Teacher Training 9 - Edged Weapon Defence (diary entry)

31.10.2023 Hour nine carried over the online training from our previous lesson with Hostlebro Taekwondo Klub, Denmark. This is my last lesson with them before I teach my 2.5 day seminar for them. Tonight's training was focused on the hard skills aspects of edged weapon defence. We warmed up using tactical escape protocols. It is more important than ever to make this part of training a priority when weapons are involved due to the escalated risk. Next, we moved onto incidental weaponry. Here we used whatever was available to work through the basic two angle strikes. These are used in conjunction to attack, intercept, block and deflect incoming edged weapon attacks. Whatever comes into range it caught by this joined motion and the strikes can be expanded or adapted to hit all levels. Furthermore, it is important that they are trained whilst transitioning through postures (standing, kneeling, seated and on the back). We covered single and double-handed gripped weapons, as well as shields. Projectile weapons were not covered but this is also worth a consideration. Next we looked at unarmed responses. The fence has a role to play should a weapon already be visible and used to threaten rather than attack. We looked at adaptations such as using the backs of the hands with the thumbs pulled in to protect the major arteries in the arms and the aforementioned digits. The hands also need to frame and track a threatening weapon whilst remaining natural and fluid in their actions - rather than static or guard-like. We then went through hands-on defences against a weapon. Again, matters need to be kept proactive. It is very important not to wait for a stab or slash but to intercept the weapon hand a priority, preferably when the attacker goes to make a draw. The defence is two0-handed, preferably aiming one hand for the wrist just ahead of blocking the shoulder. This is a very flexible defence, much like the incidental weapon method, and can be applied from virtually an imaginable angle of attack. Once the arm is intercepted, it is important to transfer to a two-on-one style wrestling hold before moving to back positions and striking. https://clubbchimera.com/services/