This was originally posted in January 2001 after participating in Mr Janich's MBC Level I class. I recently received a schedule of classes and am working my way back to health focusing on taking the Level II class in August! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
Some of the prices have gone up slightly but STILL an EXCELLENT bargain for what you get in return.
John
As most of you know, Michael Janich is well known in the knife world. An author of many self defense books
including Knife Fighting: A Practical Course and Street Steel. A contributor of many articles and reviews in the
knife magazines such as Tactical Knives. And he has several videos out on various aspects of using a knife
for self defense.
I had the pleasure of attending Mr. Janich's Martial Bladecraft Level I seminar earlier today. The seminar was
sponsored by Spyderco and was held at the Spyderco Factory Outlet. The cost of the seminar was $125
which included the price of either a Spyderco Endura or Delica drone, a continental breakfast, lunch AND eight
hours of hands-on, personalized training from Michael and his long time assistant, Matt. Those attending
receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of the day.
The first thing that struck me is the value I received for my money. The cost of the drone is $65 to $70
depending on which model you choose. For the $55 or $60 remaining, you receive eight hours of TOP
NOTCH instruction from a leading expert in the field!
Mike opened by explaining safety issues while training and the ethics of using a knife in a defensive situation.
The class was then shown various knife grips, how to properly obtain them for weapon retention, effective
application and "impact shock management".
A proper stance to maintain balance and mobility was demonstrated and the advantages of having your lead
hand forward (but held close to your body) for speed and distance targeting.
I had read Mike's Knife Fighting: A Practical Course before taking the class. In his book he explains basic
cutting and thrusting angles, "chambering", flow and targeting, etc. Participating in this class made these
aspects (as well as "zones of defense' ) very clear and easily understood.
After lunch, Passes, Follows and Meets were demonstrated.
Mr. Janich talked about selecting a knife for self defense and brought out a selection of his knives to
demonstrate the pros and cons of alot of the popular knives most of us own.
Unfortunately, at this point, I had to leave several hours early. I tore some ligaments in my back several days
ago and the pain meds were wearing off.
The remainder of the class time was spent participating on the various things we'd been shown. Carrying,
deploying and opening were covered. Anatomical targeting - "Defanging the Snake", controlling the level of
force used, the effects of clothing on cuts and thrusts were other subjects that were covered.
A few impressions and "oh, by the way's":
The biggest impression that I came away with is how genuinely interested Mike and Matt are in having people
learn this stuff. I've read articles, books and viewed videos by Mr Janich as well as others on MBC. I've always
been sort of intimidated by these guys. Mr Janich was eager to answer "dumb" questions, explain techniques
and did so without talking down to his class. I really appreciated that!
Several things others may be interested in knowing :
The seminars are going to be on a regular basis! Those that don't have the priviledge of living closeby can
plan ahead.
There will be six levels of instruction.
Overall, I learned quite a bit from Mr Janich's class and feel that it is a BARGAIN for what is taught!
John Row
colobbfan
Previously posted Review
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Scorpius711
- Member
- Posts: 54
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: South Bend, Indiana USA
Hi Troy,
I was able to be there when Mr. Janich brought out his knife case and described some of the pros & cons of several of the popular knives. I have/had most of the examples, but there were others I had contemplated buying that Michael's demo saved me from wasting my money OR encouraged me to buy.
John
I was able to be there when Mr. Janich brought out his knife case and described some of the pros & cons of several of the popular knives. I have/had most of the examples, but there were others I had contemplated buying that Michael's demo saved me from wasting my money OR encouraged me to buy.
John