1.     Point of Focus. 

      This block of instruction will focus fundamental techniques and advanced conceptual applications for individual and multiple opponent engagements with the bowie knife.  There are many ideas about bowie knife training, some historic and some modern. Some cross the boundaries between Asian and Western martial arts. I think this speaks well for the universal appeal for the bowie knife. That said, these classes are not confined solely to any of these viewpoints.  Rather, we will work with all possibilities in the hope that it may be useful to historian, martial artists, stage combatant, historical re-enactor and those who make their living in the profession of arms.   While the point of historical focus may indeed be in 18^th/19^th century America, we have not hesitated to barrow liberally from all martial cultures to find applications that are both simplistic and functional.  In this block you will find historic techniques side-by-side with modern approaches. You might say we place one foot in the past and one in the future. This instruction should be viewed as a roadmap that reflects the instructors 10 year journey with this remarkable weapon.

 2.     Class Outline. The instruction spans the course of four days for a total of 12 hours of training. 

a.     Block # 1:  This block is devoted to exploration of the bowie knife basics and fundamentals that are included in Bowie & Big Knife Fighting Systems  (2003-Paladin Press).  

b.     Block # 2:  This block is devoted to exploration of the engagement sets included in Advanced Bowie Techniques (2006-Paladin Press). Generally this involves the linking of cutting and thrusting techniques to counter snap-cuts, thrusts, and cuts.  Applications of pinning, passing, and pulling associated with the non-weapon hand will be included along with escapes and counters to these techniques.  Some ground work along with multiple and single opponent sets will be addressed.

c.     Block # 3.  The focus on this period is on how to safely conduct full-speed sparing techniques with big knives. Training sets, safety equipment and two-step sparing will be covered.

  3. Instructors:   Dwight McLemore, John Lennox, and Jeff Karako.

 4.     Who May Attend This Class.

 Do not let the title ‘Advanced’ deter you! Anyone that comes with a good, positive approach to learning is welcome. If you have attended the earlier fundamental bowie and tomahawk classes you should be ready for this class. No specialized knife fighting training is required.

 5.     Who May Not Attend This Class.  If you are one of those whose ego demands that you constantly ‘test’ yourself in competition and view seminars as an opportunity to show everyone how much knowledge and skill you have, you should not attend.

 6.     Equipment Required.

 Fencing mask, throat, chest, forearm, elbow, hand, and groin protection will be needed for both instructional blocks.

 7.     Training Certificates.  Training certificates will be issued to those who attend and participate in all instructional blocks.

 8.     Resources: 

 a.     The following manuals will be helpful in preparing to participate in the instruction.

(1.)           Bowie & Big Knife Fighting System-Dwight McLemore-Paladin Press, 2003.

(2.)           Advanced Bowie Techinques-Dwight McLemore-Paladin Press, 2006.

                  (3.)           Bowie Knife, Big Knife Dueling -Dwight McLemore-Lauric Press, 2002. (DVD)

(4.)           Manual of the Baratero- James Loriega translation-Paladin Press, 2005.

 b.     The following historical texts will provide insights into James Bowie and the folklore on the historical bowie knife.

(1)     Three Roads to The Alamo-William C. Davis-Harper Collins, 1998.

(2)     Bowie Knives & Bayonets of the Ben Palmer Collection-Ben Palmer, Bill Moran, & Jim Phillips-Phillips Publications, 1998.

                   (3)     The Bowie Knife, Unsheathing an American Legend-Norm Flayderman-Mowbray

                       Publications, 2004.

                   (4)     Bowie Knife-Raymond W. Thorp-Phillips Publications, 1991 5^th addition reprint.