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Newsletter: Issue #52 by Scott Gracia sgracia@wi.rr.com http://www.throwzini.com ======================================= IN THIS ISSUE 1. What's New 2. Knife Throwing Lessons in Winter - by Scott Gracia 3. Recreational Knife Throwing Video by John Bailey 4. The Chucker 2002 - by Carl Geddes 5. Advertising Opportunities 6. Contact Info/Reprint Guidelines 7. Subscribe/Unsubscribe ======================================= 1. WHAT'S NEW Hello fellow flingers of pointy stuff! It's been a great few weeks since the last issue came out! I've gotten some new toys in the mail, set up a target range in my basement and garage, and have been giving a few lessons to boot! I think the new place has got some good "throwing mojo" goin' on!!! :) SITE UPDATES I got a few new pictures added that are just great! I received a pic from Larry Czekaj of some of his "Trenching Tools" that he likes to throw. He also likes to play Robin Hood... you'll understand what I'm talking about after you check out the pic :) Just visit the UNUSUAL THROWERS page and click on the link that says TRENCHING TOOLS FROM LARRY CZEKAJ. http://www.throwzini.com/unusual_throwers.html I also added some pictures that were sent in by Sam Nolte - the author of the article, "Low Cost Homemade Throwers" that was featured in Issues 40 and 41 of our newsletter. (You can find the article by going to the PAST NEWSLETTERS link on our home page.) All of Sam's knives are made from lawn mower blades. To check out the latest batch of pics just visit the UNUSUAL THROWERS section and click on the link that says LOW COST THROWERS BY SAM. http://www.throwzini.com/unusual_throwers.html UPCOMING EVENT The 2002 Texas State Knife & Tomahawk Championships This event will take place on April 20th & 21st in Malakoff, TX, along with Malakoff's Annual Cornbread Festival!!! Thousands of dollars in Cash and Prizes. Pro Men and Womens Divisions. New this year: Amatuer Men and Womens Divisions and a also a Junior Division. Camping is free and traders are also welcome (no fee). The competition is open for public viewing but Pre 1840's Dress is Required for all Contestants. For more details contact: Chuck "Walking Eagle" Weems (903) 489-1776 EVENT RESULTS The events for the 2002 PKT Contest are posted and there are also some great pictures that were submitted by John Bailey who took part in the competition. To see the scores and other info just follow this link: http://www.throwzini.com/pkt_02_event.html Until next time, keep the pointy end down range... Scott Gracia sgracia@wi.rr.com 101 FREE KNIFE THROWING TIPS http://www.throwzini.com OTHER UPDATES When you visit the site you'll also notice a brand new QUICK IDEA and lots of interesting posts in our THROWZINI FORUM! The Forum is a great place to ask questions about ANYTHING that is related to the sport of throwing. You can learn tons of useful knife and axe throwing tips, upcoming events or how to make a target. Like the post from "blaMora" in the TARGETS section, where he explains how he made a target for around $20 that has stood up to daily throwing sessions and lasted over a year! To read the post just visit our homepage and click on the THROWZINI FORUM link. Then click on the TARGETS section of the Forum and the post is titled, "HECK OF A TARGET". http://www.throwzini.com LOCAL THROWERS Currently we have throwers listed in 27 states, and 12 different countries! And more people are signing up every week! With your help, we should have people listed in every state in no time at all! So c'mon and send in your info! Follow this link for more details or to see if there are any throwers that live near you: http://www.throwzini.com/local_throwers.html Thanks again to everyone that submitted their info/pics!!! ======================================== 2. GUEST COLUMN: KNIFE THROWING LESSONS IN WINTER by Scott Gracia I got an email from a guy named Steve a few weeks ago who was interested in coming by for some free lessons. Steve and his sister Suzanne both wanted to learn about the new sport of "hurling pointy things"! So after a few emails back and forth we set up a day and got together. When we first moved in to our new house, I put my target stand right in the middle of the lawn (well where else should it go???) But after much "conversation" with my girlfriend Renae, it ended up in the garage. (but this "conversation" isn't over yet :) So anyway, its a good thing I moved the target inside because as soon as Steve and Suzanne showed up for their lesson, it started raining. And within about 20 minutes it turned to snow. We were still cold in the garage but we were dry and out of the wind so it was great. Like all my lessons, I get the "students" throwing as soon as possible. (No matter how cool I think I am, they didn't drive an hour to watch me throw :) So I gave them a quick run down of the basics: No wrist snapping, follow through, be consistent with your grip and release and watch the handle. (There's a few more than that but that is plenty to get them started). I throw 5 knives, and try to make them stick handle down, handle up and as straight as possible. I "try". That way I can make adjustments and tell them what to watch for and how to make corrections. We started off throwing 1/2 spins with the 13.5" Dragon Knives. And then moved back and threw full spins for a several rounds. I could already see that Steve was catching on. If a knife would bounce off the target he knew what he did wrong... which was usually throwing harder than the previous throw. ------------------------------------------------------- Most of the guys I have taught to throw always want to throw the knife a lot harder than it needs to be thrown. As long as you're using a soft log target and some big heavy knives, you can practically lob the knives and they'll stick! It makes throwing for a few hours much more forgiving on your muscles. Whatever style you're comfortable with will work, just be sure to be consistent with it. ------------------------------------------------------- Now it was Suzanne's turn. After watching her brother throw for a while it seemed to boost her confidence and she was ready to try it out. We started out at the 1/2 spin mark and after she got a little more comfortable we moved back a few more feet and started throwing full spins. She did fantastic! Whether the knives were sticking or not, I could tell they were both having a good time, and thats really what this whole thing is all about. Now it was time for some bigger things! So I dragged out my trusty old Firestone ThrowingAxe and let a few fly! Once again I could see a spark light in their eyes. Neither of them could wait to try it! ------------------------------------------------------- One of the bad things about throwing in a garage is the space is very limited. So for the knives the farthest we could throw from was about 16' (1 1/2 spins). And for the hawks it was 1 spin and I could just barely get 1 1/2 if I changed my grip and throw. (To get the full effect of hawk/axe throwing you really need to experience one come sailing into a stump from about 30'+!!! They hit with a loud THUNK and tons of authority, its awesome! If you're lucky you might even crack your target in half :) ------------------------------------------------------- We still had a great time throwing from closer distances and we learned that 'Suz' is a natural "under hand thrower". She was having a bit of trouble throwing the axe overhand but as soon as I showed her the underhand throw they all started sticking! I think she stuck at least 5 in a row throwing 1 full spin! And it took me a couple throws to even get it to stick when I was explaining how to do an under hand throw. I told Suzanne she is just about at "guru status" when it comes to under hand axe throwing from 1 turn :) The temps were in the 20's or very low 30's that day and we had to leave the doors open a bit so we had more light in the garage. So needless to say, it started to get cold after we were out there over an hour. (At least for some of us, I think Steve was wearing a t-shirt and he said he was fine??? (Proof that cold weather affects your judgement. Just kidding Steve :) So we went inside to get warm and ended up watching a video on... you guessed it, KNIFE THROWING! It was a good way to go over some of the things that they just learned. It was a great day and I look forward to the next trip Steve and Suzanne make here to throw. You both have an open invitation so come back anytime!!! And if anyone else is going to be near Milwaukee, WI and want to stop by, feel free to email me and we'll set it up. Just bring yourself, I've got all the knives and targets we'll need! Scott Gracia sgracia@wi.rr.com 101 FREE KNIFE THROWING TIPS http://www.throwzini.com To check out The Firestone ThrowingAxe that we were throwing "underhand full spins" with, just visit our home page and scroll down to the section called HOT STUFF http://www.throwzini.com ============================================= 3. RECREATIONAL KNIFE THROWING VIDEO If you want to learn the insider SECRETS, TIPS and TRICKS that the masters use to hit their mark every time, then John Bailey's Recreational Knife Throwing Video is for you. Here is a taste of what you'll get: - 9 inexpensive target designs - 11 demonstrations - How to eliminate the most common throwing error - Master grips, stances and throws and so much more! For a limited time, you can have the ultimate knife throwing video for only $19.95. By acting now, you'll save 33% off the regular price of $29.95 For a full description and ordering details, follow this link: http://www.throwzini.com/tgt_video.html AOL USERS LINK ============================================= 4. THE CHUCKER 2002 by Carl Geddes Another year has passed and it's that time again. You know, time for the "Chucker 2002"!!! For those of you who attended last year, we will still have a BBQ and door prize for all participants. We will also still have a raffle. However, there will be more prizes to raffle this year. Also, we will have bigger and better door prizes. There will be trophies for the winners and sobs for the losers. Poor sports will be summarily shot :) Mark your calendars for July the 27th, 2002! The event will take place in San Diego, CA at my home. (Feel free to contact me for directions.) As usual you may make plans with me for private lessons before the event. You may also invite your friends but you must tell me who else will attend so I can plan the gifts and the food. If you bring a friend and don't tell me in advance, have them pack a lunch and bring their own door prize. Since my event is more for inexperienced throwers I have them throw a 1/2 spin with knives at 8', (plus or minus a foot), 1 full turn with knives at 12' (plus or minus a foot.) Then we have a beer break or whatever beverage you would like. Then comes round 2 with one of John Bailey's new toys. The "thingee" is some ninja weapon that sticks every- time if you throw it straight. Of course, not everyone throws it straight. In this contest they throw from 8' and 12'. (This year I'm also going to have a Distance Event!) After the event comes the BBQ and the awards ceremony - and more beer :-) Then there is lots of bragging about "how they let each other win" or "we let Andre beat us because he's only 11 years old... etc" You know, excuses :) I try to make sure everyone has a great time. Hope to see you in July!!! Your charming host, Carl Geddes cgeddes@mindspring.com ============================================ ADVERTISE WITH US Run an ad in this newsletter and expose your business to over 9,000 potential customers! Send an e-mail to sgracia@wi.rr.com with "NEWSLETTER AD" in the Subject line, for more details. You'll also receive a FREE REPORT, 12 Sure-Fire Ways to Get Maximum Response to Your Ads. ============================================= A FEW WORDS FROM OUR SPONSOR Worlds Easiest To Use Throwing Knife! The Easy-Stik Pro. You will throw like an expert in just a few tries. Order from the 'net or send a check or money order for $24.95 plus $5.00 shipping to: Accuflight Inc. P.O. Box 25 Pennsburg PA. 18073-0025 See the video of this knife in action at: www.accuflightinc.com Dealers inquires invited. Thank you, Clyde Hoch ============================================ If you have any questions about throwing that you would like answered in one of our upcoming issues, or if you have an article or story about throwing that you would like to share, simply send an e-mail to: sgracia@wi.rr.com with QUESTION FOR NEWSLETTER in the Subject Line, and your name and question in the body. ============================================ (Copyright 2002, Scott Gracia, The Great Throwzini.) Reprint permission granted in part or whole when the following credit appears in full: Reprinted with permission from Scott Gracia's The Great Throwzini Newsletter. Get your 101 FREE KNIFE THROWING TIPS and Newsletter, filled with throwing tips and ideas to help you learn about this fun target sport, at The Great Throwzini web site: http://www.throwzini.com ============================================= Scott Gracia, The Great Throwzini, 3765 S Ahmedi Ave. St. Francis, WI 53235-4151 Phone 414-744-8689, E mail: sgracia@wi.rr.com http://www.throwzini.com ****************************************************** AOL USERS: USE THESE CLICKABLE LINKS TO VISIT OUR WEB SITE The Great Throwzini Web site Recreational Knife Throwing Video Part I. ****************************************************** It's free, and there's no obligation. |
Want to improve your accuracy?CLICK HERE "...the ability of David to throw different turns at different distances was outstanding and the impalement acts were 1st rate..." Chuck Fogarty Countryside, IL FREE STUFF CLICK HERE for FREE 101 Knife Throwing Tips Info-Pak Want hundreds of great knife throwing tips, ideas, articles and interviews with some of the biggest names in the sport of knife throwing? Get our FREE, twice-a-month Great Throwzini Online Newsletter. Just click below and send. CLICK HERE for FREE Online Newsletter or send e-mail to: sgracia@wi.rr.com with SUBSCRIBE in the Subject Line. I respect your privacy and will never share or sell your e-mail address to anyone. |