[FSCJedi]

For any who don't know what I'm talking about, see here...

AHFAA (http://ahfaa.org/)

Anyway, on to my post.

Does anyone know where I can find a good source for learning how to fight using a tomahawk and/or tomahawk/long knife (bowie, etc...) combo? Some of the links on that site are broken, and I can't seem to find much info anywhere on handaxe/tomahawk fighting at all. We have any reenactors here? There has to be a few somewhere on here... :cool:

[Skofnung]

I have practiced hawk/knife, hawk/hawk, and both as singles. I am not an expert by any means, but I can offer some basic pointers from my limited experience.

1) I would only use the edge of the hawk for a coup de grace. If you stick that edge into a soft target, it WILL get stuck. You may be able to pull it out, you may not.

2) The beard of the hawk can be used to "hook" an opponent's right shoulder (if you are RH) to aid in pulling the opponent onto the knife in the LH. The knife should be aimed just under the sternum, pointed slightly up.

3) The back (poll) of the hawk can and should be used as a club. This is the primary surface that I use, as it packs a whallop and does not get stuck.

4) I prefer hawks with a slightly convex or rounded edge (bit). If you need to CUT (not chop) with it, you will find that the convex bit is better than the straight bit.

If you want to learn to use these weapons, just get them and practice to see what moves fit you best. There are no katas that I know of in this (nor should there be IMO) style and the sky is the limit in terms of variation. I think that the simplest ones are the most practical.

The hawk is not my weapon of choice. If I had the option of other handheld weapons, I would most likely go with them. The hawk would rank about 5th or 6th on my list. But, I would not feel helpless with one by any means.

Good luck to you.

[El Tejon]

FSC, many Southern Chinese boxing styles use the hand axe. May want to check out a Choy Li Fut or Hung Gar kwoon near you.:)