Knife Training in Amarillo, TX 14-15 May 2005

[Michael Janich]

Noted author and edged-weapons instructor Michael Janich will be conducting a Martial Blade Concepts Basic Course in Amarillo, Texas, 14-15 May 2005. This two-day program will cover Levels 1 and 2 of the official MBC curriculum and provides a thorough foundation in standard-grip knife tactics, high-speed reflex training drills, and knife deployment skills. Each day consists of an 8-hour block of hands-on instruction. Tuition is $175.00 for Level 1 only and $300.00 for both courses. Level 1 includes a Masters of Defense training knife and a protective armguard (together a $175.00 value). To register, please contact Chuck Rives at 806-517-0794. Enrollment is limited.

[JD Spydo]

Hello Mr. Janich. I sent you a PM some time back as to whether or not I could do this training under my circumstances. I have somewhat bad knees. Does this training of yours mandate that one must be in optimal physical shape to participate. I have read your great articles in Tactical Knives and other great publications and really like the knives you design and would love to learn the appropriate use of them. I would like to know more about using them on a professional basis but if you've got to be in the shape of a football player to learn the art of it; I need to know. By the way: That article you did in Tacticle Knives in the Fall of 03 about the Cold STeel Arc Angel was really super. I personally want to thank you for all you do to promote the cause of all of us knife lovers. Thanks a million!! :spyder: :)

[pyrolyzer]

I'm hosting Mike's Class in Amarillo and I'm really looking forward to it! :cool: I took levels one and two of the MBC Curriculum last fall in another town and loved it so much that I couldn't wait to sponsor a class where I live.

MBC is pretty gentle on the practitioner. You won't come away too beaten up or sore. Physical limitations that prevent you from taking up empty handed fighting methods are one of the best reasons to learn MBC. When I was in Mike's class before, we had several . . . well . . . er. . . seasoned former athletes might be the way to say it in class. (Some of those knees may have last flexed during the Reagan Administration.) They were all able to participate, learn and come away with something. At the same time, students who wanted to play a little harder, faster, and rougher could do so too. The key is to just find other people in the class who have similar interests and practice/learn with them.

Give me a call, send me a PM or an E-Mail (pyrolyzer@sbcglobal.net) and I'll be glad to provide whatever I can.
Thanks

Chuck Rives

[Michael Janich]

Dear JD Spydo:

I apologize for not responding to your PM. I don't often do the PM thing, so I keep forgetting to look when I log on. Thanks for posting on this thread and bringing your question up again.

MBC is designed to enhance the capabilities of every practitioner and does not require high levels of fitness. All students are encouraged to work within their own limitations and to rest when they feel the need. Since I began teaching my curriculum about seven years ago, I have had literally hundreds of students go through the training. They have ranged from teenagers (with parents also in attendance) to folks well into their 60's and have included people with a variety of pre-existing injuries, medical conditions, and other physical challenges. They all did fine and learned to adapt the training to their personal needs.

The average student tends to be around 40-ish and developed an interest in edged weapons specifically because he/she was no longer as strong or as agile as he/she once was (I guess we're all naturally lazy and eager to cheat -- that's what sparked my interest in this stuff).

As I teach in my class, at the end of the training, the goal isn't for everyone to fight like me; it's for everyone to fight well. And the only way to do that is to work with what you've got, add a knife to it, and make the most of it.

By the way, thanks to an overzealous martial arts instructor, I trashed my knees back in my teens doing lots of high, snappy kicks. A recent strain of my right MCL didn't help matters much. Although I can't claim to know how you feel, I do have an idea of what bad knees feel like. That's another reason I focus on the knife (see lazy/cheater comment above).

I'm glad you enjoy my articles and appreciate your kind words on my writing. I hope to see you in Amarillo.

Stay safe,