Do Knife Fighting Videos Really Work...???

eekman

eekman

Joined
Mar 9, 2002
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36
I have just recently become interested in knife training. Where I live there isn't anyone who teaching knife fighting for self defense. I have heard very good things about Kelly Wordens instructional video tapes (Practical Knife Fighting #1 & #2) BUT I'm wondering can you learn enough from a video to make a real difference?

Of course I plan to practice what I see, but thats not the same as having people to practice with, or an instructor pointing out specifics problems/mistakes.

SO, can I learn enough through the Worden videos and my own solo practice to practically defend me and mine should the need arise???

Thanks,
Eek
 
Although videos are excellent training aids, you need to train with an instructor to "feel" when it is right and when it is wrong. The next best thing is find a buddy to practice with, in order to get a better sense of that feel, and even better yet, practice on people of all sorts of weights, sizes, and strengths, to get a feel for variety, since you may be attacked by someone with a very different physique and attitude of your training partner.

Best is all of the above in combination.

Of course, by viewing the videos and practicing what you see, you are ahead of where you were before practicing and watching. But it is not enough in my opinion. Surviving a fight is all about making the random probabilities work in your favor. The more you practice, and the more variety of opponents and scenarios you work with, and the more expereinced an instructor is, the more prepared you are for various contingencies. Videos only offer a finite amount of information, and could not cover all the possibilities. But buy 'em anyway! Review as you practice, for insight, and reminders. Apply and compare what you experience to what you see on tape.
 
Yes, you can learn enough to make a difference. Anything is better than nothing. I don't have anyone to train with now so, I just train solo, incorporating things that I've learned through various videos. Actually there is a video about training solo called "Command and Mastery". I think you can get it through Paladin Press. I enjoyed the video and found it to be useful. I have one Kelly Worden video that shows knife and stick techniques and I think it's pretty good. I would still try to find a partner though.
 
One more thing to add: the best videos to watch are ones you make of yourself practicing. You can objectively evaluate your performance, and see bad habits that you did not notice while actually doing things...
 
The command-and-mastery video is from Hoch Hocheim. He gives you some good drills and suggestions for practicing alone. No one I've heard has claimed video/solo work is enough, but it does give you one thing a partner can't - the chance to work your blade on some resistance. HH suggests you use a chunk of wood and drill on that. I use a hanging 4"x4" piece and it's quite impressive (well, to me) how much power you need to make a solid cut and thrust. Likewise, you learn how easy it is to mis-judge your strikes and that you need a solid grip. Think of it as a heavy-bag for your knife and enjoy accordingly.
 
Quality training videos are very helpful and wonderfully informational.

As noted, however, they cannot provide you with two essential elements.

1. The correct "feel" of a technique so that it works as intended.

2. The subtle nuances of a technique so you achieve what is referred to as "feel".

For example, you can watch a very accomplished instructor teach an arm bar on video. However, unless you actually train with an instructor who can teach you exactly how to successfully execute an arm bar so it works as intended, you are traveling in dark territory.

Having a partner to train with is good IF the partner can offer you accurate feedback. If he or she is likewise unskilled and relying solely on the video work...then you may both train a technique incorrectly and never know it until too late in the real world.

Video instruction takes on a new meaning after you've trained with a good instructor. You then become able to see and understand the movements and how the video instructor got to where he or she wanted to go. It makes sense. And you can dissect it accurately, then train it on the solid foundation you've built in a dojo or school (or in private lessons).

Video work is part of the overall equation. The videos you're considering are solid pieces of such work. If anything, they will motivate you to seek on-the-mat training in practical, responsible SD or bladework.
 
In the early 90s, I took so many meaningless, paid vacations and did basically nothing.

Take the time to schedule your vacation so it coincides with a posted seminar of a reputable Instructor. Line your ducks up in a row as far as transportation, etc.

Go to the seminar.

Obtain materials that will carry you from there and use them as a Guide.

Don't sit on the couch with a soda and bowl of pretzels and think you will absorb something like this by osmosis.

Find someone near you that is interested as you are, at least equally, and ... how do I say this?

Don't pick a raging prick where everything is going to be a game of tag or some sort of competition, because you will learn less than zero then.

Once you understand the basics, then the videos open up a whole new world to you...all you have to do is understand what you are saying...and then practice and apply it.
 
I agree with Don Rearic.

When I first started to learn the way of the knife. I bought some of Keating videos first and started practicing. It really came together after I attended a couple of the Riddle of Steel seminars. Videos are good to a point, but Instructor in the art are really the best way to go. I do understand how you fill about Instructors not be in your area. But if you truly want to learn the knife, you will half to make the sacrifice and travel.
I'm not say don't buy videos. In some ways they helped. I know they made the first seminar alot easier to understand cuase I knew angles of attacks and most of the foot work.

Beleive me shop around you will find some Instructor in your area that train out of there house. A lot of the Filipino arts are done out of garages and backyards.

Best of luck in your search, Brian Everett
 
If you are looking for a partner, try posting a notice at a nearby college or university. As Randal16-1 said, there are garage trainers all over the place.

If you are picing a video to give you good solo practice, make sure you get a video that deals with that more. A video that does sumbrada drills for 75 minutes won't help, as you won't have a partner! Also, amke sure you get a video that is relevant to you. it is best to watch them all, but if you carry a folder, maybe start with Janich's folder videos. If you like reverse grip knife fighting, Keating and Worder have been recommended to me by some Don Rearic punk (thanks Don!). Also, you can e-mail or otherwise get a hold of the stars of these videos and ask them what is good and how it can help. For example, Janich posts at the Spyderco forum, and Greg is here. You can ask them how their videos cna help you.

Good luck!
 
Ray hit it!

The answer to this question depends on 3 things:

The instructional ability of the teacher.
The complexity/nuances of the material being taught.
The comprehension and practical skill of the student.

I'm of the opinion that if is technically too complicated or nuance-laden to learn from video with a partner, then it is probably to technically complicated to use under stress of a violent altercation.
 
it really dont take a lot of training in order to stab someone.
most people you will come up against, that carry a knife wont have any training, but may of used the knife, i.e. muggins or fights etc,
I think more training should be given to being able to defend against a knife attack.
as most of the time you will be attacked without warning, and wont be able to get your own knife out.
so some simple defense's are a must.
try the gutterfighting board for more info.
steve.
 
Originally posted by Crayola
If you like reverse grip knife fighting, Keating and Worder have been recommended to me by some Don Rearic punk (thanks Don!).

Good luck!
Click to expand...

Ahh, ya Canuck Bastid, come'ere and I'll carve my initials in ya, [Mutley Laugh Follows...] :D
 
Originally posted by steve. c.
I think more training should be given to being able to defend against a knife attack.
Click to expand...

You need to learn how to use anything and everything, and you need to know how to fend off an attack to draw or to obtain [grab] anything and everything.

as most of the time you will be attacked without warning, and wont be able to get your own knife out.
Click to expand...

That's not an absolute either. Robbery by Assassination is not the norm here. If it becomes the norm, as it is in some other places, that will become more of a problem. And yes, it is a very hard problem to deal with.

so some simple defense's are a must. try the gutterfighting board for more info.
steve.
Click to expand...

I am the multiple ax-hand man. :D
 
James and Ray,

Good points. I guess the problem I've seen is a library full of well-watched tapes, but no practicing done by the viewer -- that's where I was coming from... :D

Getting a partner or going to an instructor will force some to keep up with DOING the training, rather than just being a spectator.

Best,

Brian.
 
Brian - I agree with you - anyone who is not self-motivated isnt going to learn anything even with the best teacher, videos, training equipment, etc.

Like the man said - you can lead a horse to water but you cant make him drink!

[or like Dorothy Parker said, "you can lead a whore to culture but you can't make her think!"]
 
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