3 Exercises for a Kung Fu Grip
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Forward Grip·Mantis Mechanics
No matter what martial art you do, a good grip is crucial to your development as a martial artist. In this video, I sho…
Forward Grip
Genus順手持ち(Junte-mochi)
TraditionalTranslation: forward grip
Overview
The Forward Grip (also called saber grip or hammer grip) holds the knife with the blade extending from the thumb side of the fist, as one would hold a hammer. [1] This grip provides the greatest reach, strong thrusting capability, and intuitive cutting motions along all standard angles of attack. [1],[2] The forward grip is the most commonly taught knife grip in both military combatives and Filipino martial arts because of its versatility and natural biomechanics. [2],[3]
History & Origin
Effectiveness
The forward (saber) grip, with the blade extending from the top of the fist along the thumb side, is the most common and most versatile knife grip. [1] It provides the greatest reach, the widest range of cutting angles, and the ability to thrust effectively. Its primary advantage is reach — the forward grip extends the blade as far from the body as possible. [2]
Lineage
The forward grip (hammer grip, sak-sak) is the most natural and commonly used knife grip across all blade-fighting traditions. [1]
Competition Record
The forward grip is the standard knife-holding position in most FMA competition and training. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Cutting, thrusting, or striking with a bladed weapon — edge alignment and trajectory determine cutting effectiveness
Joints Involved — Wrists (edge alignment and rotation), elbows (extension for thrusts, chambering for cuts), shoulders (arc of the cut), hips (power generation)
Force Vector — Varies — downward diagonal cut (kesa-giri), horizontal cut (yoko-giri), thrust (tsuki), or rising cut (kiri-age)
Weapon Mechanic — Edge alignment (hasuji) is critical — the blade must travel along its cutting plane for effective cuts
Position & Entry
From ready stance (chudan-no-kamae or equivalent) — Assume guard position, establish distance (ma-ai), execute the cut or thrust when an opening appears
From engagement distance — Use footwork to close to striking range, execute the technique with proper edge alignment (hasuji)
As counter — Wait for the opponent's attack, deflect or avoid, and counter-cut to the exposed target
Variants
Standard cut — primary cutting angle from the ready stance
Thrust (tsuki) — straight thrust targeting the throat, chest, or face
Rising cut (kiri-age) — upward diagonal cut from low to high
Diagonal cut (kesa-giri) — downward diagonal cut following the kimono line
Videos
reverse grip knife combat sinawali
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Forward Grip·wmpyr
I think many people do not understand FMA and think that because it is a traditional martial art style that it is only f…
Grip, Stance, Guard, Footwork
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Forward Grip·Bhakdar
First in a series of tutorials on Belegarth combat. Overviews defensive principles focusing on basic grip, stance, guard…
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3 videosWhat Instructors Say
The forward grip in knife fighting is foundational to effective striking, blocking, and control. Bhakdar emphasizes grip construction by analogizing to hammer grip mechanics, maintaining an arc from shoulder through weapon tip that facilitates both striking power and blocking efficiency. Critical to the forward grip's defensive application is wrist positioning: rotating the wrist outward creates distance between an incoming attack and the defender's arm, effectively stopping momentum without requiring large movements. The forward grip integrates with stance and guard positioning—Bhakdar advocates a semi-sideways body orientation that narrows the torso target area and positions the weapon to defend the central rectangular 'box' of the body. In contrast, wmpyr addresses the forward grip primarily as a baseline for comparative study, demonstrating how dual forward grips facilitate arm weaving drills (sinawali patterns) before transitioning to reverse/ice pick grip variations. Wmpyr notes that forward grip with sinawali employs the knives as 'short sticks,' making the technique more intuitive than reverse grip applications. Mantis Mechanics' contribution focuses on grip strength development rather than technique mechanics, addressing the functional demands underlying effective forward grip deployment through targeted exercises like softball pull-ups, towel pull-ups, and farmer carries. While Bhakdar and wmpyr discuss positional mechanics, Mantis Mechanics emphasizes that grip functionality should align with martial arts application—whether grappling, striking, or sustained control.
Synthesized from 3 instructors
- Bhakdar — Grip, Stance, Guard, Footwork: Detailed forward grip mechanics including hammer-grip analogy, arc structure from shoulder to weapon tip, wrist rotation for blocking, and integration with defensive stance and body positioning
- wmpyr — reverse grip knife combat sinawali: Positioned forward grip as baseline reference for arm weaving techniques (sinawali), noting that dual forward grips are more intuitive than reverse grip when applying repetitive weaving patterns
- Mantis Mechanics — 3 Exercises for a Kung Fu Grip: Addressed grip strength conditioning through functional exercises (softball pull-ups, towel pull-ups, farmer carries) and emphasized matching grip training to intended application (grappling vs. striking vs. sustained holding)
Learn This Technique
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
9
Extreme9/10
Knives and short blades are the most common weapon in real-world assaults; high lethality
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
WEKAF — Legal in padded stick competition {srcHEMA — Legal in applicable weapon categories {src
Training Notes
✓The forward grip (sak-sak, hammer grip) holds the knife with the blade extending from the thumb side of the fist — the most natural and intuitive knife grip (Inosanto, The Filipino Martial Arts, 1980)
✓The forward grip provides maximum reach — extending the arm places the blade tip approximately 18 inches beyond the fist
✓This grip favours thrusting attacks: the blade aligns with the forearm for powerful, direct thrusts to the centre line
✓The forward grip allows both edge-up and edge-down orientation — edge-up is standard for slashing, edge-down is used for specific cutting angles
✓The thumb placement on the spine provides fine control for precision cuts and directional changes during a combination
✓The forward grip is the primary fighting grip in most knife systems: Kali, Pencak Silat, Western knife fighting, and military combatives
✓The forward grip integrates naturally with punching mechanics — the knife effectively extends and enhances the fighter's punching arsenal
Common Mistakes
!Extending the thumb along the spine during thrusts — the thumb should wrap the handle during powerful thrusts to prevent the hand from sliding onto the blade
!Holding the knife too loosely — the forward grip must be firm enough to prevent disarms while remaining flexible
!Not using the pommel — the butt of the knife in forward grip is a useful striking tool at close range
!Limiting to thrusts only — the forward grip allows cuts, slashes, and draw cuts; use the full repertoire
!Gripping with an extended index finger — this weakens the grip and makes the finger vulnerable
!Holding the blade too high or too low — the blade should align with the forearm for structural support during thrusts
!Not training the forward grip with the non-dominant hand — the knife may need to be used with either hand
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Ready Position — assume the guard stance appropriate for the weapon
2Distance Control — manage spacing relative to the opponent
3Execute Technique — perform the offensive or defensive action with correct form
4Return to Guard — recover to a defensive ready position
Sources & References
Primary Source
Bubishi: The Classic Manual of Combat (Patrick McCarthy, 2008)
1BookFilipino Martial Arts (Inosanto, 1980)
Alias sources — [1] Filipino Martial Arts (Wiley, 1994) [2] Hoplology (Burton, 1884) [3] Comprehensive Asian Fighting Arts (Draeger & Smith, 1969)
2BookThe Complete Book of Knife Fighting (Cassidy, 1997)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Wiley, M., Filipino Martial Arts (Charles E. Tuttle, 1994) [2] Inosanto, D., The Filipino Martial Arts (Know Now Publishing, 1980)
3OtherJapanese Martial Arts Standard Terminology (武道用語)
Established Japanese martial arts naming convention — native Japanese term (和語/漢語)
4CitationFilipino Martial Arts (Inosanto, 1980)
Alias sources — [1] Filipino Martial Arts (Wiley, 1994) [2] Hoplology (Burton, 1884) [3] Comprehensive Asian Fighting Arts (Draeger & Smith, 1969)
5CitationThe Complete Book of Knife Fighting (Cassidy, 1997)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Wiley, M., Filipino Martial Arts (Charles E. Tuttle, 1994) [2] Inosanto, D., The Filipino Martial Arts (Know Now Publishing, 1980)
Community
Athletics
Requires
wrist control for edge alignment, grip endurance, footwork precision
Favours
quick wrists, strong forearms, good posture
Key muscles
forearm extensors/flexors, deltoids, core, calves
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I start with sticks if I want to learn knife sinawali techniques?
Starting with sticks builds foundational arm weaving motions that are essential for knife work. According to WMPYR, brutal knife techniques are based off arm weaving motions, so it's important to master the basics with sticks before progressing to knives.
How do I make my grip training specific to my martial art style?
Mantis Mechanics emphasizes that you should first decide what you want to use your grip for—whether it's pulling someone in, holding for extended periods like in jiu-jitsu, or generating crushing force—then choose exercises that emulate those specific movements rather than training all grips the same way.
What are the best exercises to build a strong martial arts grip?
Mantis Mechanics recommends three exercises: softball pull-ups (varying finger positions), towel pull-ups, and farmer carries with heavy weight. These build forearm endurance and pulling strength applicable to martial arts.
How does the Forward Grip work?
The Forward Grip (also called saber grip or hammer grip) holds the knife with the blade extending from the thumb side of the fist, as one would hold a hammer. This grip provides the greatest reach, strong thrusting capability, and intuitive cutting motions along all standard angles of attack.
Where does the Forward Grip come from?
The forward grip is the instinctive way humans grasp a tool or weapon and has been the default knife grip in combat throughout history. Military knife manuals from Fairbairn's 1942 Get Tough to modern special operations curricula teach the forward grip as the primary combat hold.
Is the Forward Grip legal in competition?
WEKAF: legal — Legal in padded stick competition; HEMA: legal — Legal in applicable weapon categories
How dangerous is the Forward Grip?
Danger rating 9/10. Extreme — knives and short blades are the most common weapon in real-world assaults; high lethality
How do I set up the Forward Grip?
The standard setup chain: Ready Position → Distance Control → Execute Technique → Return to Guard.
How do I defend against the Forward Grip?
Standard counters include: Parry (Absetzen) — deflect the incoming blade with a counter-displacement / Void (Step Back) — withdraw from measure to avoid the cutting arc / Counter-Cut (Nachreisen) — strike into the opponent's opening during their attack.
What are the variants of the Forward Grip?
Common variants: Standard cut (primary cutting angle from the ready stance); Thrust (tsuki) (straight thrust targeting the throat, chest, or face); Rising cut (kiri-age) (upward diagonal cut from low to high); Diagonal cut (kesa-giri) (downward diagonal cut following the kimono line).
How effective is the Forward Grip in competition?
The forward grip is the standard knife-holding position in most FMA competition and training.
What are common mistakes when doing the Forward Grip?
Top errors to watch for: Extending the thumb along the spine during thrusts — the thumb should wrap the handle during powerful thrusts to prev… / Holding the knife too loosely — the forward grip must be firm enough to prevent disarms while remaining flexible / Not using the pommel — the butt of the knife in forward grip is a useful striking tool at close range / Limiting to thrusts only — the forward grip allows cuts, slashes, and draw cuts; use the full repertoire.
What are other names for the Forward Grip?
The Forward Grip is also known as Junte-mochi, Sak-Sak Grip, Hammer Grip, Standard Knife Grip.