[Such eagerness to learn really does show promise.]

Good.

[Unfortunately, fighting will not happen anytime soon. Not even working an footing is going to happen right now. Starting from the basics is key to acquiring a good, strong fighting style.]

We will start by working on your grip. A weak or improper grip can lead to either easily being disarmed or self injury.

[Not that hers is bad, but it's just not entirely proper.]

Shift your hand so it rests right below the hilt like so. Wrap your fingers around the handle so that the thumb is wrapped around the handle and in contact with the forefinger.

[Kratos demonstrates with his own dagger, holding it out for her to see.]

This is the basic hold for a dagger, commonly called the forward or hammer grip.