Knife Defense against Straight Stab (Live Side)
It may be necessary to defend a straight stab to the live side, most commonly because the attacker is left-handed. Since we train so often against right-handed attacks, it is unrealistic to ask defenders to recognize the left-handed attack and make the defense from the opposite side. However, it might also be a right-handed attack that comes from the right side. The descriptions here will assume the first example, which is most common.
Starting Position: Left-leg-forward fighting stance as attacker makes left-handed stab.
Redirect the attack using your left hand, rotating your hand sharply (“chop”) against the inside of the attacker’s hand to increase the movement away from your body. More emphasis should be placed on a larger hand and body defense because of the possibility of a bend in the attacker’s elbow. As you defend, keep your right hand close to your body to avoid the redirected knife.
Immediately
send a chop
or hammerfist to
the attacker’s
neck or face
while simultaneously
sending
your right
hand toward the
attacker’s bicep
to catch the
arm. Go
to the
bicep because you know
where that part of
the arm will
be—if you reach
for the
wrist, it will
be recoiling away from you
and harder to
catch.
Put
weight on the
attacker, exploding
in with knees
or groin kicks. Try
to get the forearm
of your right
hand against
the attacker’s
knife arm in
a way that
makes it
difficult for
him to stab, but
attack aggressively
regardless of arm position. Slide your
hand down to catch
his wrist
and deliver more
knee
strikes.
When
the attacker is
softened, bring
his knife
hand inward and
cap it with your
right hand.
Make a cavalier
and strip the
knife.
Tips:
The only
difference between this
disarm and the
disarm in Defense
against Downward
Stab (page 306) is
that, because of
the nature
of the knife
grip, the blade
will be closer to
your arm and
body. Be sure to
keep the
knife close to
him and
far from you.
Knife Defense against Forward Slash
The Defense against Forward Slash is almost exactly like 360° with Counterattack Defense (page 115). The only difference is that, if you see the knife coming, you should get your head inside and tuck your chin to avoid the knife accidentally “flicking” or flying into your face or neck as you defend.
Starting Position: Passive stance as attacker makes right-handed forward slash.
Make
a 360° Defense against
his wrist as you
make a right
punch to
his face. Tuck
your chin
down and get your
head inside the
defense to
avoid the knife.
Push the
knife arm back and
down, catch at the wrist,
and deliver
knees.
To disarm, bring his
knife hand
inward and cap it
with your right
hand.
Make
a cavalier and strip
the knife.
Be aware
that the
knife blade is
pointing toward
you, so make
sure to bring the
knife in
and close to
the attacker,
not close to
you.
Knife Defense against Backhand Slash
A backhand slash occurs when the attacker either 1) initiates the attack from a backhand position or 2) when the attacker’s forehand slash misses and he recoils with a backhand slash.
Starting Position: Modified passive stance facing the attacker.
As the
attacker makes
a forward slash, lean back and
away (this may
happen
reflexively).
Immediately
burst back into the
fight. Block the attack
with both forearms—one
above and one below
the attacking
elbow. Keep your chin
tucked and
try to lean your
head and
body inward toward the
attacker.
Pivot your
forward arm (usually your
left hand against
a right-handed slash)
down to catch close to
the attacker’s
wrist, then punch with
your rear hand
(usually your right).
Note that this
position is exactly
like the control
and counterattack
position used in
Defense against
Straight Stab (page
314).
To
disarm, bring his knife hand inward and cap it with your right hand.
Make a cavalier
and strip the
knife.
Tips:
Note that
the backward
movement in
Step 1 should
NOT put your
weight back in
your heels. Once
the forehand
slash passes by your
face, immediately burst
forward and use both
forearms to block
the backhand
slash as described above.