The seminar series began with DrawPoint Defensive Knifecraft taught by Pete Kautz of Alliance Martial Arts. Friends, there is nothing like starting on a high note.
If you aren’t familiar with it, Draw Point is a reverse grip method of bladework designed by James Keating. Pete’s program was reviewed and approved by Mr. Keating. The basics of it are very easy to learn and retainable. One of the unique aspects of the program is the ability to produce the knife reactively against an armed assailant.
Pete began the first day with a short lecture on legalities and the use of force. This is a crucial aspect of armed self defense that often gets overlooked when learning the blade. One thing that I particularly appreciated was that he would return to the vital points of this lecture throughout the weekend to ensure that everyone was clear on them.
We then moved to the basics of the program. A four count picking drill, strong side stabs and rotary picking were all covered thoroughly before we moved on to more advanced techniques and drills. When these started to get too easy for folks Pete would encourage you to alter the drill rather than try to go faster. If you began working right hand to right hand have one partner work left against right for example. He then showed applications of the basic drill with the Stinger. Once we had that down the Stingers were put away and the trainers ‘sheathed’ in belts. We did the drills empty handed and then drew them in flow.
Once the concepts and techniques of Level One were covered we moved to Level Two, Cover and Slash. Again, different angles and permutations were worked once we had the basic drill down. High line, low line, switching from High to Low and back, double knives, knife and pistol empty hand. All the same, just a little different.
We finished up the last day by adding Pallasoot and working knife passing, along with focus mitt drills to test our draw speed.
The amount of material that we were able to get through was impressive, more impressive is the amount of material that was retained by the participants. Pete is not only a talented user but is also an excellent teacher of this method. In addition to the ‘normal’ martial studies, Pete also studies how the human mind works and how people learn so that he can better impart his knowledge. All I can say folks, is that it works. He is a true Renaissance man, not because he can discuss and use classic rapier and dagger methods, but because he takes the old and can spin it into something useable for the now. He understands and can apply conceptual thinking.
If you didn’t make it to this seminar pause here and kick yourself, then go to your to do list and add Pete’s name to those instructors you need to train with before your time is over.
Would you recommend this to a friend?
Yes, In fact I recommended it a number of my students. Unfortunately they did not follow my advice.
How was the level/quality of instruction?
Pete did a very good job. He is very knowledgeable about the material presented and obviously has many other areas where he can offer additional instruction. Pete was able to provide instruction relevant to players of all skill levels. New players were introduced to the fundamentals while advanced players were given more sophisticated skills derived from the basics. Everyone had something to work on.
Scott H.
I WOULD and DID reccomend this to a friend
Other comments : KICK ASS
Matt L
This seminar was everything I thought it would be
Bill B.
