Knife
Long Knife Fighting in Armed Combat & Tactics
Knife-on-knife combat is fast, direct, and often unforgiving. It demands sharp decision-making, tight movement, and an ability to manage high levels of uncertainty at extreme speed and close range.
In ACT, we train with long-bladed knives approximately 30 cm in length—based on military and survival designs, but also representative of common tools like large kitchen knives. This ensures relevance not only to dedicated weapon combat but to real-world environments where blades may be improvised.
Knife training begins with the blade in hand, but its purpose extends far beyond that. It teaches how to fight under pressure, how to stay composed when speed and danger escalate, and how to navigate multiple ranges without hesitation.
In our approach, knife combat is studied through four distinct fighting ranges: long range, medium range, close range, and the clinch. Each demands different timing, positioning, and tactical responses. Scenarios include both symmetrical and asymmetrical encounters—blade versus blade, delayed draws, sudden attacks, or transitional phases where weapons may be lost or improvised. All material is tested under resistance, using realistic simulators and full-contact sparring.