Bowie Seminar

The Photo is one of Matt Lamey's phenomenal Bowies. I will post a class photo from the seminar once I have one.

I don't have the T-shirt but I did survive the Bowie seminar. September 18-19 Gwynne, Mike, and I attended a Bowie Knife Fighting seminar in Ithaca, NY. It was hosted by instructor Pete Kautz of Alliance Martial Arts, Alpine, NY. To say we had a great time would be a gross understatement! The only thing to top the fun was the learning that took place. Every student’s skills advanced visibly over the two days. The class went from the very basics of stance and stepping, which are foundational skills, to more advanced moves like passatta soto and in quartata. We also learned the proper distancing, in a classic format, and were treated to historical anecdotes explaining where the techniques evolved from as the day’s lessons brought up many questions.

Pete’s teaching skills are excellent as he paced the class to meet the student’s abilities to absorb the instruction without losing anyone. He knew when we really needed a break and when to push us a little more to force us to work harder. We had sufficient time to practice each new set of moves but kept moving steadily forward in a logical progression. The final few hours were spent in sparring at full speed. Safety was always practiced (gloves and fencing masks) as well as consideration for your training partner. Students from around the US and the world trained together amicably with a positive and enthusiastic attitude fostered by Pete and his staff, including Curt and Lilly. We are already looking forward to Bowie Knife Fighting Part II. Pete, you are going to have a second one, right? Either way, check out Pete’s website for a terrific selection of instructional DVDs and upcoming events at: http://www.alliancemartialarts.com/