, currently serving as the Chief of Staff for PTK.
James Helm: I am a bladesmith, focusing on working blades.
Greg: First I’m a maker, martial arts practitioner and then a knife collector.
Zombie Tools: We don’t really have any FMA experience, but have been approached to make designs by those who do.
This story is from the November 2019 edition of Knives Illustrated.
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This story is from the November 2019 edition of Knives Illustrated.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
TIP TALK
UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BLADE TIP SHAPES AND WHY IT MATTERS
HOLDING FIRM
GETTING A GRIP ON KNIFE HANDLE BENEFITS, MATERIALS, AND FUNCTIONALITY
EDGE UP
TIPS, TRICKS, AND TECHNIQUES TO SHARP WHEN ADVENTURING FAR FROM HOME
THE COMBAT KITCHEN
SLICE, DICE, CHOP, AND CUT: FOOD PREP WITH BLADES FROM POPULAR TACTICAL KNIFE COMPANIES
MORAKNIV Classics
THESE TIMELESS BUSHCRAFT KNIVES HAVE BEEN UPDATED AND ARE BETTER THAN EVER
ONE FOR THE ROAD
CHOOSING AN “EVERYWHERE KNIFE” CAN BE DIFFICULT DUE TO COMPLICATED KNIFE LAWS
TRAVELING LIGHT
SOMETIMES, INEXPENSIVE UTILITY BLADES YOU PICK UP AT YOUR DESTINATION CAN GET THE JOB DONE
MATCHED PAIR
JB KNIFE WORKS LAYMAN KNIFE AND GAMBIT HATCHET COMBO: ONE PICKS UP WHERE THE OTHER LEAVES OFF
WHEN BIGGER IS BETTER
THE CAS IBERIA CHOP HOUSE IS A MACHETE THAT PROVIDES BIG BLADE CUTTING POWER
KITCHEN KNIVES DON'T HAVE TO BE DULL
I have a confession to make. See if this sounds familiar. I take meticulous care of the knives I use for everyday carry, hunting, and general woods wandering. I wipe them down with an oily cloth after use and I never let them get too dull. Seldom do I have to restore a damaged edge. Most of the time I simply touch up the edges of my pocketknives with a few careful strokes across the rough bottom of a ceramic coffee cup. That’s usually all that’s needed. I don’t use my knives as screwdrivers or pry bars. As a matter of fact, I still have the very first knife I ever owned, an old Boy Scout knife that was handed down from my older brother. The blades have a deep patina that comes with using carbon steel over the years, but the knife is very usable still.
