KnifeUNDERSTAND THE BLADE
A sophisticated close combat system focused on the knife and its use for self-defense. Taught in over 50 countries.
- 12 levelsfrom beginner to expert
- Online + in personApp, courses and centers
- €18.90Online course with certificate
Free, no credit card – Knife is set up for you right away.
- 60,000+members worldwide
- 5,200+technique videos
- 10countries with SAMI centers
- 4.8on the App Store · 126 ratings
What is SAMI Knife Fighting?
SAMI Knife Fighting is a structured training system focused on understanding and defending against edged weapons. Rather than glorifying blade combat, the system emphasizes threat recognition, distance management, and realistic defensive strategies.
The curriculum covers both the defensive perspective (surviving a knife attack) and the tactical perspective (understanding how a blade is used) to build complete awareness.
Awareness first. Defense always. SAMI Knife Fighting – realistic training for real threats.
- 01
Threat Recognition & Awareness
The first line of defense is awareness:recognizing concealed weapons and pre-attack indicatorsunderstanding common attack patterns and anglesenvironmental awareness and escape routesTraining develops the ability to identify and avoid knife threats before physical confrontation becomes necessary. - 02
Distance Management & Evasion
Against an edged weapon, distance is survival:footwork patterns for creating and maintaining safe distanceangular movement to avoid linear attacksbarrier use and environmental positioningControlling distance is the most critical skill in knife defense. - 03
Defensive Tactics & Control
When evasion is not possible, SAMI Knife Fighting teaches:interception and redirection of attacksarm control and weapon retention/removalcover, shield, and body mechanics under pressureTechniques are trained under stress inoculation to ensure they work when it matters. - 04
Blade Understanding
To defend against a blade, you must understand it:cutting angles and stabbing mechanicsgrip types and transitionsthe reality of knife wounds and their implicationsThis knowledge creates informed, realistic defenders rather than overconfident practitioners.
Free techniques – no sign-up
Who Is SAMI Knife Fighting For?
SAMI Knife Fighting is for anyone who wants to understand edged weapon threats and develop practical defensive skills.
The system is designed for civilians, security professionals, and martial artists alike.
- Self-defense focused individualsUnderstand how knife attacks happen and learn practical strategies to survive and escape.
- Security and protection professionalsSpecialized training for those who may encounter edged weapon threats in their professional duties.
- Martial artists seeking blade awarenessComplement your existing skills with realistic knife defense training that exposes common misconceptions about blade encounters.
- Krav Maga and SDS practitionersDeepens the edged weapon defense component that is addressed in Krav Maga and SDS at an introductory level.
- Instructors and trainersGain the knowledge and methodology to teach knife defense responsibly and effectively within your programs.
12 levels – from your first session to expert
Every level has clear goals. You take your exams online or at a center and receive your official SAMI diploma.
- Levels 1–4
Fundamentals
Combat drills, footwork, focus pad training, evasion, and 12 angles of attack. 6 angles defense, checking hand, trapping gates, knife defense fundamentals, and left hand drills. - Levels 5–8
Advanced
Disarmings, line management, controlled fighting concept, and knife threat defense. Sticking hands, knife vs. - Levels 9–12
Expert & Master
Full system mastery, complex scenario training, and advanced teaching methodology. Special knife techniques, ground defense, release training, gun defense, tactical decision-making, and professional …
Choose your path
In the app
Videos, guided trainings and live trainings – whenever and wherever you want.Start for freeOnline course with certificate
Knife level by level, with an exam and an official SAMI diploma.View courseAt a center
With a coach and a group at a SAMI center near you – request your trial class directly from the center.Find a trial classBecome an instructor
The certified SAMI instructor education for Knife.View the education
Next seminar: SAMI-X Knife | Seminar Paderborn · November 1, 2026
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All core systems, the entire video library, live trainings and learning tracks.
- All 5 core Combat Systems up to level 6
- Guided trainings and live sessions
- Learning tracks and progress
Or on its own: the online course SAMI-X KNIFE Combat – First Contact with the Blade for €18.90 – with exam and diploma.
Peter Weckauf
Peter Weckauf is the founder of SAMI International and creator of the SAMI Knife Fighting Concept. His system covers the full spectrum of blade combat — from artistic knife handling to realistic defense against edged weapon threats.
46 instructors teach Knife
Certified SAMI instructors teach Knife at centers – find someone near you or train online with them.
About SAMI Knife Fighting
Knife Fighting Concept is a sophisticated close combat system which focuses on the knife and its use for self-defense. Our mission is to promote and share SAMI Knife Fighting Concept around the world with the highest possible standards for quality and technical level.
The Art of the Blade
Knife fighting encompasses diverse techniques, strategies, and philosophies from various cultural and martial backgrounds. The practice demands masterful skill and agility, mental acuity, and the ability to defend and attack effectively in close combat. The discipline is valued for its finesse, grace, and the deep-rooted cultural significance it holds in various communities.
SAMI-X Knife is a martial art that embraces the rich history and beauty of this weapon while also incorporating actionable defense against all types of cutting and stabbing weapons. The training emphasizes movement beauty, weapon handling proficiency, drawing technique, plus defensive capabilities developed through skill and self-awareness.
The system covers unarmed defense against knife attacks and threats, knife combat techniques, prevention and deescalation strategies, multiple weapon types (knife, karambit, machete), tactical knife applications, and athletic knife combat/fencing.
Frequently asked questions
Is SAMI Knife Fighting suitable for beginners?
Yes. The system starts with awareness and recognition before progressing to physical techniques. No prior martial arts experience is required.
Do you train with real knives?
No. All training is conducted with rubber or aluminum training knives. Safety is the top priority. Real blade handling is addressed only in theoretical context to build understanding.
Is knife defense really possible?
SAMI Knife Fighting is honest about the dangers: no technique guarantees safety against a knife. The system focuses on maximizing survival chances through awareness, distance, evasion, and – only as a last resort – physical defense techniques.
Do I need a training partner?
Solo drills for footwork, evasion patterns, and awareness training can be done alone. Partner training is essential for realistic defense practice and is covered in live sessions and seminars.
Does the training address legal aspects?
Yes. SAMI Knife Fighting includes legal awareness training covering self-defense laws, proportional response, and the legal implications of using and defending against edged weapons.
What is the difference between Knife Fighting and Karambit?
SAMI Knife Fighting focuses on defense against standard knife attacks and general blade awareness.
SAMI Karambit is a specialized system for the curved karambit blade with unique grip techniques and movement patterns. They complement each other well.
Can knife defense be trained online?
Yes, partially. Awareness training, footwork drills, and theoretical understanding can be built online. Physical defense techniques should be refined in live or in-person training with proper safety equipment.
Can I become a certified SAMI Knife Fighting instructor?
Yes. SAMI offers a structured Instructor Education Program for Knife Fighting with defined modules and certification levels.