The instructional objective of the Theory and Practice of the Navaja workshop is to provide participants with a comprehensive overview of the cultural knife arts of Andalusian Spain. The weapon that will be focused on is the navaja sevillana, a folding clasp-knife whose blade is believed to be the inspiration for the bowie knife that evolved in the American Southwest (a region originally populated by Spanish colonists).

Participants will be exposed to a hands-on familiarity with a dozen variations of Spanish fighting knives, including navajas (clasp-knives), puñales (stiletti), and salvavirgo (chastity knives). They will also learn the tactical rudiments of tirar la navaja, the methods of knife-play that evolved in Spain, including grips, guards, basic attacks, basic counter, and dexterity drills.

NOTE: Practice navajas will be provided for the class. There will also be wooden trainers and navaja books available for purchase.