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Advanced Bowie Knife

Master Class

ROOM: TBA

INSTRUCTOR: Dwight McLemore

DESCRIPTION:

INTRODUCTION:  The Bowie Knife is a paradox.  The mention of it conjures up visions of the violent environment that was 19th Century America. When the conversation drifts to knife fighting it is the legend of James Bowie and his terrible blade that are told and retold.  The reality of this myth is that this long, wide, clip pointed weapon took on a life of it's own that over-shadowed the man normally associated with it.  Everyone wanted a Bowie Knife, gentlemen and rogues alike.  In an era where percussion fire arms often failed, the Bowie was an excellent back-up weapon.  While Jim Bowie had few actual knife fights, the blade carved a bloody trail through the American South and West.  The high water mark for the weapon was from 1829 till the close of the American Civil War. By 1880 the true Bowie Knife had vanished into history. The true design of Jim Bowie's knife and its origin elude us, yet the methods of fighting with big knives are available.  The techniques are based on those of the saber and backsword methods that migrated to the American continent during the 18th Century.   In the larger 'melting pot' cities, like New Orleans, the Spanish methods were also experimented with. During this three hour block of instruction we will explore some of these methods and perhaps get a flavor for what is was like to fight with one of these mythical blades.

INSTRUCTION:  This class will consist of three hours devoted to the 'technical' and 'conceptual' aspects of the Bowie fighting methods.  We will deal first with the 'technical' aspects associated with Bowie fundamentals. You will learn to cut and thrust and deliver the deadly backcut at medium and close quarter combat ranges. From the 'conceptual' aspect you will work with the circle and body dynamics associated with the time and distance factors when facing both single and multiple opponents. Emphasis will be on both solo and partner drills and two-step sparring practice.  Mr. McLemore's best selling book Bowie & Big Knife Fighting Systems along with the new release The Trace of The Tomahawk will be available for sale.  Wooden training knives will be provided.  Private instruction will be available on both Bowie Knife and the Tomahawk.

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