"That's not a knife...
this here is a knife...
" -Crocodile Dundee Since the beginning of time, the knife has proven a very practical tool for survival.
This easily concealed item is the most confronted weapon in the home, on the street or in the work place.
Knives and sharp objects can be found almost anywhere.
The knife has many advantages: * Easy to obtain in almost any environment * Easy to conceal on the body or nearby * Simple to use and just as deadly * Silent, quick and deadly Regardless of who you are, where you live or where you work, the possibility of being attacked exists equally for everyone.
Can you avoid the situation? Self-defense begins with awareness and is more than just learning some techniques for dealing with a weapon.
The best strategy is one of avoidance.
Pay attention to your gut feelings.
Sometimes natural instinct is all you have between a step that takes you home to a step that takes you into a life-threatening situation.
Avoid hazardous surroundings where problem situations are more likely to occur.
This includes people, as well as places.
The idea is to avoid all confrontations if possible.
TRAINING If the situation is unavoidable, then make sure you are prepared through realistic training.
In order for us to learn to defend against a weapon it is important to learn to use the knife so we understand how one attacks or uses the weapon as well as its strengths and weaknesses.
Thus giving you background in how your opponent might react or think.
Start with Practical Practice (realistic training).
The more reality based training you have the better.
It won't be as easy as learning a few fancy disarms.
You have to internalize each technique in order for to be useful in combat.
And even then, it will be a challenge to escape a knife attack unharmed.
The odds of getting cut while defending are high - even for a trained martial artist and especially for a traditionally trained martial artist.
What I am saying is that you must increase the odds of self protection through realistic repetition in training and not from fancy moves at a typical school that knows very little about the reality of combat or knife fighting.
If you are training knife skills that are not realistic - then reality will cut up your fantasy and leave you little more than a leaking artery.
Train your knife skills in the following manner: 1.
Empty hand versus the knife 2.
Knife versus empty hand 3.
Knife and weapons versus knife Since it is unlikely you will be carrying a readily accessible weapon with you at all times, you must put emphasis on the first area of empty hand training.
Start with a rubber knife, then a wooden and plastic knife.
Once you have developed your skills move onto a steel (non sharp) knife.
Once you are ready to start training, find a partner and use the ideas below to get you started: Observation first Try to learn to see a possible attack before it happens.
Pay attention to eye expression and movement.
Your attacker's physiology can be telegraphed indicators of upcoming actions.
Arteries and Organs When you see a blade, be sure that your stance and movements are guarding and or protecting your arteries.
Never block an attack with the radial artery exposed.
Keep your lead shoulder up to protect the carotid artery.
Turn your lead leg in to protect the femoral artery.
Just be aware that if you get cut from a slashing type of attack - you want it to be in a location that you can risk (forearm as opposed to wrist).
The organs are an area of concern when dealing with piercing cuts.
Start by developing muscles (such as the abdominals) to build a protective layer or shield.
Next would be to twist or turn to keep the blade from entering too deep (not something that is easily done when comparing body movement speed to the speed a knife can travel in the hand).
Try to distract your opponent Here is an example of a technique I often teach to demonstrate gaining control of your opponents attention: When you hand over your wallet you might slip it through his fingers or accidentally drop it, and during that split second he uses to focus on the wallet (trying to grab it as it falls) gives you time to react.
Even the blink of an eye, sudden sound, movement or the inhalation of breath may give you the chance you need if your speed and timing is right.
Reality Check Often you will see goofy ninja, and the self made black belt demonstrate very unrealistic knife defenses.
Reacting to a blade very unrealistic techniques.
This type of action is complete nonsense and very UN-practical.
Remember unrealistic training will be memorized by the brain and throw off your future eye hand coordination, footwork, and timing.
Try this - give a friend a wooden or rubber knife and say, "cut me with it.
" I remember an incident shortly after learning my first defensive technique against a stick.
I gave the stick to a friend and said, "swing and hit me in the head.
" Well guess what, he did exactly just that.
The reality was that people swing sticks, knives and fists in their own way and not always the way you learn in a martial arts dojo.
Avoid going for the weapon directly.
Don't risk a cut leg, arm or worse a cut artery.
Sometimes it is better to kick in order to keep distance and avoid getting close or cut.
Kicking must only be used by skilled practitioners and best with protective shoes or boots.
All jumping, spinning, and flying kicks should be left in the classroom.
On the Offense When disarming a knife it is important to know the practical use of evasion, blocking or deflecting techniques.
The following are a few primary striking areas that can be used to immobilize or distract your opponent.
A kiai is meant to break the concentration of your opponent, also to speed up your adrenaline flow which results in a sudden surge of power.
A kiai is also good for controlling your own pain and fear.
A kiai doesn't have to be loud - it just has to be harnessed (and internalized to trigger a confident state of mind).
MENTAL FOCUS When confronted with an assault, it is imperative to remain calm and observe the situation.
This way you can get a clear perspective of all the available options.
Often times you can work your way out of the attack using intelligent speech or psychology.
Below are a few tips to remember that will help keep you from adding to the list of blade victims: *Mind Set When defending against a blade, one must first accept the likelihood of being cut.
If one does not accept this possibility, it could result in false confidence, poor judgment, unrealistic moves and bad timing.
Also, this Fear of being cut by a knife and the emotional result of such a fear must be overrun with the fear of losing your life (you may have to risk something small to save something big).
*Plan for the worst - but expect the best Each opponent should be treated with an equal level of respect.
Also, don't rely on looks alone and remember a knife can be easily concealed.
If someone is over confident they might be armed.
*Stay in control Never allow your friends, your ego or your emotions to affect your reactions.
Keep a clear head, avoid interference and make a rational decision.
It is always better to respond than it is to react, whenever possible.
*Stay calm and accept the possibility of being cut Don't get the shakes because you are trying to protect yourself from being cut.
Let your confidence and skill overrule.
Train to create a positive stimulus response to these types of situations.
IMPROVISED WEAPONS Observation of your environment might reveal something to give you an edge.
By checking your surroundings you can improvise a weapon of your own.
Below are a few you might find practical.
Jacket This can be used to wrap around the arm for protection or used as a weapon to entrap the incoming blade.
Jackets can be swung or thrown to aid in self protection.
Belt, Purse or bag A belt or scarf can also be used to entangle the attacker for disarming purposes.
A belt buckle may be used attack or distract, slashing at the face and hands.
They might be used as distractions to allow a quick getaway or chance to attack.
Items in a purse or bag might also prove useful.
Trash cans, tables, etc.
These can be used as practical barriers between you and your opponent.
A trash can lid could be used as a shield, a bottle or other items might also be found.
You may even come up with a weapon more dangerous than your assailants.
Nothing can guarantee your survival, but with knowledge in the arts, you can gain the skills necessary - giving you the defensive edge.
this here is a knife...
" -Crocodile Dundee Since the beginning of time, the knife has proven a very practical tool for survival.
This easily concealed item is the most confronted weapon in the home, on the street or in the work place.
Knives and sharp objects can be found almost anywhere.
The knife has many advantages: * Easy to obtain in almost any environment * Easy to conceal on the body or nearby * Simple to use and just as deadly * Silent, quick and deadly Regardless of who you are, where you live or where you work, the possibility of being attacked exists equally for everyone.
Can you avoid the situation? Self-defense begins with awareness and is more than just learning some techniques for dealing with a weapon.
The best strategy is one of avoidance.
Pay attention to your gut feelings.
Sometimes natural instinct is all you have between a step that takes you home to a step that takes you into a life-threatening situation.
Avoid hazardous surroundings where problem situations are more likely to occur.
This includes people, as well as places.
The idea is to avoid all confrontations if possible.
TRAINING If the situation is unavoidable, then make sure you are prepared through realistic training.
In order for us to learn to defend against a weapon it is important to learn to use the knife so we understand how one attacks or uses the weapon as well as its strengths and weaknesses.
Thus giving you background in how your opponent might react or think.
Start with Practical Practice (realistic training).
The more reality based training you have the better.
It won't be as easy as learning a few fancy disarms.
You have to internalize each technique in order for to be useful in combat.
And even then, it will be a challenge to escape a knife attack unharmed.
The odds of getting cut while defending are high - even for a trained martial artist and especially for a traditionally trained martial artist.
What I am saying is that you must increase the odds of self protection through realistic repetition in training and not from fancy moves at a typical school that knows very little about the reality of combat or knife fighting.
If you are training knife skills that are not realistic - then reality will cut up your fantasy and leave you little more than a leaking artery.
Train your knife skills in the following manner: 1.
Empty hand versus the knife 2.
Knife versus empty hand 3.
Knife and weapons versus knife Since it is unlikely you will be carrying a readily accessible weapon with you at all times, you must put emphasis on the first area of empty hand training.
Start with a rubber knife, then a wooden and plastic knife.
Once you have developed your skills move onto a steel (non sharp) knife.
Once you are ready to start training, find a partner and use the ideas below to get you started: Observation first Try to learn to see a possible attack before it happens.
Pay attention to eye expression and movement.
Your attacker's physiology can be telegraphed indicators of upcoming actions.
Arteries and Organs When you see a blade, be sure that your stance and movements are guarding and or protecting your arteries.
Never block an attack with the radial artery exposed.
Keep your lead shoulder up to protect the carotid artery.
Turn your lead leg in to protect the femoral artery.
Just be aware that if you get cut from a slashing type of attack - you want it to be in a location that you can risk (forearm as opposed to wrist).
The organs are an area of concern when dealing with piercing cuts.
Start by developing muscles (such as the abdominals) to build a protective layer or shield.
Next would be to twist or turn to keep the blade from entering too deep (not something that is easily done when comparing body movement speed to the speed a knife can travel in the hand).
Try to distract your opponent Here is an example of a technique I often teach to demonstrate gaining control of your opponents attention: When you hand over your wallet you might slip it through his fingers or accidentally drop it, and during that split second he uses to focus on the wallet (trying to grab it as it falls) gives you time to react.
Even the blink of an eye, sudden sound, movement or the inhalation of breath may give you the chance you need if your speed and timing is right.
Reality Check Often you will see goofy ninja, and the self made black belt demonstrate very unrealistic knife defenses.
Reacting to a blade very unrealistic techniques.
This type of action is complete nonsense and very UN-practical.
Remember unrealistic training will be memorized by the brain and throw off your future eye hand coordination, footwork, and timing.
Try this - give a friend a wooden or rubber knife and say, "cut me with it.
" I remember an incident shortly after learning my first defensive technique against a stick.
I gave the stick to a friend and said, "swing and hit me in the head.
" Well guess what, he did exactly just that.
The reality was that people swing sticks, knives and fists in their own way and not always the way you learn in a martial arts dojo.
Avoid going for the weapon directly.
Don't risk a cut leg, arm or worse a cut artery.
Sometimes it is better to kick in order to keep distance and avoid getting close or cut.
Kicking must only be used by skilled practitioners and best with protective shoes or boots.
All jumping, spinning, and flying kicks should be left in the classroom.
On the Offense When disarming a knife it is important to know the practical use of evasion, blocking or deflecting techniques.
The following are a few primary striking areas that can be used to immobilize or distract your opponent.
- Knees (kicks)
- Eyes (clothing, dirt, objects, fingers, liquid, etc.
) - Throat (in close combat, locks, strikes and chokes)
A kiai is meant to break the concentration of your opponent, also to speed up your adrenaline flow which results in a sudden surge of power.
A kiai is also good for controlling your own pain and fear.
A kiai doesn't have to be loud - it just has to be harnessed (and internalized to trigger a confident state of mind).
MENTAL FOCUS When confronted with an assault, it is imperative to remain calm and observe the situation.
This way you can get a clear perspective of all the available options.
Often times you can work your way out of the attack using intelligent speech or psychology.
Below are a few tips to remember that will help keep you from adding to the list of blade victims: *Mind Set When defending against a blade, one must first accept the likelihood of being cut.
If one does not accept this possibility, it could result in false confidence, poor judgment, unrealistic moves and bad timing.
Also, this Fear of being cut by a knife and the emotional result of such a fear must be overrun with the fear of losing your life (you may have to risk something small to save something big).
*Plan for the worst - but expect the best Each opponent should be treated with an equal level of respect.
Also, don't rely on looks alone and remember a knife can be easily concealed.
If someone is over confident they might be armed.
*Stay in control Never allow your friends, your ego or your emotions to affect your reactions.
Keep a clear head, avoid interference and make a rational decision.
It is always better to respond than it is to react, whenever possible.
*Stay calm and accept the possibility of being cut Don't get the shakes because you are trying to protect yourself from being cut.
Let your confidence and skill overrule.
Train to create a positive stimulus response to these types of situations.
IMPROVISED WEAPONS Observation of your environment might reveal something to give you an edge.
By checking your surroundings you can improvise a weapon of your own.
Below are a few you might find practical.
Jacket This can be used to wrap around the arm for protection or used as a weapon to entrap the incoming blade.
Jackets can be swung or thrown to aid in self protection.
Belt, Purse or bag A belt or scarf can also be used to entangle the attacker for disarming purposes.
A belt buckle may be used attack or distract, slashing at the face and hands.
They might be used as distractions to allow a quick getaway or chance to attack.
Items in a purse or bag might also prove useful.
Trash cans, tables, etc.
These can be used as practical barriers between you and your opponent.
A trash can lid could be used as a shield, a bottle or other items might also be found.
You may even come up with a weapon more dangerous than your assailants.
Nothing can guarantee your survival, but with knowledge in the arts, you can gain the skills necessary - giving you the defensive edge.
Source...