Edged Weapon Defense-“Marking Knives”

Author: Odhinn Kohout

Validating your training is crucial when designing a reality based training (RBT) program. Through the use of marking knifes you now have a means for quantitative and qualitative analysis. Our training deals with anatomical vital points that are susceptible to either a stab or a slash. To ensure learning theory within your class and to test comprehension of your students, a marking knife enables the Instructor cadre to not only provide proof as to the success or need for remedial training but a scientific basis to take “opinion” out of the equation.

  

 If your student has a red line across a major arterial path it becomes difficult for them to say that the technique was done correctly. Training is inherently subjective particularly when the student has a great deal of experience that they are drawing from to form a conclusion about a curriculum.  If the Instructor can provide evidence through their demonstrations it will encourage the student to use evidentiary reasoning as opposed to staunchly sticking to a long held belief.

The fear of being cut is a primal one and often not addressed when teaching knife defense. In a static training environment there are little variables which impact the psyche of the student. Their heart-rate is low and their demeanor outwardly calm. Making them do pushups before you start the exercise in an attempt to mirror the effects of the sympathetic nervous system is a surface level solution at best and does not address the chaos of fear which can overwhelm the Officer and take away his ability to react efficiently.

Combining rigorous practicing (high repetitions) and pre-testing in conjunction with scenarios (open)in which marking knives will define the actions of the student and ultimately the outcome, is one of the means to affectively cultivate the offensive mindset in your Officers.

Be safe Guys