![]() Modern Agonistics is not a style, art or system. It is simply a format for training, experimentation and competition with weapons. The goals of the participants range from cross-training, self-defense and thrill-seeking, to craftwork [like weapon and armor fabrication] and attempts to reconstruct extinct fighting arts. Practitioners of over two-dozen fighting arts have utilized this format since 1998 without sustaining serious injury. Participants have been both male and female and have ranged in age from 11 to 65; in size from 75 to 375 pounds, and in experience from novice to professional. Most participants have been males in their late teens and early twenties. We have no dues, rituals, traditions or barriers. This is simply a network for combat weaponry enthusiasts. We are just a curious group of fighters. If you want to participate you are welcome. Our motto is "as real as you want it".
Agonistics is an ancient Hellenic term that translates as "contest-preparation". The root is Agon meaning "contest". The English word agony was borrowed from the ancient Greek term for "contestant's suffering" referring to the trials of a combatant. This is admittedly a terrible term to use in modern America, as virtually everyone misreads agonistics as agnostics which is also from the ancient Greek and means "no knowledge" and is used as a self-descriptive term by people who are not sure about the existence of divinity. My favorite misreading of agonistics was when the Baltimore City Paper ran our ad for a seminar at Sifu Clark's in 2005 as Modern Antagonistics. Some guy called me and wanted to know if we were a network for hate groups.
SEP/27/18 | SevierKnoxAgonistics
In this video there is a lot to take away. The Paladin(in blue) keeps his rear hand low instead of guarding his face but has quick feet and reaction time. Erique has faster hands but less mobility on the feet. Each fighter scored points and showcased their skills in their first ever steel duel.
SEP/23/18 | SevierKnoxAgonistics
First of many videos from our annual man weekend. This one featured the Paladin vs the Viking with blunted steel machetes and bucklers.
Practice Slow, Learn Quick
Three Videos on Minimal Contact Coach Sparring with Blunt Extension Weapons JUL/20/18
JUL/18/18 | TheCrackpotPodcast
James and Brian sparring with heavy stick and aluminum T-ball bat
JUL/18/18 | TheCrackpotPodcast
James and Brian sparring with heavy sticks and double sticks
JUL/18/18 | TheCrackpotPodcast
James and Brian spar with heavy sticks
JUN/11/18 | SevierKnoxAgonistics
On May 21st 2016 Author, Coach, Crackpot, and Stick fighting pioneer James Lafond held his final stick fight against a man nearly 20 years his junior. It was a fitting end to a long and storied career. Stick-Fighting Record 673 bouts 449 wins 171 losses 53 draws Check out for more on masculinity, stick fighting, culture, and more. His books can be purchased on his website or at the link below:
MAR/20/18 | SevierKnoxAgonistics
Long hidden video has surfaced of an Agon(contest) from years ago. An idea was hatched that these men would fight but with a twist: their level of alcohol content would increase depending on the amount of time they had been training. James being the longest was completely inebriated, Charles was severally inebriated and Erique was entirely sober. Enjoy the video for what it is men getting together to have some fun.
FEB/24/18 | SevierKnoxAgonistics
The common Tee Ball Bat is a surprisingly good rehab and workout tool for your arms and when trained one handed a devastating weapon. Check out www.jameslafond.com for more.
DEC/24/17 | SevierKnoxAgonistics
We recently started adding grappling into our weapon stand up work in preparation for a future dog brothers event. Look forward to more content in the coming year. Keep training.
OCT/04/17 | SevierKnoxAgonistics
A compilation video of our man antics including explosions, boxing, stick fighting, knife fighting, and more. Check out www.jameslafond.com for more.
OCT/04/17 | SevierKnoxAgonistics
A portion of the knife duel between James Lafond (The Khan) and Nero the Pict at Man Weekend 2017. www.jameslafond.com for more information on fighting, boxing, culture, and survival.
Training with James LaFond
Modern Agonistics: Boxing, Knife Fighting, Machete Dueling, Stick Fighting and Urban Survival Methods SEP/24/17
AUG/16/17 | SevierKnoxAgonistics
A light boxing round working on technique. For more information check out www.jameslafond.com
AUG/15/17 | SevierKnoxAgonistics
While sparring we always practice going for different angles, hand checking, eye gouging, and more. It's important to experiment now so you know what does and does not work in real life.
JUL/20/17 | TheCrackpotPodcast
James LaFond demonstrates the shadow stick mobility exercise. Filmed by DL.
JUL/20/17 | TheCrackpotPodcast
James LaFond demonstrates training with a t-ball bat on the post. Filmed by DL.
JUL/20/17 | TheCrackpotPodcast
James LaFond demonstrates the use of a t-ball bat for self defense. Filmed by DL.
JUL/16/17 | TheCrackpotPodcast
James LaFond demonstrates training techniques suitable for long, heavy extension weapons. Filmed by DL. jameslafond.com jameslafond.blogspot.com
JUL/14/17 | TheCrackpotPodcast
James LaFond demonstrates variations of the umbrella block for stickfighting. Filmed by DL. jameslafond.com jameslafond.blogspot.com |
![]() ![]() ![]() This Masculinity Omnibus contains 10,000 words of select essays from 2013-16 and the books: The Third Eye, Incubus of Your Sacred Emasculation, and At the End of Masculine Time
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