Controlled Violence 3: It's more fun with three

Week 4 of stage combat has come around and it's getting more and more exciting. This week, we learnt how to use weaponry within fight scenes and, most importantly, how to disarm someone with a knife or gun. At the beginning of the lesson, Derren showed us 3 different replica firearms; a small 'purse' gun, a larger, western-style revolver and a more modern pistol. I observed that the two metal guns were heavier and could do more damage if handled incorrectly, so I ensured that I kept my safety distances in check. We then took turns using these replica weapons and learning how to disarm a gun-wielding opponent. I found learning how to disarm someone very interesting as I realised it's easier than it looks. We then moved on to learning how to disarm someone with a knife. Derren gave us all replica knives made of a plastic-type material that's not going to injure anyone. I enjoyed learning this as it linked back to the locks and counter-locks that we'd learnt the week before. In fact, I enjoyed using the knives so much that I decided to include it in my scene for this week. However, this lesson had an added twist - we did not have an even number of students. This meant that one group was going to have to choreograph a three-person fight scene. As I am looking to push myself this year, I decided to take on the challenge, along with Ieuan Dolloway and Charlie Locke. Our scene centred around a mugging gone wrong, using the knife work and locks we'd learnt from the week prior. After the lesson, Derren told us that our trio had created a successful fight scene and, with a little more practice, could have looked extremely convincing and professional. He was proud of what we had created, and so were we.

Watch it here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lfzXsaJ1-w