Stick Defense against Baseball Bat Swing (Horizontal Swing)

Unlike overhead swing, in which the defense redirects the attack, this defense stops the attack. However, we still emphasize leaning forward and bursting in. Also, note again that if you are ever in doubt as to whether the attack is an overhead or baseball bat swing, use the Defense against Overhead Swing (page 242).

Starting Position: Neutral or passive stance.

As the attacker swings the stick toward your left using his right arm, turn your left shoulder in and toward the direction of the stick. As you do this, lean in toward the attacker’s arm/shoulder and extend your left arm down along your body, but not touching. Be sure the meaty part of your arm, not the elbow, is pointed toward the oncoming stick. Also bring your right hand across your body and up to protect the left side of your face. Note that this is very much like the General Defense against Medium to High Kicks (page 237).

Burst forward toward the inside of the stick. On impact, “pop” your left arm slightly forward for additional impact against the body or, if you are defending against the stick itself, to catch the stick earlier in its motion.

After impact, immediately bring your left hand up to trap the stick arm while simultaneously giving a right elbow strike to the attacker’s face.

Follow up with knee strikes.

Tips: Even though your left arm is extended downward, be sure your left shoulder is up to help protect your jaw.

Sometimes you will not have time to burst forward. This is why turning inward is so important—it often takes you forward, past the stick, even if your feet don’t move.

Takeaway Variation: Once you feel the attacker weaken, reach over with your right hand, grab the end of the stick, and snap it downward in a “U.”

Knife Defenses Kick Defense against Knife Attack from a Distance

Like all kick defenses, this defense assumes the attacker is at a distance and is approaching with determination. If you don’t recognize the attack early on, you won’t be able to kick.

In previous years, we made a distinction among different attacks and executed different types of kicks relative to each grip. However, emphasis was always placed on delivering ANY kind of kick as early as possible. More recently, we’ve simplified the technique to follow that strategy so that you deliver one midline kick against all attacks. This obeys the dictum that you will probably not see a knife anyway, and therefore you won’t be able to judge the type of hold. There is no time for decision making—just send a kick!

Starting Position: Neutral or passive stance.

As the attacker approaches, burst forward with a kick similar to a defensive front kick (page 100), or front kick to a vertical target (page 48).

Immediately make distance and look for an object to use as a weapon or shield, or run.

Variation: Continue to attack in order to destroy the target, controlling the knife arm with your hands.

Tips: If there is no time to advance, make the kick in place. In either case, make yourself as long as possible by extending your hip. This allows you to strike while the knife is as far away as possible.