First of all, they are NOT “soft tap shoes,” thank you very much. They’re gym shoes I use for Muay Thai & BJJ; I figured we might be rolling around with knives, and I didn’t want to tear anyone up wearing a pair of hiking boots. Besides, my Banana Republic “BDUs” made me look like a badass, so that made up for it.
However, all joking aside, this was a FANTASTIC class, and I’d highly recommend Michael De Bethencourt’s classes – I’m planning on signing up for his full length knife class some time soon.
Some high points from the class:
Lecture on the use of deadly force. I’ve never heard this subject addressed, and Michael made some very good points. For anyone who owns or carries guns, knives, or any other deadly weapons, it’s very important you’re well versed in the limitations of deadly force. One particular point of interest – a knife is a deadly weapon, and in order to employ it you must justify the use of deadly force, exactly the same way you justify employing a firearm. You don’t “kind of” stab someone, just the same as you don’t “kind of” shoot someone.
A pink Spyderco Delica is a very effective weapon, both in employment and justification (what is more defendable in front of a jury - the pink handled 2.5” straight edge Spyderco that looks like it came out of my mother’s makeup bag, or a 3 7/8” half serrated, half straight, recurved edge of the black handled Emerson Commander?).
Speaking of which, DR, where can I get one of those? Didn’t see them on the website.
And finally, You don’t need to know a million different moves or be a Jedi master with a knife to efficiently and effectively defend yourself with one. There is ONE answer which can be employed from nearly every position and every situation which will quickly and efficiently solve your problems, and it involves a slice from the bum to the belly button. Don’t ask me to justify it, just take a class with Michael, and it will all make sense.