Tuesday, May 20, 2014
TCS
KNIFE FIGHTING CONCEPT
Knife Cup 2014 – Competition in knife
sparring
Knife sparring and knife fighting – do they fit
together? The answer is clearly Yes! The International Knife Cup will be held
in Vienna for the fifth time this year, as a semi-contact point-fighting
tournament. Every hit gets you a point, reaction, speed and agility are
crucial, just like in real life.
November
15, 2014 is the big day: the International Knife Cup will take place in Vienna
for the fifth time, with participants from Austria and abroad. The previous
events have seen contestants from Russia, the Czech Republic, Germany, England,
Sweden, Italy, Spain, Greece, Argentina, Switzerland, Slovakia, and of course
from Austria.
Knife
sparring is primarily a sports competition, with the focus on skills, speed,
precision and agility. Knife sparring is based upon real knife fighting, of
course with the big difference that there are rules, categories, referees and
points in knife sparring.
The
idea of the event is to meet other contestants in a sporty exchange of skills.
Fairness will receive special attention, excessive force will be punished, just
like kicks, punches or throws, which will lead to disqualification.
Contestants
will use practice knives made of foam (Soft Sticks). Participants must wear a
helmet, shoes, cups and fist protection (Free Fight gloves) to reduce the risk
of injury.
Who can participate?
Everybody
is welcome to participate – beginners and advanced fighters from all
organizations and groups, rookies and old combat hands alike. To provide even
chances for all, there will be a Beginners Class for participants without
previous experience in competition and an Advanced Class for the more seasoned
fighters. Women will fight in their own Ladies Class, which has become more and
more popular over the years and has already produced some amazing encounters.
The tournament
The
tournament will start off with the preliminary rounds, divided in categories,
the categories will be divided in groups, depending on the number of
participants. Fights will be held Round Robin. Each fight lasts three minutes.
This allows each participant four or five contests and the chance to qualify
for the main event.
Beginners
and Ladies will get intermediate results depending on the number of rounds won.
When tied, points will decide upon the result.
The
participants ranked first and second from each category (Beginners, Advanced,
Ladies) will proceed to the main event. In the main event KO-modus will be
used, the first four ranks will be decided upon (semi-finals and finals).
Training techniques
Training
for the Knife Cup should focus o agility, speed and flexibility as well as on
tactics. The following exercises and techniques can help to hone these skills.
For
this year's Knife Cup we are looking forward to seeing many participants from
all organizations and groups because it is sport that unites us all. The
deadline for applications is November 13, 2014.
For
further information about seminars and instructors' courses go to www.sds-concept.com
In recent months you could read about SDS Concept and Tomahawk Fighting Concept. In this issue I will talk about TCS Knife Fighting Concept, another SAMI System. Like the two others, TCS Knife Fighting Concept is a totally independent close combat system which is based on fighting concepts and principles. The knife is one of the oldest cultural objects. It is a tool, but also a weapon, a sign of one’s position in society, it is a piece of decoration as well as a piece of art, bargaining counter and ritual object, and it is sports equipment. And – defense against knife attacks is gaining more and more attention in the world of the martial arts.
The knife is one of the oldest weapons known to mankind – and one of the most dangerous. You will find knives used in all cultures all over the world, used by men and women in all situations of life. Still, technical progress led to the loss of many ancient martial arts. In this article I will provide you with a short introduction to TCS Knife Fighting Concept, as well as some theoretical aspects of unarmed defense against knife attacks.
European history
Practitioners of European martial arts have mainly used edged weapons, just think of fencing or sword fighting. Most of these styles are rooted in and around Germany, Spain, Italy or France. During the knife’s long history as a weapon, many styles and schools of knife fighting have established themselves. They used to differ, depending on region, culture and roots.
TCS Knife Fighting Concept
TCS Knife Fighting Concept has been devised as an independent system which is 100% dedicated to all aspects of the knife, such as knife fighting, defense against knife attacks, tactical use of knives and knife fencing. This approach has enabled us to learn and train and therefore develop a martial arts style which combines a traditional weapon with modern training methods.
We wanted to devise a European system, untouched and unspoiled by politics and encrusted structures. Latest technical developments, various methods of practicing and training, independent and specific principles and concepts, and trainers and instructors who are didactically on top of their game are the building blocks of TCS Knife Fighting Concept.
TCS Knife Fighting Concept is 100% knife-based which means that we regard the topic as too serious and too important to let it be a mere appendix of another system. Certain concepts of armed combat just cannot be adapted and mixed and therefore be used in knife defense. All this made it necessary to focus on the knife’s characteristics, handling, strengths and weaknesses. The chances to reach a high level in the use of and the defense against the knife make our system so attractive.
Martial arts, self-defense and sport
TCS Knife Fighting Concept bridges the gaps between the three areas of martial arts, self-defense and sport.
Martial arts focus on developing and improving the user’s technique.
Self-defense improves and enhances personal safety of the user or other individuals in dangerous situations.
Sport – useful knife training to improve all the essential skills, like physical fitness, decision making, dedication, courage, confidence, and strategy and tactics.
These components – or pillars – complement each other. Sport – knife fencing – will improve skills like reaction, speed, agility, timing etc., all of which are very important for effective self-defense. Martial arts contribute certain training methods which will hone one’s skills. And, last but not least, let’s bring in stress factors and scenario based training from self-defense. Self-defense, martial arts and sport influence and complement each other in TCS Knife Fighting Concept.
Aspects of knife training
Knife fight – knife against knife. Attacker and defender both use knives actively.
Knife defense is defined as unarmed defense (for civilians and pros alike) against one or more attackers who use knives, but also as the protection of third parties against attacks with knives.
Threats with knives – knives are used to intimidate potential victims without actively using the knives.
Knife fencing –sportive competition, rule governed, using special practice knives.
Tactical use of knives – mainly in a military context to use the knife as a primary or secondary weapon.
Training will cover all of the aspects mentioned above. It is up to the users whether they want to dedicate themselves to the studies of the complete system or rather want to focus on certain parts, like knife defense.
Defense against knife attacks
Attacks with knives are certainly among the most dangerous attacks possible, defense against is one of the most complex topics in self-defense. We know of an abundance of theories, various concepts and a plethora of techniques. What is crucial for a successful defense, though, are permanent training, strategies and scenarios.
Data
Attacks with knives range on top of European statistics when it comes to armed attacks. Most of these attacks are not planned in advance. They happen on impulse or are triggered by alcohol or other drugs. More and more martial arts trainer and self-defense instructors understand the timeliness of the topic and therefore focus on it.
Distances and ranges for knife defense
Correct distance may be crucial for the results of knife attacks. Appropriate distance may be kept by receding or can even be improved by using obstacles, like tables or vehicles.
Zone 1 – attention zone
The attention zone is located outside the attacker’s reach. In order to launch an attack, the aggressor has to actively shorten this long distance. Being in Zone 1 allows you to prepare for the attack or even to anticipate it. Appropriate measures: assume Ready Position, arm yourself.
Zone 2 – danger zone
The danger zone is the area in which effective defense (without controlling the attacking arm) is nearly impossible. The danger zone is also known as middle – or medium – distance. In order to defend ourselves effectively,
tag3
we have to close the distance to the aggressor until we are in the defense zone. If self-defense is not possible we can always increase the distance.
Zone 3 – defense zone
Strangely enough, effective defense, control of the weapon or the chance to attack the aggressor’s weak points, requires us to fight off an attack in very close distance. We are now talking of the defense zone, which is one arm’s length maximum.
Understanding danger
Here’s a rule: you will never know exactly what somebody will do or how people react. Sometimes it’s easy to spot a threat, but on other occasions there may be no signals
tag3
of aggression whatsoever. Being able to anticipate danger, though, will be very valuable for your defense strategy. It is important to spot the source of danger as well as its kind. Only then can you assess the threat and start action. Even in the initial phase of a conflict, the verbal phase, it is crucial to switch on one’s danger radar to spot potential threats from the aggressor(s). Look for the following clues, verbal and non-verbal ones: loud voice, foul language, aggressive posture, quick movement, objects are grabbed, hands are put in pockets ar hid elsewhere, the aggressor moves closer, pushes or pulls you, throws objects…
Action plans in knife defense
Basically, there are two options for defense: de-escalation and aggression. Your decision will probably depend on the attack’s intensity, the aggressor’s physical abilities, your own skills, as well as on location and timing.
Our action plan serves as a memory aid for the training and defense of knife attacks. The more dangerous a situation is, the more important it is to have a good plan.
Concept – hit & run – do never use fixation techniques if this is your concept of choice. It’s best to practice simple blocks, punches and kicks and to combine them with your natural flight behavior.
Concept – defend & control – effective defense against a knife attack might require us to gain control of the aggressor and thus the situation. Escape is not always an option. The best distance to control the aggressor would be Zone 3, the defense zone.
Prevention
Attack is the best defense. Anticipate the aggressor before he can pull his knife and tries to stab you. A pre-emptive attack will improve your chances dramatically. Continue your attack until you get the chance to flee. Remember, prevention in only one option, as it’s not always possible to anticipate an attack.
Ready Position
Effective defense requires preparation, an alert stance. Your body should be tense, your arms in defending position, there should be plenty of distance between yourself and the aggressor. Still, assuming this “Ready Position” may not always be possible, e.g. in unforeseeable attacks.
Block/Avoid/Parry
Use one or both arms to defend yourself against a knife attack. Use your arms to block (stop) the attack, to parry (deflect) it, or to dodge the attack.
Control Arm
Following the initial defense, it is absolutely necessary to control the attacking (armed) arm before further damage might occur.
Attack Aggressor
Purely defensive tactics are not your best choice against a knife attack. To fight off the aggressor you have to attack him massively and put him under pressure.
Attack Arm
“Attack Arm” is synonymous to “destroy the attacking arm” – break it, dislocate, squeeze, bite, crush, lock and/or disarm it! Never ever try to disarm an aggressor without massively attacking or injuring him or putting him out of action first, it’s clearly too risky. On the other hand, disarming the attacker as a last step will make sure that he cannot use his weapon again and that you might even use it yourself for further defense.
Control Aggressor
Perfect control of the aggressor is only achieved if he poses no further immediate danger. Controlling the aggressor is only optional, as total control may be impossible to achieve or may not be advised, e.g. when fighting more than one
tag1
attackers.
Run
Run can be explained as fleeing a certain location at high speed.
Chances for self-defense
Focused and appropriate training will improve your chances against a knife attack. Still, you can never be 100% sure. You require control of defense techniques, but also the unconditional will to defend yourself, skills (speed, reaction, strength…), confidence, the ability to conquer your fears, command of tactics and strategy. All these will improve your chances of not being a victim of violence.
To summarize
If you want to learn and understand a system from scratch, it is necessary to know and understand all its details. This is, of course, especially true for such a complex topic as the defense against knife attacks. Only those who are willing to deal with the topic “knife” in all its details, will fully understand our concern. TCS Knife Fighting Concept is totally focused on edged weapons and has been devised to support its students in their growth as defenders, martial artists and combat athletes.
For Instructors courses, seminars and more information go to www.knifefighting-concept.com
The knife is one of the oldest weapons known to mankind – and one of the most dangerous. You will find knives used in all cultures all over the world, used by men and women in all situations of life. Still, technical progress led to the loss of many ancient martial arts. In this article I will provide you with a short introduction to TCS Knife Fighting Concept, as well as some theoretical aspects of unarmed defense against knife attacks.
European history
Practitioners of European martial arts have mainly used edged weapons, just think of fencing or sword fighting. Most of these styles are rooted in and around Germany, Spain, Italy or France. During the knife’s long history as a weapon, many styles and schools of knife fighting have established themselves. They used to differ, depending on region, culture and roots.
TCS Knife Fighting Concept
TCS Knife Fighting Concept has been devised as an independent system which is 100% dedicated to all aspects of the knife, such as knife fighting, defense against knife attacks, tactical use of knives and knife fencing. This approach has enabled us to learn and train and therefore develop a martial arts style which combines a traditional weapon with modern training methods.
We wanted to devise a European system, untouched and unspoiled by politics and encrusted structures. Latest technical developments, various methods of practicing and training, independent and specific principles and concepts, and trainers and instructors who are didactically on top of their game are the building blocks of TCS Knife Fighting Concept.
TCS Knife Fighting Concept is 100% knife-based which means that we regard the topic as too serious and too important to let it be a mere appendix of another system. Certain concepts of armed combat just cannot be adapted and mixed and therefore be used in knife defense. All this made it necessary to focus on the knife’s characteristics, handling, strengths and weaknesses. The chances to reach a high level in the use of and the defense against the knife make our system so attractive.
Martial arts, self-defense and sport
TCS Knife Fighting Concept bridges the gaps between the three areas of martial arts, self-defense and sport.
Martial arts focus on developing and improving the user’s technique.
Self-defense improves and enhances personal safety of the user or other individuals in dangerous situations.
Sport – useful knife training to improve all the essential skills, like physical fitness, decision making, dedication, courage, confidence, and strategy and tactics.
These components – or pillars – complement each other. Sport – knife fencing – will improve skills like reaction, speed, agility, timing etc., all of which are very important for effective self-defense. Martial arts contribute certain training methods which will hone one’s skills. And, last but not least, let’s bring in stress factors and scenario based training from self-defense. Self-defense, martial arts and sport influence and complement each other in TCS Knife Fighting Concept.
Aspects of knife training
Knife fight – knife against knife. Attacker and defender both use knives actively.
Knife defense is defined as unarmed defense (for civilians and pros alike) against one or more attackers who use knives, but also as the protection of third parties against attacks with knives.
Threats with knives – knives are used to intimidate potential victims without actively using the knives.
Knife fencing –sportive competition, rule governed, using special practice knives.
Tactical use of knives – mainly in a military context to use the knife as a primary or secondary weapon.
Training will cover all of the aspects mentioned above. It is up to the users whether they want to dedicate themselves to the studies of the complete system or rather want to focus on certain parts, like knife defense.
Defense against knife attacks
Attacks with knives are certainly among the most dangerous attacks possible, defense against is one of the most complex topics in self-defense. We know of an abundance of theories, various concepts and a plethora of techniques. What is crucial for a successful defense, though, are permanent training, strategies and scenarios.
Data
Attacks with knives range on top of European statistics when it comes to armed attacks. Most of these attacks are not planned in advance. They happen on impulse or are triggered by alcohol or other drugs. More and more martial arts trainer and self-defense instructors understand the timeliness of the topic and therefore focus on it.
Distances and ranges for knife defense
Correct distance may be crucial for the results of knife attacks. Appropriate distance may be kept by receding or can even be improved by using obstacles, like tables or vehicles.
Zone 1 – attention zone
The attention zone is located outside the attacker’s reach. In order to launch an attack, the aggressor has to actively shorten this long distance. Being in Zone 1 allows you to prepare for the attack or even to anticipate it. Appropriate measures: assume Ready Position, arm yourself.
Zone 2 – danger zone
The danger zone is the area in which effective defense (without controlling the attacking arm) is nearly impossible. The danger zone is also known as middle – or medium – distance. In order to defend ourselves effectively,
tag3
we have to close the distance to the aggressor until we are in the defense zone. If self-defense is not possible we can always increase the distance.
Zone 3 – defense zone
Strangely enough, effective defense, control of the weapon or the chance to attack the aggressor’s weak points, requires us to fight off an attack in very close distance. We are now talking of the defense zone, which is one arm’s length maximum.
Understanding danger
Here’s a rule: you will never know exactly what somebody will do or how people react. Sometimes it’s easy to spot a threat, but on other occasions there may be no signals
tag3
of aggression whatsoever. Being able to anticipate danger, though, will be very valuable for your defense strategy. It is important to spot the source of danger as well as its kind. Only then can you assess the threat and start action. Even in the initial phase of a conflict, the verbal phase, it is crucial to switch on one’s danger radar to spot potential threats from the aggressor(s). Look for the following clues, verbal and non-verbal ones: loud voice, foul language, aggressive posture, quick movement, objects are grabbed, hands are put in pockets ar hid elsewhere, the aggressor moves closer, pushes or pulls you, throws objects…
Action plans in knife defense
Basically, there are two options for defense: de-escalation and aggression. Your decision will probably depend on the attack’s intensity, the aggressor’s physical abilities, your own skills, as well as on location and timing.
Our action plan serves as a memory aid for the training and defense of knife attacks. The more dangerous a situation is, the more important it is to have a good plan.
Concept – hit & run – do never use fixation techniques if this is your concept of choice. It’s best to practice simple blocks, punches and kicks and to combine them with your natural flight behavior.
Concept – defend & control – effective defense against a knife attack might require us to gain control of the aggressor and thus the situation. Escape is not always an option. The best distance to control the aggressor would be Zone 3, the defense zone.
Prevention
Attack is the best defense. Anticipate the aggressor before he can pull his knife and tries to stab you. A pre-emptive attack will improve your chances dramatically. Continue your attack until you get the chance to flee. Remember, prevention in only one option, as it’s not always possible to anticipate an attack.
Ready Position
Effective defense requires preparation, an alert stance. Your body should be tense, your arms in defending position, there should be plenty of distance between yourself and the aggressor. Still, assuming this “Ready Position” may not always be possible, e.g. in unforeseeable attacks.
Block/Avoid/Parry
Use one or both arms to defend yourself against a knife attack. Use your arms to block (stop) the attack, to parry (deflect) it, or to dodge the attack.
Control Arm
Following the initial defense, it is absolutely necessary to control the attacking (armed) arm before further damage might occur.
Attack Aggressor
Purely defensive tactics are not your best choice against a knife attack. To fight off the aggressor you have to attack him massively and put him under pressure.
Attack Arm
“Attack Arm” is synonymous to “destroy the attacking arm” – break it, dislocate, squeeze, bite, crush, lock and/or disarm it! Never ever try to disarm an aggressor without massively attacking or injuring him or putting him out of action first, it’s clearly too risky. On the other hand, disarming the attacker as a last step will make sure that he cannot use his weapon again and that you might even use it yourself for further defense.
Control Aggressor
Perfect control of the aggressor is only achieved if he poses no further immediate danger. Controlling the aggressor is only optional, as total control may be impossible to achieve or may not be advised, e.g. when fighting more than one
tag1
attackers.
Run
Run can be explained as fleeing a certain location at high speed.
Chances for self-defense
Focused and appropriate training will improve your chances against a knife attack. Still, you can never be 100% sure. You require control of defense techniques, but also the unconditional will to defend yourself, skills (speed, reaction, strength…), confidence, the ability to conquer your fears, command of tactics and strategy. All these will improve your chances of not being a victim of violence.
To summarize
If you want to learn and understand a system from scratch, it is necessary to know and understand all its details. This is, of course, especially true for such a complex topic as the defense against knife attacks. Only those who are willing to deal with the topic “knife” in all its details, will fully understand our concern. TCS Knife Fighting Concept is totally focused on edged weapons and has been devised to support its students in their growth as defenders, martial artists and combat athletes.
For Instructors courses, seminars and more information go to www.knifefighting-concept.com
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