john row
01-20-2001, 12:00 AM
As most of you know, Michael Janich is well known in the knife world. An author of many self defense books including Knife Fighting: A Practical Course and Street Steel. A contributor of many articles and reviews in the knife magazines such as Tactical Knives. And he has several videos out on various aspects of using a knife for self defense.
I had the pleasure of attending Mr. Janich's Martial Bladecraft Level I seminar earlier today. The seminar was sponsored by Spyderco and was held at the Spyderco Factory Outlet. The cost of the seminar was $125 which included the price of either a Spyderco Endura or Delica drone, a continental breakfast, lunch AND eight hours of hands-on, personalized training from Michael and his long time assistant, Matt. Those attending receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of the day.
The first thing that struck me is the value I received for my money. The cost of the drone is $65 to $70 depending on which model you choose. For the $55 or $60 remaining, you receive eight hours of TOP NOTCH instruction from a leading expert in the field!
Mike opened by explaining safety issues while training and the ethics of using a knife in a defensive situation.
The class was then shown various knife grips, how to properly obtain them for weapon retention, effective application and "impact shock management".
A proper stance to maintain balance and mobility was demonstrated and the advantages of having your lead hand forward (but held close to your body) for speed and distance targeting.
I had read Mike's Knife Fighting: A Practical Course before taking the class. In his book he explains basic cutting and thrusting angles, "chambering", flow and targeting, etc. Participating in this class made these aspects (as well as "zones of defense' ) very clear and easily understood.
After lunch, Passes, Follows and Meets were demonstrated.
Mr. Janich talked about selecting a knife for self defense and brought out a selection of his knives to demonstrate the pros and cons of alot of the popular knives most of us own.
Unfortunately, at this point, I had to leave several hours early. I tore some ligaments in my back several days ago and the pain meds were wearing off.
The remainder of the class time was spent participating on the various things we'd been shown. Carrying, deploying and opening were covered. Anatomical targeting - "Defanging the Snake", controlling the level of force used, the effects of clothing on cuts and thrusts were other subjects that were covered.
A few impressions and "oh, by the way's":
The biggest impression that I came away with is how genuinely interested Mike and Matt are in having people learn this stuff. I've read articles, books and viewed videos by Mr Janich as well as others on MBC. I've always been sort of intimidated by these guys. Mr Janich was eager to answer "dumb" questions, explain techniques and did so without talking down to his class. I really appreciated that!
Several things others may be interested in knowing :
The seminars are going to be on a regular basis! Those that don't have the priviledge of living closeby can plan ahead.
There will be six levels of instruction.
Overall, I learned quite a bit from Mr Janich's class and feel that it is a BARGAIN for what is taught!
John Row
colobbfan
DANG!!! Oh well, still have nine more fingers!! LOL
Edited by - John Row on 1/23/2001 4:06:16 PM
I had the pleasure of attending Mr. Janich's Martial Bladecraft Level I seminar earlier today. The seminar was sponsored by Spyderco and was held at the Spyderco Factory Outlet. The cost of the seminar was $125 which included the price of either a Spyderco Endura or Delica drone, a continental breakfast, lunch AND eight hours of hands-on, personalized training from Michael and his long time assistant, Matt. Those attending receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of the day.
The first thing that struck me is the value I received for my money. The cost of the drone is $65 to $70 depending on which model you choose. For the $55 or $60 remaining, you receive eight hours of TOP NOTCH instruction from a leading expert in the field!
Mike opened by explaining safety issues while training and the ethics of using a knife in a defensive situation.
The class was then shown various knife grips, how to properly obtain them for weapon retention, effective application and "impact shock management".
A proper stance to maintain balance and mobility was demonstrated and the advantages of having your lead hand forward (but held close to your body) for speed and distance targeting.
I had read Mike's Knife Fighting: A Practical Course before taking the class. In his book he explains basic cutting and thrusting angles, "chambering", flow and targeting, etc. Participating in this class made these aspects (as well as "zones of defense' ) very clear and easily understood.
After lunch, Passes, Follows and Meets were demonstrated.
Mr. Janich talked about selecting a knife for self defense and brought out a selection of his knives to demonstrate the pros and cons of alot of the popular knives most of us own.
Unfortunately, at this point, I had to leave several hours early. I tore some ligaments in my back several days ago and the pain meds were wearing off.
The remainder of the class time was spent participating on the various things we'd been shown. Carrying, deploying and opening were covered. Anatomical targeting - "Defanging the Snake", controlling the level of force used, the effects of clothing on cuts and thrusts were other subjects that were covered.
A few impressions and "oh, by the way's":
The biggest impression that I came away with is how genuinely interested Mike and Matt are in having people learn this stuff. I've read articles, books and viewed videos by Mr Janich as well as others on MBC. I've always been sort of intimidated by these guys. Mr Janich was eager to answer "dumb" questions, explain techniques and did so without talking down to his class. I really appreciated that!
Several things others may be interested in knowing :
The seminars are going to be on a regular basis! Those that don't have the priviledge of living closeby can plan ahead.
There will be six levels of instruction.
Overall, I learned quite a bit from Mr Janich's class and feel that it is a BARGAIN for what is taught!
John Row
colobbfan
DANG!!! Oh well, still have nine more fingers!! LOL
Edited by - John Row on 1/23/2001 4:06:16 PM