Knifist is a style of combat popularized on Alderaan before its destruction. After the Alderaanians destroyed all their armaments, the dueling societies needed something to fill the void. Knifist arose. It involves slashing and stabbing movements with the hands and feet, as if wielding knives. The same is true for the defense, as knifist combatants are taught to deflect weapons with their bare hands (by striking them on blunt surfaces at precise angles). While difficult to learn, and exceedingly so to master, once mastery has been achieved it is quite deadly. Many a knifist master can fight an armed opponent and win, without the use of a single weapon. The draw-back is that this form requires the use of two unfettered hands and two equally unfettered feet, which means that those who wish to practice it must do so unarmed. Still, it is among the most beautiful and effective styles in existence.
Stance
Feet are either square or strong/weak side forward, resting on the balls of the feet. Hands are held at about waist level which allows strikes to be thrust from the lower body.
Striking
Strikes rise from the waist, impacting vital points with ‘dagger-like’ precision and poignancy. Feet are equally devastating, snapping quickly from a ‘ball-of-the-foot’, seemingly relaxed and poised beginning.
Defense
From the waist, open hands may rise at any time to defend, and from any angle. The toughness of the hand may deflect, or the learned student may choose to grab and disarm. Feet are rarely used for defense, but a capable artist may find countless ways to use them.