Y'all need to be more secure in your blade. Mike E"s (Michael Echanis) publications may be of some help. But if Y'all are considering your sidearm at 6-10 foot, there are second place marble trophies available.
Heard that. I wish knives (real knives, not the parry blades most people carry these days) would make a comeback, along with some training on how to use them. A real bowie/fighting blade will make a mess...
Make sure when you practice you are wearing the type of clothes you would typically wear, so you need to clear them properly. Don't forget about things like an untucked shirt or coat, and start unloaded until you get the glitches worked out.