Sevillian Steel: The Traditional Knife-Fighting Arts Of Spain Paperback – September 1, 1999

Although not an in depth manual on specific techniques, if your paying attention you will learn something new.

James Loriega has created a very interesting and fascinating book that not only illuminates the art of the navaja but Spanish Culture also. The section on the Salva Virgo (Virginity Saver) carried by many Spanish Women was particularly informative. We must remember that during the centuries Mr. Loriega writes of there was no 911.Regarding the techniques presented; I would have to remind the other reviewers that Mr. Loriega's stated intentions (read HIS description in Editorial Comments) was not to write JUST another knife fighting book but to also do justice to the historical and cultural aspects of the navaja and its use. This he most certainly accomplished.I for one do not wish to become a knife brandishing thug. The reason I purchased this book was to better understand the Spanish Painter Goya (who lived during the time of the navajero) and this book did that. To me Mr. Loriega, in this work at least, typifies the martial artist at his best; one able and willing to defend oneself but also interested in the deeper and life enriching aspects of the arts.*** On Edit, seven years later. Given what I've heard and read regarding the author and his prior associations (Ronald Duncan, etc.), I can no longer personally recommend this book.

The reviews written here that say that the author, James Loriega, falsified these Spanish knife fighting schools and quite simply made stuff up are right on point. I have spent a few weeks training with James Loriega. I know the way he teaches martial arts, his idea of what martial arts should be, and the way he teaches knife fighting. To understand why you can not trust a word that is written in this book you have to understand James Loriega. Lets start with the way JL teaches knife fighting. He fancies himself a knife fighting expert. Ok. Except when he teaches it he contradicts himself constantly. This can be said about almost everything that he teaches (with one exception). Trust Me. I've had the misfortune of actually being in his dojo, although I had the good sense to leave after several sessions. James Loriega does not teach anything that can actually work in a real life situation. The best way I can describe it is that he teaches "martial artsy nonsense." If you want to learn how to fight. Go learn to box. Go learn MMA. But do not under any circumstances by this book or go into JL's dojo or any dojo resembling his. I will give him props on one thing though. He's good with hand locks, pressure points, things like that. If he grabs you by the hand your in trouble. That he does know how to do. Everything else; not so much. But even with that, if you get into a fight in the ring, on the street, in a bar, etc no ones going let you grab their hand. The first thing anyone does in a fight is ball their hands into fists and start throwing hammers. So even the ONE thing that JL can honestly say that he knows how to do is not all that useful. Go figure.I should also point out that Mr. Loriega teaches Ninjutsu. Here's the issue with that. After the few weeks I spent in JL's dojo I did some research into what ninjutsu actually is. Here's what I found out: In the times of the samurai the ninja were simply covert operatives much like certain elite units in the U.S. Military or other militaries across the world. That is all the ninja were. They did whatever they had to do in order to complete a covert mission. So teaching ninjutsu in a martial arts dojo concept doesn't make any sense. U.S. Military covert ops use ninjutsu and are taught ninjutsu. They don't call it that, but that's what it is. Teaching it in a dojo as if it is a self defense system, as if their is an actual style to ninjutsu fighting is ridiculous. Their is no style. You do whatever you have to do to complete a covert mission, that's it, period. You throw out what is unnecessary and do only what is essential. It's like going into the future and seeing a martial arts school on a street corner with the sign: Green Beret Martial Arts: Learn how to kick, punch, and do wrist locks like a Green Beret.It never ceases to amaze me how these out of shape old men who probably have never been in a real fight in their lives, fancy themselves "warriors." James Loriega is for all intents and purposes a midget. He is under 5 feet tall. He is out of shape, he has a gut the size of a mini fridge. Yet he thinks of himself as a killer. The thing about boxing or MMA is that you can turn on the tv and see that it works. You can actually see people using it to win fights and make millions. All the boxing trainers and MMA trainers are ex fighters. If you don't believe in their skills? Go on youtube and run a search and see some of their fights. If you really wanna test them? Walk into their gym and challenge them to spar. They will gladly accept. Try doing that in JL's dojo. His response will be; it is beneath him to accept a challenge from someone who isn't on his level. Wow. How convenient. A man who's job it is to teach people how to fight. Wont ever actually fight because it is simply "beneath him". Anyway I'll cut to the chase. Is this book filled with lies and fantasy? Yes. Is James Loriega a charlatan and a con artist? Yes. Is James Loriega a martial artist? No. You wanna see a martial artist? Anderson Silva is a martial artist. Floyd Mayweather is a martial artist. James Loriega is a disgrace and a liar. If he ever actually fights anyone his lies will be exposed in a matter of seconds. The most pathetic thing of all is that he probably lies to himself.P.S.-It may seem that I have a personal issue with Mr. Loriega which is absolutely not the case. I do however take it personally when I see someone selling lies and conning people out of money.

Mr Loriega has written a comprehensive study of the spanish navaja. He has devoted equal time to its history, and use. I was impressed with his sincere devotion to the spanish " High Art ". The tactics and techniques, were clearly presented. I suggest you first read his book The Baretero, and then read this masterpiece. Finally, look up his name on youtube, to watch him perform some of his techniques. Excellent, Thank you Master Loriega!!!!

If your intent is to read a knife fighting manual for self defense purposes then do not read this book. Mr. Loriega does an excellent job at describing the history of the spanish fighting arts and he obviously knows a fair amount about spanish culture. Sadly the book comes up short when it comes to demonstrating knife fighting techniques as the few techniques that are shown are very basic and can be found in most self-defense manuals. Read this book if you are a spanish history buff, but not if you are interested in using a knife for self defense.

This book was not quite as I expected it to be after reading manual of the baratero translated by the same author. I was expecting more on techniques and photo illustrations though there are a couple with some photos of navaja and a little history if you are looking for a training manual save your money and look elswere

dont touch me

Ottimo volume. Piacevolmente sorpreso. Conoscevo la riproduzione del volume originale ma questo non è per niente di meno. Consigliato a tutti gli appassionati