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BUTTERFLY KNIVES |
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CONTENTS |
INTRODUCTION
Firstly, it makes common sense that weapons training is not taught until a person achieves good empty hand ability. Secondly, the true character of a person should be understood before entrusting skills that can easily lead to the death of another person. Thirdly, the form and application needs a thorough understanding of the empty hand forms and wooden dummy. The butterfly knives are really short broadswords, and the colloquial term for the knives derives from the way in which they are displayed when hung upon a wall. |
The hilt has hand protection. The hilt is also rounded to protect the thumb and to allow change of grips. This allows the knives to be used at close range, in techniques closely resembling the elbow attacks. The blade is weighted to allow for transfer of weight to the tip. The handgrip is flattened on the inside to allow for a stronger grip, whilst the palmar side is rounded for the same reason. Therefore, most people would recognise this principle from the design of a snooker/pool cue. The knives are heavy and training in the techniques works the wrist and forearm very well. Some practitioner's practice with lighter aluminium blades but Master Sinclair finds they warp when in use. The knives have their own form which is divided into eight sections. The form starts very simply and becomes increasingly more elaborate. Whilst, the principles are sound, the changing of grip is dangerously risky and allows the practitioner a chance to accidentally drop his knife or for the opponent to knock it from him. |
Therefore, in basic weapon training it could be considered that there are fundamental weaknesses in this area. However, the vast majority of the form is functional and practical, and the knife techniques are mostly only minor adjustments to the hand shapes. They can therefore, easily be adapted to sticks or even single knife fighting. It is for this reason that many wing chun practitioners can excel in Kali and escrima as there are many resemblance's in the applications, although any person specialising in an area will obviously be more adept. The major change in the application of the knife form is in the footwork. There has to be a greater understanding of the risks to the legs from opponents with poles, knives or spears and the like. Therefore, much more emphasis is placed on blocking with the knives below waist level. In empty hand fighting we may judge a low technique aimed at us as less risky and counter with a high strike. With the knives you could both die in such a gamble and therefore the gamble is not taken. |
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is
considered the highest point in Wing Chun training. There are number
of reasons why.