Non fictional realm of the blade. Edgy topics require bluntness in pedagogy, directness in methodology. The mysticism, and on the other end of the spectrum- oversimplification, to which knife fighting has been elevated (or reduced) has produced three distinct realms- one of overly artistic, artificially designed to impart visual impressions of savagery and overkill, often with added flavor of “cool dude” who performs intricate combinations of multiple ritualistic kill’ology moves while casually talking to audience as if it’s his daily routine, second one of “stab first, stab fast and stab often” prophets of self proclaimed old school of badassery, casually telling folks that linear aggressive attitude, with 3 extra shots of anger, combined with garage converted into training place, which is meant to imply “no fluff, no bullshit” translates to recipe of victory and last- the magicians- offering tricks with ethnic flavor, disregarding the reality that drills meant to develop and enhance specific attributes-timing, precision, distance awareness, etc- they rarely if ever directly transcend into realm of application in a fight. Being proficient with the blade isn’t about tricks, nor is it artificially oversimplified affair. And adults should account for ALL facts- not just prevailing in the engagement, but also not losing the rest of one’s life to legal avalanche and moral consequences of such event. The topics to be covered in this intensive two-day class: Day One (8 hours) Selecting YOUR knife- what to look for, what to avoid, how to evaluate design features. Understanding distinct modes of knife usage, comprehending moral, legal and technical aspects of its deployment in different modes. 3 stages of offensive blade deployment. Distance, angle, workspace management. Developing precision. Basics of cut/slash attack. Day Two (8 hours) Knife access- folder/fixed blade. Basics of thrust/stab attack. Knife in a clinch. Understanding, knowing and choosing. Anatomy for knife usage. On receiving end- dispelling myths of knife defense. Conflict management intro. This is intensive and fast paced class, purposefully designed to take students from zero skill or fantasy land territory into realm of relative competence with basic knife usage skills that are applicable for violent encounters throughout the range of force continuum and accounting for legal realities. This class involves significant amount of contact between training partners, and will utilize variety of training aides to simulate specific factors.