Having attended two prior camps (in 2005 and 2006) and spending hundreds of hours digesting the Fighting Folders video series, Counter Blade Concepts video and other instructional material supplied to those in the MBC/CBC proficiency and instructor certification programs, I was pleasantly surprised to discover once again that Michael Janich (founder of Martial Blade Concepts) has continued to develop and fine tune the system making this camp the best ever.
After some safety instruction training began with knife openings, draws and angles of attack in both standard and reverse grip. We then moved on to knife applications, working defenses and counters for the most common types of knife attacks (angles one, three and five). This served as an introduction to the various defensive responses and quick stops for those who were new to MBC.
Proficiency and Associate Instructor Certification.
In addition to knife training Michael taught the tactical use of a flashlight, building on the skill sets and mechanics we already learned during knife training. I think it came as a surprise to many to learn the defensive utility of a high powered flashlight (60 lumen and higher) for temporarily blinding an attacker and using it as a puno weapon. We also worked on CBC applications (empty hand counter blade), single baston and what Michael fondly refers to as “junk yard Aikido” (various joint locks and counters) during the four day training session.
Each candidate was personally challenged during the test period taking our turns working with Michael one on one to demonstrate various MBC and CBC techniques. It was with great joy and relief to hear Michael’s “well done” at the conclusion of the test and his announcement that the trio that tested was MBC/CBC proficient! Congratulations to both Vince and Eric who participated in proficiency testing and received Proficiency Certification and recognition as Associate Instructors in the MBC/CBC system. It is an honor to be associated with Michael Janich and the MBC/CBC brotherhood.
As always a big, big “thank you” to Michael, Mike R., Matt, Tom, Scott, Brent (most of the photos of the camp on this webpage were provided by Mr. Besh) and many others that helped in putting this camp together. There is much more to learn and I look forward to seeing them next year at MBC 2008.
I'd also like to thank my students at BSA. They have helped me improve my MBC/CBC skills and teaching ability.
