The instructional objective of the Theory and Practice of the Navaja workshop is to provide participants with a practical overview of the cultural knife arts of Andalusian Spain. The weapon that will be focused on is the navaja sevillana, a folding clasp-knife whose blade is believed to be the inspiration for the bowie knife that evolved in the American Southwest (a region originally populated by Spanish colonists).

Participants will be exposed to a hands-on familiarity with a dozen variations of Spanish fighting knives, including navajas (clasp-knives), puñales (stiletti), and salvavirgo (chastity knives). They will also learn the tactical rudiments of tirar la navaja, the methods of knife-play that evolved in Spain, including grips, guards, basic attacks, basic counter, and dexterity drills. 

NOTE: Practice navajas will be provided for the class.  There will also be wooden trainers and navaja books available for purchase.

Content Outline

1. Introduction to the Navaja
A. Original dimensions
B. Qualities:
     i. Combat versatility
    ii. Portability
C. Modern navajas
D. Comparison of the navaja to the Bowie

2. Nomenclature and Weapons Familiarization
A. Navaja (clasp-knife)
B. Sevillana (fighting clasp-knife)
C. Puñal (stiletto)
D. Salvavirgo (chastity knife)

3. Grips
A. Saber
B. Foil
C. Mediterranean
D. Inverted

4. Guard Positions
A. Traditional Guard
B. Open Guard
C. Closed Guard
     Drill: Open to Closed Guard

5. Basic Slashing Techniques
A. Jabeque
B. San Andres
C. Plumada
D. Reves
E. Puntazo
    Drills: Five Slashes; Sevillian Star

6. Basic Thrusting Techniques
A. Viaje
B. Punta Mandritta
C. Punta Reversa
D. Matador's Thrust
     Drill: Counters to Viaje

7. Basic Counter-Thrusting Techniques
A. Estocada
B. Cuadrada
C. Floretazao
     Drills: Applications against Thrust to Throat

8. Basic Footwork and Applications
A. Jiro
B. Contrajiro
     Drills: Applications against Thrust to Throat