1. HAND-TO-HAND STAGE COMBAT
The Society of American Fight Directors provides several different certifications. You must achieve 30 hours of study in each field to be certified in it.

2. A quick reminder… Stage Combat Agreement
I __________________________, agree that I will practice all stage fighting techniques with the utmost regard for safety. I will not act immaturely, or put my partner or myself in any sort of danger at any point during this unit. If I should violate this agreement, I understand that I will be removed from the Stage Combat Workshop without the chance to return.
Signature____________________ Date________________

3. How to define “Stage Combat”
Stage combat is the “SAFE performance of thrilling violence”

4. Why stress safety? (SAFD)
It takes
4lbs of pressure to break a collar bone
7lbs of pressure to break a rib
9lbs of pressure to break a nose
15lbs of pressure to break a skull
The average punch of a pro boxer?
800lbs per square inch
If your punch equaled only 1/45th of that of a professional boxer, you would still maintain a psi measurement of 17.8.

5. Terminology EYE CONTACT: This is a MUST!
- Used as a visual cue for each partner to signify that both actors are ready to proceed with the next step of the choreography.
THIS CANNOT BE STRESSED ENOUGH! STUDENTS SHOULD GET SICK OF HEARING THE TERM!!!!

6. PrepareStrikeFollow Thru/Reaction:
Prepare: This is the Eye Contact before a strike.
This is also the set up of a punch or slap.
Strike: The actual execution of the technique. This is where the
Knap happens if one is required.
Follow Thru: The continuation of the Strike.
Reaction: This is what the victim acts out after being struck by the attacker.

7. I said KNAP! Not nap…WAKE UP!
Knap- The sound of the “hit” that is produced either by the attacker, victim or a 3rd party.
It is extremely important to execute the knap correctly as this can ruin the special effect for the audience.
Demonstrate 3 Knaps
Early
Late
Correct

8. Timing and Reaction are everything!
It is crucial that the victim acts (Yes I said ACT!) as if they were really hit. This includes but is not limited to:
Choking
Gasping for air
Voicing pain
Looking angry
Stumbling / Stammering
Acting Disorientated
This is one of few areas in Theatre where OVERACTING IS OKAY!!!

9. How long did we rehearse?
We rehearsed for 1 month. The fight only lasts roughly 68 seconds.

10. Fight Map
This is a detailed map of the fight on the previous slide. Please make note of where the words “Eye Contact” are bold, underlined and are followed by a dozen or so exclamation marks.

11. What we will be covering…
Push/Fall
(Hair) Pull
Slap (Palm and backhand) Non-Contact
Strangle
Right Cross
(John Wayne)
Choke-Hold
Jab
Snap kick
Upper Cut
(We’ll see what we have time for)

12. HAND-TO-HAND STAGE COMBAT