Using Fixed Blade Knives in Martial Arts

jazzynfo | Mar 15, 2010 |

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You will have to truly balance the pros and cons of using any knife in a street type situation BEFORE you ever choose to carry one. It is the opinion of this writer, an avid martial artist; one should depend on him or herself first before ever thinking about the use of a fixed blade knife or any other weapon. With that said congratulations on your decision to incorporate knives with your training. Understanding their purpose, utilization, and training to incorporate their uses into your form will enhance the training that you already have, or are seeking. The learning process should absolutely be done through a qualified training facility.

A few things that you should consider before you choose your training provider:

Soul search: What discipline of training do you wish to learn? Is it your wish to learn martial arts as an art form or a discipline? There is a huge difference, and it is to be respected. The difference is one that could cost you much more in time, money and effort. If you love blade fights in old kung fu movies, karate tournaments, flowing forms (such as Katas, a series of learned positions and movements against imaginary opponents), sporty atmospheres, etc., then you are certainly interested in the use of fixed blade knives as an art form. Learning the use of blades in this fashion is enlightening, good for the circulatory system, and teaches balance and the proper form.

If you are learning use of fixed blade knives to protect yourself, and quite possibly to survive, then you are definitely learning this as a discipline. Under these circumstances, you must do your homework. Before finding yourself in the situation where you have to use a weapon (hopefully you won't be, I would hate to be there myself), you should be well-trained, because once you have drawn that weapon in a fight, you may be forced to use it. Knowing this and understanding the gambit of potential repercussions associated with use of a deadly weapon, the proper training will help you be whole hearted about defending yourself when it comes time to act.

In order to receive this type of training, seek a facility that will place you in a realistic situation where you will have to use what you are taught under controlled conditions. A training program like this will push you to train your mind and body; however the training will focus on practical application. When it comes to using a knife for self defense, the training is not the same as if you were joining a school to attain a color belt for your progress. There is no glamour, nor is it as pretty as the Katas you may see at weapons tournaments. It comes down to saving your life, the battle of survival. In weapon training, there won't be much emphasis on the history or the culture behind everything that you would receive in some schools. The emphasis will be on you defending yourself. Both sides of fixed blade training are excellent, but be clear about what you need , what you want, and how you are going to utilize what you learn.