Knife Sparring Progression

[HungryWolf21]

Let me know what y'all think of this method of progression for knife training. If y'all think that I might have left something out, feel free to add on.Knife Drill Progressions


I. One-on-One Knife Sparring (One hand only)
A. Each player wields one knife and attempts to cut the opponent’s knife wielding hand.
II. One-on-One Knife Sparring (One weapon, one empty hand)
A. Now both hands are included. Knife control is now allowed and both arms are fair game for cuts.
III. One-on-One Knife Sparring (Weapon in each hand)
A. Now both hands have knives and both arms are fair game.
IV. Full sparring (One weapon, one empty hand)
A. Each player has one knife and the entire body is fair game.
V. Full Sparring (One player has a knife)
A. One player has a knife and the other is unarmed. The entire body is fair game. The unarmed player should focus on evasion, knife tapping, and knife control.
VI. Full Sparring (Player has knife and boxing glove)
A. This is the same as above, but this time the knife-wielding player is allowed to hit with the non knife wielding hand as well. This forces the unarmed player to focus on total defense and dominate positions.
VII. Full Sparring (One player with knife; both players allowed hits)
A. Now both players are allowed to hit each other. This stresses knife control, dominate positions, and offensive techniques.


Note that this progression goes from attribute training (footwork, speed, line familiarization, etc.) to actual application of attributes and techniques. The last full sparring can also be done with both players having knives.

[Chad W. Getz]

Sounds like you have a nice progression. You may be able to eliminate some of the earlier hand only sparring to quicken your progression without losing the attribute training. A shiny piece of metal will build attributes rather quickly as is.

[Danny T]

HungryWolf

I don't want to seem too critical here. The fact that you are at least doing some sparring is great. However, I feel the last thing one wants to do in a fighting situation is duel. I want to either get out or take the attacker/s out, NOW!! Not duel with them.
This progression seems (to me anyway) to be a great dueling progression. Blade awearness is very important but, being awear of the blade and being focused on the blade is different. In a fighting situation I certainly want to be awear of the blade, but focus my attention on taking my opponent out as I control the blade.

I have seen many practicing this way and when asked if I was willing to train they are in shock at how quickly they are taken out because their focus learned from the drilling is on get the knife, cut the hand, cut the arm and not the knifer.

Danny T

[Chad W. Getz]

Hi Danny, could you add on here?

[brokenelbow]

As a drill it's not bad but it seems like you're training more for point sparring than self defense. A FMA instructor friend hates all the hand chasing that many JKD schools teach. He gets "kills" on me without ever taking my blade. His opinion is that the opponent still has another arm, two legs and the ability to call for help.

[DJColdfusion]

Mike,

Do you mind if I use those stories on my site sometime?