The knife is one of the earliest tools used by humanity and is considered a basic survival tool. Various types of knives are available to serve different purposes in the modern world. Although this course primarily focuses on the single-edged fixed-blade combat knife, the techniques can be applied to any common knife available today.

It is suggested to practice safely with a plastic knife or training aid.

This course teaches the stances, blocks, strikes, offensive and defensive techniques for using a single knife or in combination with an additional knife or stick in several different self-defense scenarios. Additionally, katas are demonstrated and explained for using a knife in one – or both hands. The techniques are comprised primarily from the Philippine style of Escrima/Arnis.

Topics include the following:

Single knife:

Weapon description, Holding the weapon, Stances, Angles of attack, Footwork, Fighting principles, Takedowns & wrist grabs, Pictos strikes, Disarms, Knife drills, and the single knife kata,

Two hand knife fighting:

Double knife fighting principles, and the double knife kata.

Knife and stick fighting

Techniques of how to use the knife and stick in combination for self-defense purposes.

It is an ideal teaching aid for review, rank testing, competition, and self-defense.

Grandmaster Michael A. Stelzer holds several advanced ranks (10th Dan and above) in various styles of martial arts. Additionally, he is a martial arts national champion.