![]() 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.
JUL/11/17 | TheCrackpotPodcast
James LaFond describes the construction and use of his crucifix for training with the stick. Footage courtesy DL. jameslafond.com
MAY/05/17 | SevierKnoxAgonistics
A compilation of a training session earlier this year. 00:00 Stick & Shield 02:13 Knife & Shield 04:16 Stick Boxing
MAY/05/17 | SevierKnoxAgonistics
An introduction on the proper way to punch by James LaFond. For more information on combat and culture please visit: For books written by the James Lafond click the link below:
MAY/05/17 | SevierKnoxAgonistics
One of many different Jab drills to work. For more information on combat and culture please visit: For books written by the James Lafond click the link below:
MAY/05/17 | SevierKnoxAgonistics
A review on the Roof Block and its applications in the street and in competition. For more information on combat and culture please visit: For books written by the James Lafond click the link below:
MAY/05/17 | SevierKnoxAgonistics
A video focused on one of the most important strokes in stick fighting. For more information on combat and culture please visit: For books written by the James Lafond click the link below:
MAY/05/17 | SevierKnoxAgonistics
Part 2 of basic knife defense skills For more information on combat and culture please visit: For books written by the James Lafond click the link below:
MAY/05/17 | SevierKnoxAgonistics
Basics of knife defense. For more information on combat and culture please visit: For books written by the James Lafond click the link below:
MAY/05/17 | SevierKnoxAgonistics
One of the best drills to practice for self defense is the spear drill. This is a must have for anyone that wants to defend themselves in the street and is vital for women and smaller guys to be able to do quickly and efficiently. For more information on combat and culture please visit: For books written by the James Lafond click the link below:
MAY/05/17 | SevierKnoxAgonistics
James gives a breakdown on one of the most underutilized boxing and self defense techniques the Jab. Topics include how to, street applications, and variations. For more information on combat and culture please visit: For books written by the James Lafond click the link below:
‘Football with a Stick’
The Roof Block Drill: Training to Defend against the Overhand with a Stick MAY/05/17
MAY/05/17 | SevierKnoxAgonistics
A review on various extension weapons and their applications. For more information on combat and culture please visit: For books written by the James Lafond click the link below:
MAY/05/17 | SevierKnoxAgonistics
A review of stick fundamentals, powerpoints, and specific applications. For more information on combat and culture please visit: For books written by the James Lafond click the link below:
MAY/05/17 | SevierKnoxAgonistics
Defending the Twerp attack For more information on combat and culture please visit: For books written by the James Lafond click the link below:
MAY/05/17 | SevierKnoxAgonistics
A video on how to keep your weapon from getting taken and general guard principles. For more information on combat and culture please visit: For books written by the James Lafond click the link below:
MAY/05/17 | SevierKnoxAgonistics
A good self defense drill to practice moving out of the combat zone For more information on combat and culture please visit: For books written by the James Lafond click the link below:
MAY/05/17 | SevierKnoxAgonistics
A burnout best of 5 axe/shield session at the end of training which includes a destructive elbow shot!
Shanking Aryаs
A Demonstration of Primitive Single-Edged Knife Use Against an Unarmed Attacker MAY/05/17
MAY/05/17 | SevierKnoxAgonistics
Showcasing the skills required and preferable strikes when using a heavy extension weapon such as a cane. Check out www.jameslafond.com for more on self defense, culture, history, and more.
MAY/05/17 | SevierKnoxAgonistics
James keeps a promise to a friend who made him a very effective weapon.
Beneath the Stairway to Heaven
Sam Jay’s Training Video: An Instructional on Extension Weapons MAY/05/17
For Ishmael
Demonstrating Rocky Mountain Black Hawthorn Crafted as a Hoodrat Warding Baton MAY/05/17 |
![]() ![]() ![]() In June 2018 James LaFond, an urban blight journalist from Baltimore, Maryland, was driven from his hometown by savage tribesmen. With a writing income of $230 per month, he was sustained by readers across the nation. The journals in this collection were written during that period.
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