Martial Blade Concepts Volume 5: Reverse-Grip Knife Fighting - The MBC Approach
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Reverse Grip·StaySafeMedia
Martial Blade Concepts Volume 5 Reverse-Grip Knife Fighting - The MBC Approach Featuring Michael D. Janich http://www.s…
Reverse Grip
Genus逆手持ち(Sakate-mochi)
TraditionalTranslation: reverse grip
Overview
The Reverse Grip (also called icepick grip) holds the knife with the blade extending from the little-finger side of the fist, point downward. [1] This grip excels at close-range downward stabs, hooking cuts, and weapon retention, as the blade is difficult to strip when held this way. [1],[2] Filipino martial arts systems like Pekiti-Tirsia Kali use the reverse grip extensively for close-quarters combat and for pakal (reverse-grip) drills that develop fluid slashing and trapping combinations. [2],[3]
History & Origin
The reverse grip has been used since antiquity for close-range stabbing, as evidenced by depictions in Roman gladiatorial art and medieval European dagger manuscripts. [1] Filipino martial arts formalised reverse-grip training into systematic drill sets, and modern tactical knife instructors have expanded its application. [2],[3]
Effectiveness
The reverse (ice-pick) grip, with the blade extending from the bottom of the fist along the pinky side, trades reach for close-range power and hooking capability. [1] It is biomechanically suited for downward stabbing and ripping motions, and provides strong retention against disarming attempts. [2] Its primary limitation is reduced thrusting range compared to the forward grip. [2]
Lineage
The reverse grip (ice-pick grip, pakal) is favoured in FMA, silat, and kerambit fighting, providing powerful downward stabs and close-range hooking cuts. [1]
Competition Record
Reverse grip fighting is demonstrated at FMA events and some specialised kerambit competitions. [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 Lightsaber Techniques
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Reverse Grip·SaberArts Academy - Lightsaber techniques & choreo
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Kali Knife Fighting (Reverse Grip Techniques)
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Reverse Grip·Kali Center
You asked and I'm delivering! Here is a follow-up video to our questions from a previous Kali Knife Fighting video I mad…
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3 videosWhat Instructors Say
The reverse grip, also called ice pick grip or earth grip, involves holding the knife with the blade extending from the pinky side of the hand rather than the thumb side (standard grip). Kali Center emphasizes reverse grip applications within the pickle grip framework, teaching hooking and cutting combinations across three primary angles: horizontal thrusts, backhand strikes, and vertical attacks. The hook technique serves to clear defensive obstacles and create cutting opportunities; practitioners learn to drop body weight during vertical hooks to maintain safety and control force direction if defensive resistance suddenly releases. StaySafeMedia's Martial Blade Concepts approach advocates reverse grip with the edge facing outward, contrasting with practitioners who prefer edge-inward orientation. Their methodology centers on the "Cover and Slash" drill as a core asymmetrical training framework, emphasizing checking (typically with the back of the hand) before cutting—reversing the standard grip sequence of cut-then-check. Both instructors stress transitional drilling that develops spontaneous response capability; Kali Center demonstrates multiple target options including blade cuts, pommel strikes, and elbow follow-ups, while StaySafeMedia integrates leg techniques and body pivoting to generate full-body power through cuts. Safety protocols remain paramount across both systems, with emphasis on slow, controlled progression before intensity increases.
Synthesized from 3 instructors
- Kali Center — Kali Knife Fighting (Reverse Grip Techniques): Teaches reverse grip hooking and cutting applications across three angles (horizontal thrust, backhand, vertical), emphasizing weight dropping for safety and demonstrating multiple striking options including blade, pommel, and follow-up elbow techniques.
- StaySafeMedia — Martial Blade Concepts Volume 5: Reverse-Grip Knife Fighting - The MBC Approach: Advocates reverse grip edge-out orientation; introduces the asymmetrical "Cover and Slash" drill and "Whobut" drill as core training methodologies; emphasizes checking-then-cutting sequence, body pivoting for structural support, and integration of leg techniques with knife work.
- SaberArts Academy - Lightsaber techniques & choreo — Reverse Grip Lightsaber Techniques: No substantive instructional content provided in transcript; insufficient material for technique synthesis.
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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 reverse grip (pakal, ice-pick grip) holds the knife with the blade extending from the pinky side of the fist — the blade points downward along the forearm (Inosanto, The Filipino Martial Arts, 1980)
✓The reverse grip excels at close range — it turns the knife into a hooking and ripping tool that works effectively in the clinch
✓This grip generates power through downward stabbing motions that use body weight and the larger muscle groups of the back and shoulders
✓The reverse grip naturally conceals the blade behind the forearm — creating an element of surprise until the strike is initiated
✓The reverse grip integrates with hammer-fist and elbow strikes — the same empty-hand techniques now carry a blade
✓In Filipino martial arts, the reverse grip (pakal) is the preferred grip for close-quarters combat and the primary grip for many knife-fighting drills
✓The defensive advantage of reverse grip: the blade protects the forearm during blocks, turning defensive actions into cutting opportunities
Common Mistakes
!Using the reverse grip at long range — this grip sacrifices reach; it is designed for close-quarters combat
!Relying only on downward stabbing motions — the reverse grip allows hooks, upward cuts, and forearm-backed slashes
!Holding the blade away from the forearm — the blade should lie along the forearm in the guard position for concealment and protection
!Not using the pommel for strikes — the exposed pommel in reverse grip is an effective striking tool
!Gripping too loosely — the reverse grip must be very secure because the blade tends to shift during impact
!Not training the transition from reverse grip blocks to cuts — the block-to-cut flow is the reverse grip's primary defensive advantage
!Using only the dominant hand — reverse grip should be trained with both hands for tactical flexibility
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 is dropping your weight important when using reverse grip knife techniques?
Dropping your weight generates force and velocity in your cut, and it keeps you safe whether your opponent maintains resistance or removes it. As the Kali Center explains, this weight drop ensures you remain in control regardless of how your opponent responds.
What are the main applications of reverse grip knife fighting?
Reverse grip can be used to hook incoming attacks and then strike with either the blade or the pommel, giving you multiple finishing options. The Kali Center also notes you can transition to elbow strikes if needed, making it adaptable for different scenarios.
What is the Cover and Slash drill and why is it important for reverse grip training?
Cover and Slash is a core asymmetrical training drill in the Martial Blade Concepts system that teaches practitioners to turn their body for structural support when defending, rather than just checking from a static position. This drill provides a framework to practice multiple useful skills within the reverse grip system.
How does the Reverse Grip work?
The Reverse Grip (also called icepick grip) holds the knife with the blade extending from the little-finger side of the fist, point downward. This grip excels at close-range downward stabs, hooking cuts, and weapon retention, as the blade is difficult to strip when held this way.
Where does the Reverse Grip come from?
The reverse grip has been used since antiquity for close-range stabbing, as evidenced by depictions in Roman gladiatorial art and medieval European dagger manuscripts. Filipino martial arts formalised reverse-grip training into systematic drill sets, and modern tactical knife instructors have expanded its application.
Is the Reverse Grip legal in competition?
WEKAF: legal — Legal in padded stick competition; HEMA: legal — Legal in applicable weapon categories
How dangerous is the Reverse 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 Reverse Grip?
The standard setup chain: Ready Position → Distance Control → Execute Technique → Return to Guard.
How do I defend against the Reverse 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 Reverse 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 Reverse Grip in competition?
Reverse grip fighting is demonstrated at FMA events and some specialised kerambit competitions.
What are common mistakes when doing the Reverse Grip?
Top errors to watch for: Using the reverse grip at long range — this grip sacrifices reach; it is designed for close-quarters combat / Relying only on downward stabbing motions — the reverse grip allows hooks, upward cuts, and forearm-backed slashes / Holding the blade away from the forearm — the blade should lie along the forearm in the guard position for concealmen… / Not using the pommel for strikes — the exposed pommel in reverse grip is an effective striking tool.
What are other names for the Reverse Grip?
The Reverse Grip is also known as Sakate-mochi, Pakal Grip, Ice-Pick Grip, Inverted Grip.