Warrior's Edge DVD

[BruiseLee]

I just got a copy of Cold Steel's "More Proof" DVD, and found it to be highly entertaining. In it, there is a chapter called "The Warrior's Edge", which deals with training for knife combat. I have to admit, it looked interesting to me. I was looking forward to viewing some video instruction on knife fighting, but it turned out to be just an ad for the DVD set Cold Steel sells.

I went to the Cold Steel website to find out a little bit more about "The Warrior's Edge" DVD's - they want $250 for the set! Now, MAYBE if Bruce Lee had produced a multiple volume DVD set on Jeet Kune Do, I'd buy it at that price.

I think Lynn Thompsom probably does have considerable knowledge about knives and the fighting arts. But, let's be serious, the man is seriously overweight. There is no way that guy could go one round in the ring with a good fighter - I sparred two guys in the last week, and I probably weight 100 lbs. less than Mr. Thompson and am in way better shape, and I'm spent after just two rounds! In other words, I have serious doubts about anyone who considers themselves a fighting expert (he says he's the head instructor) who is that obviously out of shape. It's true that a knife fight can be over in seconds and stamina not come into play. But, think about some of the people that you know can kick some buttocks. Was Bruce Lee, Ali, Gracie, etc., that out of shape?

At any rate, has anyone actually seen this DVD series? What were your impressions?

Bruise

 

[SRYnidan]

BruiseLee

I don't know what your background and experience are.
I have seen and met Lynn Thompsom at many events I have attended over the years and yes he is a big guy but I would suggest that you make sure your life and health insurance are paid up. At the Solider of Fortune convention some years ago I watched as he played next to his booth with whoever came by. He held his own with everyone who was willing to give it a try.

Sandan
Shoshin Ryu Yudanshaki
Danzan Ryu Jujitsu

 

[Joe Demko]

Whatever skill Mr. Thompson has in martial arts is dwarfed by his expertise in hype and bombast.

 

[Don Gwinn]

Well, he IS the master . . . .

His system doesn't seem crazy to me (though I probably don't know enough to evaluate it) but it does seem to emphasize outside range knife-on-knife fighting. Not what I need.

 

[BruiseLee]

SRYnidan said:

I have seen and met Lynn Thompsom at many events I have attended over the years and yes he is a big guy but I would suggest that you make sure your life and health insurance are paid up. At the Solider of Fortune convention some years ago I watched as he played next to his booth with whoever came by. He held his own with everyone who was willing to give it a try.

All I can say is if you want to be at the top of your game at anything, in my experience you've got to PRACTICE. Practice constantly until everything is automatic. If I was the head instructor at a school of fighting arts, constantly practicing with big guys like in his DVD, I would think my body would be a little bit trimmer and more toned than Mr. Thompson's.

Having said that, I don't practice knife combat at all, so I have no doubt Mr. Thompson could beat me in knife combat. I'm glad to hear that Mr. Thompson's fighting skills made a positive impression on SRYnidan. Certainly Daniel Inosanto (Mr. Inosanto does a video testimonial to Cold Steel on the "More Proof" DVD) knows more about the fighting arts than any of us, and if he endorses Lynn Thompson, who am I to question that?

Bruise

 

[Joe Demko]

if he endorses Lynn Thompson,

He probably also endorsed a nice check from Lynn...

 

[JShirley]

There are various martial arts schools to cover contingencies. From a Japanese lineage, hojutsu (firearms training) is the way to meet tantojutsu. Put another way, if I somehow am forced to fight a large man known to carry large very sharp (strongest, sharpest) knives, and master of the most dangerous system in the world, despite my knowledge of arcane arts, and my confidence that I can take him without breaking a sweat, I will attempt to escape, and if unable, draw a firearm and shoot until the threat is unthreatening. Again, prior knowledge that someone is (1) a martial artist, and (2) carries the most dangerous knives in the world, even if they are not in evidence, should stand one in good stead if forced to explain a shooting solution.

We all only have so much time. It makes sense to maximize our training time, and knife-on-knife practice, while perhaps more useful than knife throwing for most people, just doesn't seem like a very efficient use of time. Put another way, if facing a knife and unable to disengage, the preferred response is to use a weapon that will enable you, the righteous peaceful defender, to deliver force to the aggressor while staying outside his engagement range. Knife vs. knife ain't it.

John