ABOUT US
Face your fear, empty yourself, trust your own voice, let go of control, have faith in outcomes, connect with a larger purpose, derive meaning from the struggle.
Kano Jigoro
Our Story
We all have a beginning. A dream to be something or do something great. But, as we all know, life often gets in the way. Our beginning started with a desire to help our veterans and our communities. To build bridges, strengthen relationships, and break through the walls of division. In today's world, there aren't very many places that bring people together quite like grappling. We believe that the shared struggle of grappling enables deep and lasting relationships, built upon humility and accountability. In other words, we think aggressively hugging someone into submission has a way of creating unique bonds, breaking the barriers of division, and being personally invested in the well-being of a training partner.
The Issue
Not all veterans have disabilities, but some carry scars unseen. Many of our veterans live like ordinary citizens and rarely admit or declare themselves a vet, yet many of our Post 9/11 veterans feel anxiety when transitioning to civilian life. Not only that, the Veterans Affairs estimated that nearly 78% of all veterans were obese, nearly twice the national average. Not all veterans need the aid of every veteran service available, but even our most squared-away veterans need a helping hand from time to time. And, the best way to lend that hand, is to build a community through sharing an experience.
Shared Experiences
We all have similar experiences that help us empathize with others. However, we are also limited because that similar experience is unique to us. To share an experience is to experience a traumatically profound one with two or more people. From weddings to live combat, these experiences are uniquely shared between the people who experience them. Every veteran shares a unique experience, whether it be basic training, a combat deployment, or anything in between. The shared experience of service is universal amongst all veterans, and one reason for this shared experience is the universal embracing of the suck.
Embrace the Suck
Ask any veteran what "embrace the suck" means, and you'll get a glimpse of their story. Wrestle with them once, and you'll have been a character in their novel. First, the traumatic experience of grappling is uniquely profound. Second, it requires a minimum of two people. Third, it is awkwardly intimate (think aggressive bear hugs and a whirling dervish). Fourth, it's hard, it hurts, it humbles, it's personal, it's technical, and it sucks. Finally, no strikes mean a lower risk of head trauma, especially considering the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) on our veterans. The KnifeHand Company knows that Embracing the Suck is better with others.
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The KnifeHand
Though widely used in martial arts, the knife hand found its home and purpose in the U.S. Military. Repurposed, the knife hand became more than just a striking element; it became an instrument of mass effect. It is often wielded by America's finest Drill Sergeants/Instructors and Noncommissioned Officers (NCO); the knife hand slices through the air with flame and fury. In a single burst of freedom, recruits are pierced with the motivation to tackle the most arduous task. The knife hand is the military's multi-tool of justice; it rallies troops, directs movement, and disciplines the wayward soldier. Now it is the task of the KnifeHand Company to bear the name with honor, forge new relationships, and build healthy communities.