Edged weapon (eg knife) defences

[kickcatcher]

Hi, I'm just curious what approach people take....

 

When someone comes at you with a blade, which general approach do you use? -to simplify things I've divided the general approaches into three main groups which I think covers about everything I've ever seen.

 

1. Deflect and counter

 

An example might be:

 

http://www.sdtactics.com.au/images/KM%20Book/Knife%20Attack.jpg

 

2. Intercept and seek a wrist control for a lock -either for strike or takedown (etc), such as in:

 

http://www.feelmoresecure.com/image_manager/cherie3.jpg

 

3. Or seek an arm-wrap for elbow control of the weapon arm (with follow-up etc):

 

http://www.thepraesidiumgroup.com/newsimages/Knife2_IMG.JPG

 

SThe pictures are only representative. I'm more interested in your general approach rather than gnit-picking the pictures.[/img]

[Shane]

I find that one of the best knife/edged weapons defense in world is to simply RUN

 

A lot is going to depend on the type of attack, I might do one thing for one type of attack and then I might do something completly different when attacked differently, so really I dont have a preference as long as the technique I'm training is realistic.

[STR33T GUY]

I voted for “Arm-wrap elbow control”.

 

I think that a 2 on 1 or 3 on 1 arm hold would be the best, but that’s just a theory. In the past I backed off when people pulled knives on me. Except for one time, I grabbed a burning log from the fire and smashed the guy in the face with it. I was very drunk and so was he. I don’t remember the details, but I did burn his face.

[cross]

Basically anything that controls the knife hand long enough to disarm, damage the opponent, or escape.

[Kaminari]

I voted for "deflect and counter." Like Shane said, it really depends on the situation, but the approach I'd uaually take is to deflect and counter, if I hadn't left once I saw the guy pull a knife.

[JerryLove]

Smother and kill the guy with it.

[delta1]

I said "Deflect and counter", because that would be the first of the three you list. But I'm with Jerry, if I understand what he's saying. I want control of the weapon to use it against him.

 

With a knife, I'd want to be outside the knife hand/arm so as to neutralize his far weapons. Either deflect and get outside, or pass it inside. Seize and control the knife hand as you position yourself to gain leverage to either disarm or turn the blade on him. And, to tell the truth, I'd rather control it in his hand than to disarm and drop the weapon. If you don't have control of the weapon, someone else does- or can. Keep moving into him- constant pressure as you maintain and use your leverage to skewer him on his own blade. Jointlocks are fine if they are there, but I wouldn't waste any time trying to set one up. This is just generically how I look at the scenario. Obviously, different situations might call for different responses.

 

Edit: I've said this here before, but probably should mention it here again..., traping a weapon arm in the crook of your elbow is dangerouse. If your technique isn't ideal/perfect..., if you wrap just below the elbow..., if he even begins to counter before you lock..., if he inadvertantly or intentionally changes the angles you are depending on prior to full lock..., look at photo three and immagine all the dammage a blade being withdrawn might do. Also, think of his probable reaction to being struck in the face. Now, do you really want to depend on that maneuver to save your life?

Edited December 23, 2004 by delta1

[Ted T.]

Hey! Is that Coops in the third picture???

 

I can't vote because *it depends* tm and there is no vote for "any of the above when applicable,"

[JerryLove]

If it helps clarify, I think in all three pictures, the unarmed person has let too much range remain. They should be much closer to their opponent.

[STR33T GUY]

I don’t have any experience fighting people with knives but I do know that #2 is unlikely to work on an unarmed assailant. So by what magic will it work on someone with a knife?