Balancing the Balisong: Tricks in 24 Levels of Increasing Complexity

Summary

In this article, we explore the art of balisong flipping, a traditional Filipino combative art using the balisong or batangas knife. Corbin Loven, a professional balisong flipper and winner of the 2019 Ballet Comp Championship, teaches tricks in 24 levels of increasing complexity. Corbin emphasizes safety, advises the use of a trainer blade, and highlights the importance of timing, balance, and momentum in performing tricks.

The Basics: Understanding the Balisong
Level 1-3: The Double Rollout, Thumb Rollover, and Chaplain
Level 4-6: Behind the Eight Ball, Behind the Eight Ball’s Brother, and Heli
Level 7-9: Blender, Aerial, and Scissor
Level 10-12: Y2K Rollover, Zen Rollover, and Reverse Thumb Rollover
Level 13-15: Index Rollover, Thumb Fan, and Thumb Fan Reverse
Level 16-18: Y2K Fan, Y2K Fan Reverse, and Thumb Fan to Y2K Fan
Level 19-21: Thumb Fan to Y2K Rollover, Y2K Fan to Thumb Rollover, and Thumb Fan to Zen Rollover
Level 22-24: Thumb Fan to Y2K Fan to Zen Rollover, Thumb Fan to Y2K Fan Reverse to Zen Rollover, and Thumb Fan Reverse to Zen Rollover

The Basics: Understanding the Balisong

Corbin Loven starts by explaining the parts of the balisong, including the bite handle, safe handle, spine of the blade, and cutting edge. He advises learners to use a trainer blade to avoid injuries and stresses the importance of safety in balisong flipping.

Level 1-3: The Double Rollout, Thumb Rollover, and Chaplain

Corbin teaches the first three levels of increasing complexity, starting with the double rollout, a basic opening, followed by the thumb rollover, which involves timing and catching the handle, and the chaplain, which requires balancing the blade on the pointer finger.

Level 4-6: Behind the Eight Ball, Behind the Eight Ball’s Brother, and Heli

The fourth level is behind the eight ball, which involves incorporating rollover and chaplain. The fifth level is behind the eight ball’s brother, which involves touching the tip of your index finger to the tip of your thumb and performing a thumb rollover. The final level is the heli, which is an advanced trick that involves doing the same movement as behind the eight ball but starting with the index finger between both handles.

Level 7-9: Blender, Aerial, and Scissor

The blender requires doing a reverse index rollover, grabbing the safe handle, and throwing a thumb rollover. The aerial involves tossing the balisong in the air without touching it, and there are three types of aerials: standard, ice pick, and helix. The scissor requires sticking the middle finger between the handles.

Level 10-12: Y2K Rollover, Zen Rollover, and Reverse Thumb Rollover

The Y2K rollover involves flipping the balisong in a counterclockwise motion. The Zen rollover requires rotating the balisong 180 degrees and catching it with the opposite hand. The reverse thumb rollover involves flipping the balisong in a clockwise motion.

Level 13-15: Index Rollover, Thumb Fan, and Thumb Fan Reverse

The index rollover involves flipping the balisong using the index finger. The thumb fan requires rotating the wrist counterclockwise and flicking the handle. The thumb fan reverse is the reverse of the thumb fan.

Level 16-18: Y2K Fan, Y2K Fan Reverse, and Thumb Fan to Y2K Fan

The Y2K fan involves flipping the balisong in a counterclockwise motion and then doing a fan. The Y2K fan reverse is the reverse of the Y2K fan. Thumb fan to Y2K fan involves doing a thumb fan and then transitioning to a Y2K fan.

Level 19-21: Thumb Fan to Y2K Rollover, Y2K Fan to Thumb Rollover, and Thumb Fan to Zen Rollover

Thumb fan to Y2K rollover involves transitioning from a thumb fan to a Y2K rollover. Y2K fan to thumb rollover involves transitioning from a Y2K fan to a thumb rollover. Thumb fan to Zen rollover involves transitioning from a thumb fan to a Zen rollover.

Level 22-24: Thumb Fan to Y2K Fan to Zen Rollover, Thumb Fan to Y2K Fan Reverse to Zen Rollover, and Thumb Fan Reverse to Zen Rollover

Thumb fan to Y2K fan to Zen rollover involves transitioning from a thumb fan to a Y2K fan and then to a Zen rollover. Thumb fan to Y2K fan reverse to Zen rollover involves transitioning from a thumb fan to a reverse Y2K fan and then to a Zen rollover. Thumb fan reverse to Zen rollover involves transitioning from a reverse thumb fan to a Zen rollover.

Conclusion

Balisong flipping is an intricate art that requires patience, practice, and dedication. With Corbin Loven’s guidance, learners can progress through 24 levels of increasing complexity, mastering one trick at a time. Remember to prioritize safety and use a trainer blade to avoid injuries. Happy flipping!