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Most people have only been exposed to John Styers work through the book "Cold Steel".
It is important to remember that first and foremost this book outlines a BASIC course of closecombat instruction. The elements covered in this system include bayonet, knife, stick and
unarmed combat. Styers developed this "system" for BASIC training.
The framework of all of these methods remains CONSISTENT through out. The fundamentals
for employing the bayonet, knife, unarmed combat and even the stick work are ALL the same.
Note in particular the "stance" used for the bayonet, the knife, and for unarmed engagement.
SAME stance. The "body" mechanics involved in all the methods presented are at their core
foundation ALL similar. This in itself shows "genius".
What we see in "Cold Steel" is NOT the STYERS method! It is a "system" that STYERS
developed for use in BASIC training. John Styers was a man of both great knowledge and SKILL
in a number of man to man combatives.
Those who knew Styers personally have told us about his vast interest, knowledge and proven
skill in a number of close-combat methods. From the "French" style of bayonet fighting, to
"Russian" knife fighting, to boxing, wrestling, jiujitsu, and of course "dirty" fighting.
As concerns the STYERS knife work as shown in "Cold Steel" it must also be considered that
this was but a SMALL part of Styers overall skill and ability in KNIFE FIGHTING. Again this was a
system of BASIC TRAINING!
Other sources show this quite demonstrably. The man was a MASTER of bladework.
Now the knife sytem taught in "Cold Steel" is excellent. The "problems" that are often cited by
others has FAR MORE to do with a lack of understanding in the tactics and techniques as "they"
present them, than it does any practical faults in STYERS method.
ON TO THE METHOD.....................................
First, Styers was training men for battlefield COMBAT! NOT for a "duel". He assumed(rightly
so) that in the so-called "fog" of war men will revert to pure "animal" instinct and move right in for
the "kill". Think about this! During the frenzy of real combat you and your enemy are REDUCED
to fighting with knives. Men are killing and being killed ALL AROUND YOU. YOUR natural instinct
for SURVIVAL will seize you by the throat. You will grip that knife as strongly(your LIFE NOW
depends on THIS ONE WEAPON) as possible and MOVE RIGHT IN FOR THE KILL!(WASTE
ANY TIME and someone else is going to KILL YOU) You are NOT going to "spar" or "duel", you
ARE going to KILL, survive and move on to your next threat or objective. Styers KNEW what real
"kill or be killed" combat was like. He realized that MOST men in this dire situation will instinctively
SEIZE their knife either in an "overhand" or "ice-pick" grip or an "underhanded" type
"hammergrip". They will ATTACK with a determined KILLING intent. THAT IS THE BASIS for the
Styers method!
Now the "elements" of Styers method rest on BODY position, ARM position, and KNIFE
position.
Here is where so many "experts" go right OFF TRACK. Forget any "technique", thrust, slash or
"whatever". WITHOUT the FOUNDATION of proper BODY, ARM, and KNIFE position all the
"technique" in the world is MEANINGLESS!
Without a REAL understanding of Styers FUNDAMENTAL tactic and what MUST be done to
make it EFFECTIVE, all THIS becomes NO MORE than two guys trying to cut and stab each
other. THIS IS NOT what Styers envisioned.
On to the "meat & potatoes":
1. StanceWhether you assume the "Styers" position from a "classic" fencer's pose, as Styers
demonstrates(for continuity) or simply advance(lead leg) retreat(real leg) one pace, as long as
your UPPER torso remains square and you body rests "springlike" on your legs you're doing OK.
BALANCE must be rested on your center point and the rear heel RAISED. Toes and KNEES
pointed FORWARD!
KEY POINT: Body SQUARED. Torso ERECT. Chin PULLED IN. BALANCE centered. Rear
HEEL RAISED.
2. Arm PositionGripping the KNIFE: Blade vertical to ground. Thumb EXTENDED down backstrap. Slight