Introduction to Keating Back Cut System
Instructors Rolando Estecada and Bobby Greats demonstrate the four primary back cut variations from the Keating-Bagwell methodology of bowie knife combatives. These techniques share the same fundamental cutting motion but employ different biomechanical positions to match varying tactical situations and opponent responses.
The Keating Back Cut (Ipsilateral)
The first back cut variation is executed on the same side as the knife's hip position (ipsilateral). When an opponent attempts to cut the defender's hand, the defender steps back with the rear leg, executes the back cut, then steps out further while maintaining their opponent on their centerline while positioning themselves offline from the opponent's counter.
Distance and Positioning Mechanics
The Keating back cut relies on coordinated footwork and shoulder mechanics—the rear shoulder retracts while the front shoulder protracts to create distance and maintain offensive positioning. This positioning allows the defender to be completely offline from the opponent's line of attack while keeping the opponent within their own cutting range.
The Bagwell Back Cut (Contralateral)
The second primary variation, attributed to Bill Bagwell, uses contralateral positioning where the knife is aligned to the opposite hip. This technique targets the shoulder, brachial artery, radius bone, or hand on the opposite side, and includes a reversal component for follow-up strikes.
Bagwell Technique: Elbow Pop and Hip Drive
In the Bagwell variation, when an opponent executes a centerline back cut, the defender pops the elbow upward to engage the oblique sling muscles. The defender then shifts weight from front to rear leg while turning the hip across—similar to throwing a hook—and pulls the knife across to complete the cut and transition into the reversal.
Bagwell Reversal Application
The Bagwell back cut flows into a reversal stroke targeting the jugular after the initial cut secures the opponent's arm and wrist. The elbow pop prevents the opponent from maintaining their cutting position, leaving them defensively compromised before the reversal is executed.
Training Considerations and Defensive Awareness
Instructors note that students often float the elbow defensively during sparring, which makes them vulnerable to the elbow-pop counter. Proper timing and the initial back cut execution are critical to the technique's effectiveness, as any defensive error creates the opening for the reversal sequence.
How to FIGHT with a Bowie Knife – Keating’s Back Cut System EXPLAINED
Key Takeaways
- •Introduction to Keating Back Cut System
- •The Keating Back Cut (Ipsilateral)
- •Distance and Positioning Mechanics
- •The Bagwell Back Cut (Contralateral)
Unlock the secrets of the Bowie Knife’s deadliest techniques with this exclusive episode breaking down 2 brutal back cuts as taught by Rolando Estacado and assisted by Bobby Raines iii and Tomas Alas a direct student of James A. Keating, the legendary founder of ComTech and one of the most influential figures in modern Bowie knife fighting. Keating worked closely with Bill Bagwell, the iconic bladesmith who revived the true fighting potential of the Bowie knife. Together, they helped define the art of the Back Cut, a lightning-fast, whipping strike that’s unique to the Bowie’s long clip point. In this video, we break down: The history and power of the Back Cut How to apply combat-effective Bowie techniques Legacy teachings passed down from Keating, Estacado, Bagwell, Tomas, Raines, To YOU! Rolando Estacado leads this session, bringing real-world skill and lineage-backed authority in one of the most respected knife systems still being taught today. 🎯 TRAIN DIRECTLY or Learn More: James A. Keating: http://www.jamesakeating.com/ Rolando Estacado @RolandoEstocada Bobby Raines: https://www.instagram.com/bobby_raines_2?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== ✅ Whether you’re a martial artist, blade enthusiast, or student of self-defense, this video delivers rare insights you won’t find anywhere else. Get sharp. Stay deadly. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more edged weapon breakdowns, Bowie knife tutorials, and fighting systems from legends like James Keating and Bill Bagwell. #KnifeFighting #BowieKnife #JamesKeating
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about knife cut?
This video covers introduction to keating back cut system, the keating back cut (ipsilateral), distance and positioning mechanics. It provides detailed instruction from Tactical Tavern Tomas.
How long does it take to learn knife cut?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 7-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing knife cut?
The Bagwell back cut flows into a reversal stroke targeting the jugular after the initial cut secures the opponent's arm and wrist. The elbow pop prevents the opponent from maintaining their cutting position, leaving them defensively compromised before the reversal is executed.
