I’ve trained with a knife but not with a balisong knife.   The balisong provides a lot more options for non-lethal defense compared to a knife. And as a FMA practitioner, a goal of mine is to train various Filipino weapons. 

My (initial) balisong training list includes being able  to use the balisong:

• In a closed grip as a dulo dulo (palm stick).
• In an open grip as a flail while holding the safe side handle. 
• In an open grip as a knife (both standard and dagger grips). 
• In any of the three grips (dulo dulo, flail, knife) in both hands.
• In any of the three positions to assist in weapon disarms, locks and takedowns. 
• With another weapon (e.g., stick, sword, knife, another balisong, and etc.).

In flow, I also want the ability to:

• Switch from one hand to the other
• Switch grips

Closed Grip

When I train with empty hands (no weapons) in a closed fist position, I usually train using three parts of my closed fist: 1. a straight punch using the knuckles for impact; 2. backfist; 3. the bottom part of our fist (pinky side) which is called a hammer fist (mimics a hammering motion).  

Having a tool like a balisong in closed grip or a dulo dulo  or a pen, provides another side of my fist – the thumb side – without hurting the thumb.  

Here’s two videos of Grandmaster Rodel Dagooc of Dagooc Arnis Systems (DAS) showcasing the dulo dulo. In this video – Dulo Dulo drill – GM Rodel Dagooc, @GuroBhong, YouTube Short, Feb 23, 2023 – Dagooc showcases how he uses the different parts of the palm stick. In this next video, Dagooc showcases how he used the dulo dulo to implement strikes and joint locks – Filipino Martial Arts – Arnis dulo dulo drill with GM Rodel Dagooc, @GuroBhong, YouTube Short, Mar 7, 2023. 

FMA training has taught me to find opportunities to implement many strikes in a small amount of time.  In Dagooc’s video, how many strikes did he execute before the first lock on the stick arm? 

In my training, I started with one strike at a time.  I aim for various targets with the balisong in my right hand.  I practice disarms, locks and takedowns.  I repeat on the left hand. I repeat this again with:

• Two balisongs
• One balisong and various weapons

Then I ramp up with two strikes in quick succession. If you are a musician (which I am not), you can think of this as 2 / 4 time. I would practice:

• Striking the same target using the same part of the balisong or my fist. 
• Striking the same target bus using different parts of the balisong or my fist. 
• Striking different targets using the same part of the balisong or my fist.
• Striking different targets using different parts of the balisong or my fist.

Then I repeat with three strikes (3 / 4 time).

And I repeat with four strikes (4 / 4 time). 

This is a form of shadow boxing.  

More videos that showcase using the balisong in closed grip:

• Filipino Boxing and the Balisong Knife (Frisco, Texas), @ProtectorMartialArts, YouTube Short, May 3, 2024.
• Butterfly Balisong Knife Defense tactics, @DetroitThreatManagementCenter, YouTube Short, Feb 28, 2023.

Open Grip – Flail

To start training in the flail position, I first practiced with opening the balisong to hold the safe handle (the handle away from knife edge). The latch on my trainer can easily be released by simply squeezing the handles together.  However, not all latches on balisongs can be released in this manner.  While shadowboxing, I practice releasing the latch by using both hands and with one hand.  I also practice drawing the balisong out from various pockets and opening it to hold the safe handle. 

From the open position, I practice various strikes using either the other handle (bite side), or blade for impact.

Ronnie Royce Base, the founder of the Laraw Kali Pamuok (LKP) system, showcases how the balisong can be used as a flail Balisong’s Non-Lethal Application – LKP Original, larawkalipamuok2007, Instagram, Jul 12, 2025. Were you able to see how many strikes he was able to get in a short amount of time?

More videos that showcase solo training

• Laraw Kali Pamuok FMA – Balisong 1, Laraw TV, YouTube, Jan 24, 2018.
• Laraw Kali Pamuok FMA – Balisong 2, Laraw TV, YouTube, Jan 24, 2018.