In this video, Richard Killick demonstrates how we train with the KORA dagger, drawing from Spanish methods, Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), and other traditional systems.
This is a sanitised version presented for historical research and educational purposes. Much of what was essential to know about duelling had already been established by the 1500s.
The core concept shown here was passed to me through direct transmission in the mid-1980s. The corkscrew motion featured is a fundamental and recurring movement across multiple blade traditions.
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Main Teaching Points
1. The hammer grip is a natural, robust grip
- The knife is held much like a hammer, giving a strong wrist alignment.
- The grip favours power, retention, and instinctive use under stress rather than fine motor dexterity.
2. Guard protects while threatening
- The lead hand is kept high to protect the head and monitor the opponent.
- The weapon remains in a position from which it can attack immediately without exaggerated chambering.
3. Close-range rather than long-range fencing
- The emphasis is on operating inside the opponent’s space.
- Rather than exchanging long cuts, the practitioner closes the distance and works from conversational or clinch range.
4. Simultaneous defence and attack
- The demonstrations suggest that defensive movements are combined with offensive actions.
- Instead of blocking and then striking, the motion appears to intercept while delivering a stab or cut.
5. Economy of motion
- There are no large swings.
- The dagger travels on compact, direct lines, making the movements difficult to detect and quick to recover.
6. Body movement generates the strike
- Power comes primarily from stepping and body rotation rather than arm strength.
- The knife follows the movement of the body rather than acting independently.
7. Continuous pressure
- Once an opening is created, the practitioner continues working rather than stopping after a single attack.
- The flow suggests maintaining initiative until the opponent is no longer able to respond effectively.
Tactical Principles
The demonstration appears to emphasise:
- Protect yourself first.
- Enter decisively.
- Control the opponent’s line.
- Attack from the closest available opening.
- Keep movements small and efficient.
- Continue attacking while maintaining structure.
These principles are consistent with many historical Mediterranean and Spanish knife traditions, where surviving the initial exchange is more important than producing large, visually impressive techniques.
It is crucial to prioritise safety when training. Please take a moment to review the safety advice below.
Safety Advice
The advice and techniques in this video should only be undertaken by students in a martial arts gym environment who are supervised by a qualified instructor with suitable martial arts insurance.
Please seek suitable professional medical advice before undertaking any type of physical training.
Safety Advice Continued
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the advice and content of this video is technically as accurate as possible, it is shown for illustration purposes only.
Neither the author, or anyone connected to the production of this video can accept responsibility for any damage, injury or loss as a result of the use of this material.
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