Introduction to Defensive Knife - Bakersfield

[Uli Gebhard]

This weekend saw the first Suarez International course "Introduction to Defensive Knife" in Bakersfield, CA.

With ten students in the class, we began with discussing stopping power of the knife and, backed with anatomical charts, how we can achieve taking an aggressor quickly and efficiently out of the fight.

After that we took a look at various folding knifes and their pro's and con's in regards to their use as a defensive tool. I think some of the students were rather surprised how small and simple a knife can get the job done.

From here, we began working at our skills. Stance and movement came first, once everyone had developed a solid base and was comfortable moving with it, the work with the knife itself could begin.

Grip and basic movements were combined with a fast and efficient deployment of the knife from various carry positions.

All in all, the six hours training time went by fast and we closed the day with a extensive debrief.

I hope some of students will chime in and provide their feedback here...

My compliments to all participants in the course.

We worked a couple of pretty physical drills to, among others, find out how strong our stances are - and everyone worked in a very disciplined fashion and with concern and respect for their training partners. A lot of questions came up and the answers were immediately integrated into their respective skill sets.

Thanks to all of you for your safe and productive participation in this course. It was an honor and a pleasure working with you.

[Mojave Desert]

Uli,

Thanks again for another enjoyable and informative class. I was one of those people who carried a knife for "just in case", without knowing what do do if something really happened. This class gave me a few pointers and some confidence in using the pocket knife for more than UPS packages.

5 Dogs Range in Bakersfield was a nice place to hold the class, and within daily driving distance from my house as well.

I'm going to recommend you and SI classes in general to my friends in the future.

[sabot7]

My wife and I was present for this training. This is my second class with Uli and will continue to take some more. I've always carried a blade, use it everyday for little things, with the intention of using it for defense if I had to. I also like the section about what makes a good carry folder. I like my Spartan, but I'd rather try and win over the LE/jury with a non-evil looking plain folder. I never thought about that aspect. I look forward to taking the full 2 day class and the Bakersfield location was perfect.

[AKConvert]

This was my first class on knifes. I have been carrying one for quite awhile. Finally, I realized that if I was seriously going to use a knife as a defensive tool then it was time to get some training. I'm glad I did. Uli was a fine instructor, patient, informed and a good communicator. From what kind of knife to carry, to where to carry to how and where to strike. A good basic beginning to give you the tools to truly use a knife as a self-defense tool. I recommend the class for all.

[Uli Gebhard]

Thank you all for your kind words and for sharing your experiences here on WT.

This weekend with the introduction classes for knife and pistol was the first time in Bakersfield, but rest assured that I will keep using this location.

Mojawe and Sabot7, I need to sort through some of the stuff that I have already planned for the second half of the year and check with 5 Dogs to figure out when we can have the 2-day class. Right now, I'm guesstimating either September or November.

Now, the feedback that I received during the class debrief and here has already found its way into my class material and I have also forwarded it to the other SI-knife instructors. I'm already looking forward to using these updates in the next knife course.

Again, thanks to all of you for making this class an outstanding teaching experience.

[Uli Gebhard]

Some additional feedback for those of you who attended the class in regards to carry knifes:

We were discussing the strengths and weaknesses of several systems. Well, today after well over two years of logging the cold steel AK47 around, I found exactly the weakness of the axis lock that we discussed in class.

I kept the knife in my back pocket right next my wallet as I have been doing for at least a year. Today when I reached into the pocket, I found that the blade had partially deployed . So, one nasty cut later (nothing too serious, more on the seriously annoying side ) I have decided to keep this particular knife out of this pocket.

Lesson from this incident is that if I carry anything but a lockback knife in a pocket, it has to go in there so that the edge of the pocket additionally secures the blade from unintended deployment. If it was in the front pocket, I'd set it up to ride in the rear corner.

[FORTUNENGLORY]

I've been a law enforcement instructor for a while and I enjoyed Uli's Intro Knife Class. He showed alot of knowledge and passion about the subject. He showed a respect and understanding for his students that was appreciated by all. We had a great group of people attend the class. The venue was great and had hotdogs for sale as a bonus! Now on to the advanced classes and let's get Mike J. out to the left coast!

Thanks Uli !!!

[kennyP]

I attended this class and ditto on all the other positive comments. I am rather new to weapons having just received a CCW (in CA) and thought it would be a good idea to add another tool to my personal/family protection toolbox. With a martial arts background (although dated) I had some defensive experience but no offensive use of a knife. Uli did a great job of introducing the possibilities. Now if I can just master that 5x5 quadrant drill...

I look forward to the handgun classes with Uli in Bakersfield. I anticipate they will be much better than my Front Sight experience.

[Rick Klopp]

Originally Posted by kennyP

I look forward to the handgun classes with Uli in Bakersfield. I anticipate they will be much better than my Front Sight experience.

I'm a little biased, but that my friend would be an understatement.

Welcome to WT.

[Uli Gebhard]

KennyP, Fortuneandglory,

welcome to Warriortalk and thank you very much for your kind words and feedback.

All I can say is that all of you had a huge part in making this class a productive experience for everyone involved. That came from the way you worked with your fellow students and also from the very focussed attention that you brought to the lecture parts.

I need to get things worked out with the range manager for a 2-day course.

As far as the pistol and rifle material goes, I'd say that Rick's take is fairly accurate .

I'm glad you enjoyed the course and I'm looking forward to working with you on the gun-material!

Thanks again,