Looking for knife fighting/disarming training

[pitsmile]

Looking for someone who teaches (and is reputable) knife fighting and disarming. I live in North NJ but am willing to travel to NY, PA, or CT within reason (1-2 hours). I am open to videos, but feel actualy training with someone is always better to learn technique and for correction during practice.

Also, does anyone have experience with or know about Hock Hockheim?

I hope this is posted in the right area.

 

[Sam1911]

Moved to S&T as this is a training question.

Some of my club members have taken pretty intense edged weapon classes and I could ask around for recommendations -- though those would be largely in the Harrisburg area, so a bit outside your travel zone.

 

[pitsmile]

You are about 3 hours away, though I wouldn't be opposed to coming out for a seminar of some sort. If you hear anything I would appreciate the heads up. I just arranged private classes with the owner of the MMA school I do kettlebells at, but more exposure and more points of view can't hurt. Thanks.

btw- you have a great signature

 

[sidheshooter]

Another proven option:

http://www.cruciblesecurity.com/

Click on 'training' and then 'civilian' to get to McCann. Check around if you don't yet know who this guy is.

He's a little outside the driving circle you mention, but not by much (N. VA, just south of DC).

FWIW.

 

[RandomPerson]

I'm sure you'll find LOTS of people willing to train you. Of those, I doubt you'll find a single one who has actually done this. A quick search of the internet will show you plenty of pictures of people who have tried (warning: VERY gory).

As someone who doesn't currently own a pistol, if someone pulls out a knife, my best defense equipment is a pair of running shoes.

I've heard two people talk about this topic in person. One works at a martial arts type school. He says they teach kids to take a knife from someone. The other person (former military) says they're taught that if you get in a knife fight, you're ARE going to get cut.

Your mileage may vary.

 

[smince]

AMOK!/Tom Sotis

http://www.amokcombatives.com/

 

[bb21]

You could look to see if there is a Krav Maga studio near you, which I am sure there is. Very good real world skills that work.
Good luck and be safe!

 

[pitsmile]

Thanks for all you input.

I would definitely 'tighten my Nike's' in a situation when possible. I always like to be prepared for the situation where fighting is the only option.

I have seen some pictures, I have a very strong stomach, they are not pretty.

 

[Geckgo]

best way to win a knife fight: bring a gun

Most people aren't stupid enough to attack you this way but the best way to disarm someone that takes a wide swing with either a knife or a bat is to step into it. If you can get close enough before their swing falls then you end up on the other side of the knife/bat and can wrestle it away from them. I once took a louisville slugger away from a kid this way. If they are stabbing and jabbing, you need to be very quick and grab their wrists. Hand a plastic ruler to a friend and ask him to "kill" you with it. The mechanics are self explanitory but it takes practice and even with that there is no guarantee. As was said, they pull a knife, run the other way. I carry my knife all the time and have never needed to show it to anyone in self defense. Attacking with one would be downright stupid.

 

[pitsmile]

Another proven option:

http://www.cruciblesecurity.com/

Click on 'training' and then 'civilian' to get to McCann. Check around if you don't yet know who this guy is.

He's a little outside the driving circle you mention, but not by much (N. VA, just south of DC).

FWIW.

Wow - serious stuff. My goal is to take his course, when I'm in a little better shape and have the extra money. Thanks for that.

 

[sidheshooter]

You and I both. McCann's the real deal. Or, at least, one of the real deals.

JMO.

 

[bikerdoc]

if you get in a knife fight, you're ARE going to get cut.

So true. Training is good and beneficial. Situational awareness and avoidance training is better.

Just my .02

 

[goalie]

If you try to take a knife away from someone, you had better hope and pray that they don't know what they are doing with that knife.

Someone who knows how to use a knife is gonna cut you real, real bad no matter how good you are.

 

[2WheelsGood]

If you try to take a knife away from someone, you had better hope and pray that they don't know what they are doing with that knife.

Like this guy from our morning paper: http://www.annarbor.com/news/crime/man-punches-would-be-robber-in-face-outside-briarwood-mall/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+annarbornews-mlive+%28Latest+from+the+Ann+Arbor+News+-+MLive.com%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

 

[hso]

These are the best of the folks that travel so you may be able to find a course in your area, Janich, South Narc, Mercop.

Be prepared for some very rigorous training and some bruises.

 

[mustang_steve]

The video I'm going to link is a little...violent...but it shows how real knife attacks often go down and makes a good point at the end. Namely, before the gun, people trained for knife/dagger defense. However as also shown in the video, you may not realize that you are under knife attack until the blade penetrates you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNOP3X9OyzM&feature=related

 

[BullfrogKen]

I've taken Insights Training's level 1 and level 2 Defensive Folding Knife classes with John Holschen. He travels a few times a year out to Harrisburg to instruct.

Not sure what you're interested in. Asking for a generic knife fighting class is a bit like asking, "Where can I find a place to learn martial arts?" There are nearly as many different approaches, teaching methods, and student expectations to the study as there are for martial arts classes.

 

[BullfrogKen]

To add - I saw hso mentioned SouthNarc. I've been exposed to a little of what SouthNarc does at Tom Given's MidAtlantic Conference this past Fall. He deserves his reputation as a good instructor teaching quality material.

 

[quatin]

Escrima/Kali has a long history of practitioners. It's a competitive sport and you can probably find a gym somewhere up there.

*Someone else asked and got some recommendations on another forum.

Here's a Kali academy in New Jersey and two in New York.
http://www.doceparesusa.com/home.html
http://sites.google.com/site/newyorkfma/
http://www.weaponstrainingnyc.com/index.htm

 

[chineseboxer]

No one is better than Tom Sotis in my opinion. His training starts with the meat an potato and lets you refine later. Most other drag you along before they give you the stuff that will save your ass. Check your area see if there is an AMOK group there. I have trained alot with Tom and his seminars are fantastic.

 

[rocky branch]

Like any fighting art, this would not be something learned on a casual basis.

Too many factors to list.
Dedication, time and practice being biggies, with emphasis on a LOT of each.

 

[pitsmile]

I am going to check into all the suggestions - thanks.

I understand the risk - I am not looking for a fight, but I do favor being prepared for the worst. I have MA training behind me - and yes, situational awareness is number one. I am now looking for something specific - as it has become an interest recently, and looking to be a hobby in the future. I appreciate all the input. I could never be too open minded, learn too many viewpoints, or learn from too many people - I think there will be something to take home from everyone. Moreover, since I carry a knife everyday, I want to be able to use it to its full potential, safely, effectively, and responsibly - if needed.

Thanks again.