SARIMANOK: Rules of Engagement

1. Protect your safe distance at all time. Never hesitate to run if you can.

2. Always keep out from the line of attack.

3. Never engage into a knife-to-knife fighting. The tendency is you sacrifice 50% of your

intention and attention to defend, aside from really moving in to his fighting range
for you to score a hit. You are better off with a stick, bolo, gun, stone, jacket, towel, belt, chair

etc. because you put yourself in your own fighting range - attacking while defending. If

you are unarmed, your body is your best weapon.

4. Upon contact, strive to grab, hold, stick, adhere, armbar, push, pull, leg swept, elbow break, kick, punch, before your attempt to disarm and neutralize.

5. Don't be passive. Launch your attack once he is in your fighting range - spear hand to the

eyes or throat, kick the groin or knees, grab his hand with the knife, etc. Remember, even in

self-defense, the best defense is offense.

6. Unless you are dealing with multiple armed opponents, don't overkill (slashing the throat,

striking vital areas, etc.) once you are in control of the knife. Self defense is about survival,

not vanquish. Be wary of the aftermath & consequence of your action after the fight (legal,

revenge, etc.)

7. During engagement, pay attention to your environs. You may be dealing with other

sympathizers/attackers.

8. Expect the unexpected. Don't look at the knife. Focus your attention at his sternum where

you have a good sight of his entire body movements. Although its 99% possible that he will

use his knife against you, he could kick, punch, elbow, butt, leg swept, etc.

9. Don't be timid in defending your life. Shout for help, yell, talk your way out.

10. Know your opponent, but never underestimate his capacity. Indicators are his eyes (focus), his stance, the way he holds the knife, breathing pattern, reaction, facial expression, body tension, body movements, etc.

Dakila Hsuan

Sarimanok is a Filipino knife fighting martial art developed and founded by Dakila Hsuan, who believes that any weapon works as an extension of the body.

Anybody who is well-trained in proper body mechanics (body torque, stepping, and footwork) will have a good chance of survival in any stand-up fighting, armed or unarmed. One of the causes why defense techniques that looks good to the naked eyes during practice and demonstration will seldom work in real combat situation are due to poor timing, poor body coordination, poor spacing, and poor balance.

80% of Sarimanok training grid dwells in defensive techniques; only 20% are for knife attacks (proper handling) for obvious reasons. Also, the founder believes that only 20% of any civilized society wants to use the knife to kill somebody (for a good reason and purpose) and 80% are law abiding, peace loving citizens, which need to defend themselves.

In order to impart some good inputs and useful lessons to the viewing public, the videos are purposely done in an instructional and tutorial manner. The founder hopes that through the video clips (posted at http://www.youtube.com/user/huglaes), the purpose is served.

Dakila Hsuan