The KNIFE COACH #7: A Few Solo Training Idea's:

Like many of you the old Knife Coach has to train alone every now and again. Obviously training with another well trained human being is the optimum choice for hi-level training growth. But that option sometimes just isn't available to you for a variety of reasons. So solo training is what you are left with. In solo training the use of the mind can be as important as the training of the body. Creativity, invention and targeted technical investment are key elements in staying motivated and successful in accomplishing your goals. Have fun, enjoy what you do. Trust your instincts - follow your spirit.

So let us start by listing some of these methods that you may employ alone to enhance your overall abilities with the blade. Many of you have the training "tools" I'm speaking about already laying around your studio area. So, re-purposing them only makes sense and save's you dough as well.

A General List:
   *One 26" inch stick
*A training knife
                        *Some type of training Ring (16")
*A long rope

Ok, let's begin with some explanations and clarifications. First off, these elements we are going to be speaking about are just starting points. They can inspire you to create your own methods. As starting points these methods are not goals or destinations. They are a means to starting the journey, they are a means of getting closer to your goals. Like a high divers springy diving board these things I share with you are meant to launch you into your own truths and values. They are developmental vehicles, use them accordingly to increase your personal tactical content with edged implements.

As per the one stick and one training knife listed above:
If you know how to perform the box pattern drill (sumbrada) with a partner then you are already one step ahead of the rest of the pack. In order to do this type of mind-body solo training exercise you will surely have to know the box pattern very well. (if you do not know this exercise then by all means take the time to learn it. This then is now your goal if you have not trained-learned sumbrada previously. So get to it and then come back to this stage of training at a later time). Onward!

Solo Sumbrada: The stick goes into your left hand, the aluminum training knife into your right hand. Your own left hand is now the "partner", the right hand (knife) is YOU. The moves are exactly the same as in the 2 man set, -- yes you now must think in dual mode (two ways), you must split your coordination and your concentration. These two apsects of "splitting" are advanced concepts. To play sumbrada solo requires more than most people think, be patient.

The left delivers a #12 blow to the skull, the right covers that line with the roofing action. The knife then strikes the angle #1 off the roof, the left crosses over to make a sweep parry. The left then hits a #4 blow to mid-line, the right blade executes the common drop cut parry, The right thrusts outward to the mid-line, the left parrys that with a low slanting action (wing). The left snaps back toward your head in a rolling arc, the right does a shield  (paiyon) movement and deflects the blow.
The drill then revolves and the right strikes the 12 line and the stick covers with roof..etc etc..

There it is, the drill that most can only do with a partner you have just done as a solo method.  You are getting refinement to your line awareness, targets, responses and much more. Check out the Youtube link on this particular skill and more clarity will be evident. I know it's challenging, but come on, this is about reaching the next level. So get to it or not.
This is about you, not me or anyone else.

The RING: Using a ring of some sort can also be fun and offer line resistance, structural continuity and more. I use a rattan ring, since we use them in our Kung fu training they are readily available. Rings can sometimes be found in craft shops or hoddy centers. Look about, you'll find one or just call me if you wish to purchase one we sell two sizes. The ring cannot be used without a complete grasp of your chosen art or method.

Hold the ring in your left hand and roll the knife (right) through the hole and back around, then pull rearward w/ the right (butt) hooked onto the ring.. If done right you may have just done the disarm I taught you earlier from Knife Coach session #3. WTF huh? Yep, I tricked you into doing it correctly before you could think about it too much. Ring work is half being taught and half experimentation. Personally I get kick out of some fast and fancy ring work. But it must not be all flash, it must have working content, purpose and expolanation. Otherwise it's just pointless hodge podge and serves no real purpose whatsoever.

The ROPE: This method of self development is simple as hell, I use it, I believe in it myself. Simply string a length of rope between two objects (tress?) that is about on level with your pecs (chest). Make the rope taut and then get your trainer blade in hand. When I teach this I often use the rolling point movement (The Comtech Drawpoint rotary picking method - 1rst drill) as a means to initially help a pupil to "get the idea" of what we are doing.

The idea is this: You have a left and right side attack sequence going. You can use your checking hand lightly touching the rope - with each roll and strike you must duck under the rope and pop back up on the opposite side and then check - strike again. If you have a long rope, say 10 to 12 feet to work with you can get a real workout. Move from one end to the other, striking, ducking under (bob-weave) - advance forward and when the end is reached, retreat (go backwards still facing the direction from which you came). This method may sound simple, but it offers an upper body and footwork combo-link to further refine, it also gives leg and core strength that knife fighters often neglect.

Once you monkey around with this you will undoubtably come up with even more clever tricks of training with a rope. For example I often string two lengths of rope vertically parallel (stacked) to one another, about 3 inches between them. Then as I move, bob-weave, advance, retreat I can also implement some fairly neat disarms and covers by either interweaving the empty (live) hand or the weapon hand between the two lines. All quick releases (weapon retention) and most disarms can be found thus as a solo means of advancing your general ability with an edged weapon. As a last "devils trick" you can add a low rope into the mix. Anyone with lazy footwork will be tripped up for sure. This method also encourages foot trapping ability and makes for a very lively, spirited exercise overall.

And let us not forget that my DVD "Desquerdes" is another fine means of training solo. It normally sells for $49.95 / I will have that DVD available for you if you so desire it. Know that as my personal student you will benefit greatly from the contents of "Desquerdes" and also from the great price you shall receive due to your Knife Coach student status.

If you call 541-938-3451 and mention the Knife Coach Summer Series then I'll know that you are serious about your training and it will be then I that I can offer you that special student discount price. The Desquerdes device (homebuilt) can be used with empty hand, stick or knife. Consider it eh?

Stop by the Youtube link for this Knife Coach session - there you can get a better idea on this material we covered in this session and how you should go about it. So far it has been a progressive summer! I have seem growth and advancement in you! Keep that momentum, store it in your heart and refer back to these small victories often. They can raise your spirit in hard times. We are not quite through with our training yet - but that time does indeed draw ever nearer.

I thank you for sticking through these swift paced lessons of steel with me. I look forward to our next session soon! Meanwhile practice a little, no strain or pain, relax and flow! It'll come!

Stay Sharp!
I humbly remain your Guro of the Good Path ~ The KNIFE COACH!
TM