Join today

Matador Knife System - Phase Four

Welcome to Phase 4 of 9
Knife vs. Knife – The Beginning of Stage Two

Phase Four marks your transition into Stage Two of the Matador Knife System. In this phase, you are introduced to the foundational dynamics and heuristics of knife vs. knife combat, guided by the tactical principles and strategic framework established in Phases 1 through 3.

Matador Knife System Phase Four course is extremely contextual and from the POV of Combatives and not art. It is centered around a very specific mindset and revolves around a very specific circumstance. 

Prerequisite: Matador Knife System Phase One , Two & Three Courses. Please note, each phase of study must be taken in the proper order to proceed though Phase 9.
Write your awesome label here.
Precision. Pressure. Survivability.

Matador Phase Four: Knife Combatives Training

Matador 4 is an edged weapon training approach grounded in both operational experience and optimal performance training . This is not martial art, sport oriented or pattern driven. It’s a dynamic approach to knife conflict that prioritizes realism, function under stress, and outcomes that hold under force. It is entirely designed for survival when there is no escaping imminent threat and danger to one’s life.  

Context and Foundations

  • Knife-on-Knife is Rare—but Real: Not duels, but close-quarters assaults. This course opens with a frank assessment of knife violence from a combatives point of view. 
  • Gross Motor Simplicity: You will learn how to move under pressure. Nothing taught relies on fine motor skill or long-sequence execution. 
  • Direct Action Only: Pressure-tested techniques that don’t break down but rather maximize adrenaline, fatigue, or contact stressors.

Tactics and Neurological Design

  • Interceptive Mechanics: Based on your body’s reflexes, not an umbrella of possibilities. Drills target timing, angle, and orientation—not patterns. 
  • Proprioception & Structure: Phase Two focuses on reading lines of force and managing centerline pressure in motion. 
  • Wall Drill / Angle Work: Teaches how to find and use position as a teaching tool, not just technique.

Dual-Hand Integration (Knife + Buckler)

  • Off-hand and tools are trained as extensions of structure, not decoration. 
  • Protect, create lanes, and control space right from entry and contact. 
  • Follows the logic of historical systems, adapted for modern threats and uniqueness of knives.

Survivability First

  • Understands risks and damage of such an exchange. Trains to continue when no other option has been afforded.  
  • Targeting is anatomical, direct, and bypasses modern armor and clothing. 
  • Phase Four builds durable, reflexive habits that reinforce interception as resolution and denies exchange. 

Final Phase and Integration

  • Real-time feeds, feedback under pressure, and review of all core principles. 
  • Neuroscience-informed drills for retention, decision-making, and clarity under chaos. 
  • Final lessons on attachment, mindset, and applying the system beyond the training environment.

Understand that this course avoids speculation. There is no abstraction, It's a scientific methodology rooted in a combative mindset. 

Matador Phase 4 is for those who need real outcomes under real pressure and are looking for an approach that matches such circumstances.

Built from the experiences of mentors and career of training Special Operation Units, Federal Agents and Law Enforcement Professionals. 

Further Advance in the Matador Knife System. 

Welcome to Phase 4 of 9. 

  • This course concludes Stage One and begins Stage Two of the Matador Knife System.
  • Review what you have learned in Phases 1 & 2 and learn how to both conceptually and technically begin integrating the strategy and tactics through the initial drilling and connecting course that is Phase Three. 
  • Study counters and re-counter knife tactics and concepts progressively and incrementally through the same training methodology taught and trained work wide with Law Enforcement and Military Special Forces and Security Teams. 
  • Prepare yourself, training partners and students to move into Stage Two of the Matador Knife System (Phases 4-6) which will develop and secure the ability to flow efficiently against resistance wether utilizing a knife or defending against one. 
  • Prerequisite: Matador Knife System Phase One , Two & Three Courses. Please note, each phase of study must be taken in the proper order to proceed though Phase 9.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Thank you!

Pages

Policy Pages

Copyright © 2025
Created with