About German Tactical Knife Fighting
Germany has a long history of excellence in the art of close combat. The historical forms of sword fighting and dueling have evolved into a highly modern school of tactical fighting used by German special forces and infantry army units. Training in German tactical knife fighting requires dedication, perseverance and practice; however, the end result is that you will become a truly formidable opponent skilled in the German techniques of knife holds, balance, attacks and defenses.
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Misconceptions
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You can avoid making common mistakes in learning German tactical knife fighting by letting go of three myths. The first is that the forms of knife fighting found in the martial arts are the same, or are as effective as, tactical knife fighting. The second is that the German school is "the ultimate form" of combat knife training. The last common myth is that all German army (Bundeswehr) members receive the same training or are issued combat knives.
Facts
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Unlike martial forms, hand-to-hand combat with a knife in war occurs under highly stressful and uncontrolled conditions. Studies have proven that when your heart rate exceeds 180 bpm, your ability to think sequentially and act logically are severely compromised. Combat knife training is designed to make the actions of defense and offense automatic.
The German form of tactical knife fighting is not the "ultimate form" but is a school that has benefited from a long history of development of both technique and weaponry.
Only the Bundeswehr special forces and Infantry are issued combat knives. The rest of the regular army is given folding pocket knives, as today's warfare does not involve much close combat, and knives have become more of a functional tool then a weapon.
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Function
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Tactical knife fighting is not a defensive skill or a sport. The sole purpose is to kill your opponent in a close-combat situation in which a gun or other weapon could not be used effectively, or to execute silent kills regarded as necessary to covert operations.
Features
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Two main combat knives in use by the German army are the KM2000 by Eickhorn and the Boker Applegate-Fairbairn, which is only issued to the German special forces (KSK). The main difference between the special forces knife and that used by the infantry is that the KSK variety lacks the additional design elements that allow it to function as a tool in noncombat situations (serrated teeth, blade shape). It has a dual pommel handle designed to act as a hand guard and to trap your opponent's knife.
Both knives are manufactured with a rearward weight. The rearward weighting of a knife makes possible the proper execution of a variety of holds.
German training emphasizes the skills of transitioning handholds (hammer, ice-pick, fencer and reverse) while moving. Often, training will occur on uneven ground or "balance beams" that force the trainee to learn how to maintain his stability without thinking. The basic stance is of the knife forward and the strength and mobility of the free hand being used to punch, parry, grab and push. An unusual emphasis in the German style is of placing your body in as close as possible to your opponent in an effort to neutralize his range of movement (grabbing and holding your opponent against you).
Time Frame
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Unlike martial forms of knife fighting, tactical forms do not progress through stages. The moves are simple and basic and the emphasis is on honing your reactions while under stress. Steady practice with a slowly increasing element of stress and surprise is the best way to build competence in this skill. It is highly recommended to begin training with Boker Applegate-Fairbairn neoprene training knives.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Eickhorn stock image
