The Comtech Drawpoint System

The Drawpoint system is a close-quarter combat method, primarily used as a reverse grip knife manner and is based on just 3 drills. It is modified Pekiti-Tirsia but with the simplistic, conceptual and analytical approach of its founder, James A. Keating.

As Keating himself states, "It is not about knife fighting! Never has been…about protecting yourself in a lethal force confrontation…We only use the standard knife-to-knife training format to impart knowledge, not to endorse the antiquated idea of ‘knife fighting’…".

The best part of it is that it is a conceptual system. In other words, using the same skill and attribute set, its movements, strategy and tactics translate to empty hands, impact and improvised weapons as well.

Very easy to learn, an effective & practical self-defence system.

The “Draw” part of the name, suggests that you must be able to access & deploy your weapon very fast. Most systems assume that the weapon is already in your hand. In order to draw quickly and accurately, timed exercises are used and the weapon is sheathed so as to be drawn using a reverse grip - as Drawpoint is primarily a reverse grip method (hence the “Point” part of the name). The “point” also implies the combative approach of the system. Slashes don’t always have stopping effect. Thrusts / stabs do.

I keep using the word weapon instead of knife, because in many countries carrying a knife is illegal, so I translate it to any improvised weapon. Legalities and use of force should always be our concern. My best recommendation is a small sized pen with a pocket clip.

1st drill is about stabs and rotary picking
2nd drill is cover-and-slash (slashes are also included in the system)
3rd is a palasut drill.

All of these can and should be practiced in:

• Both reverse and front grip
• All variations regarding left and right hand. One should be able to use both hands the same way
• High line and low line

Any drill can be added if it follows Drawpoint's concepts. For example, I have added a Pekiti-Tirsia drill (5-8-9), which connects very well with the palasut one. As I said, Drawpoint is modified Pekiti-Tirsia.

The following things are also taught in the natural progression of Drawpoint's drills and exercises:

Footwork, parrying, trapping, c-hand, hooking, knife grappling, knife concealment, empty hands, gun integration, reverse grip edge in, double knifes, multiple opponents.

Tactics and strategy occupy a street-oriented approach, but taught in a responsible manner. Two key factors are essential: The mind set should be aggressive and the training alive.

Its a principle-based system, not a technique-oriented one, so everyone translates and interprets it in a different manner. In that way, everyone tailors the method to his own needs.