that's basically what it comes down to for me. training with a live blade in a learning environment isn't a real possibility for reasons that've already been mentioned, especially for the simple reason that when you do move to full speed (even if it's not at full impact), a blade slap or bruise is much more preferable than a deep press cut to the brachialis or a slash to the femoral artery followed by mid-thyroid decapitation.
maybe it's just me, but there's also a definite difference between when the person feeding the drill is using an aluminum training blade or a wooden one. metal trainers render a heightened sense of urgency for me when i'm working out. especially when freestyle sparring, the trainer offers the ability for us to go at close to full speed and strength with the only high danger zone being strikes to the face and eyes.
personally, that's as realistic as i want to get when it comes to a knife fight.
steve
maybe it's just me, but there's also a definite difference between when the person feeding the drill is using an aluminum training blade or a wooden one. metal trainers render a heightened sense of urgency for me when i'm working out. especially when freestyle sparring, the trainer offers the ability for us to go at close to full speed and strength with the only high danger zone being strikes to the face and eyes.
personally, that's as realistic as i want to get when it comes to a knife fight.
steve