(Approx 2 minute read)

Defense against knife attacks is a sobering topic, very few instructors have substantial experience with this type of violence, making it a complex and challenging topic.
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Most techniques taught in martial arts classes come from instructors who have never used them in real-life scenarios.
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To adopt realistic methods of defense against knife attacks, you first need to understand how an attacker is likely to use their weapon against you.
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Typically, we rely on martial arts instructors, the ‘experts,’ to provide answers. However, many instructors and schools often perpetuate misconceptions and fallacies. Watching a knife defense class in a karate dojo, you’ll see unrealistic and potentially dangerous techniques.
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Firstly, like most violent encounters, knife attacks are usually ambushes, not duels. Attackers don’t want a fair fight; they seek easy prey.
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They’ll surprise you from a concealed position or with hidden intentions, and you probably won’t see it coming. The knife remains hidden until the last moment, when the attack is launched. Aggressors will distract the victim, waiting for the right moment to strike.
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A key aspect often neglected in martial arts classes, is that aggressors often lead with their free hand, while keeping the knife close to their side. They lead with their empty hand to shield the knife, and similar to swinging punches, this hand may not be idle; it may point, push, strike or grab the victim.
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The distance that is frequently used to practice is commonly wrong too. As knife attacks typically start at close range – at arm’s length or less – leaving you little space and time to react. This small reactionary gap makes it nearly impossible to stop the first stab or slash if you’re unprepared.
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Attacks are fast and furious, often involving quick, short, repetitive stabs from different angles. These attacks are rarely a single, straight thrust, or overhead downward strike commonly seen in the dojo. They are more likely to be a ‘sewing machine’ or ‘prison shanking’ motion – short, rapid stabs that are hard to stop due to limited time and space.
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Trying to defend against a knife is horrific, you will get cut, and the more you get cut or stabbed, the higher the risk of hitting vital organs or major arteries, leading to severe injury or death.
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Knife attacks are vicious, brutal, and fast, often hidden until it’s too late. Surviving a knife attack means minimizing injuries and living through the ordeal. Like any self-protection scenario, escape is the priority, not fighting.
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Don’t be fooled by some of the martial arts ‘experts’. Most knife fighting training in martial arts classes is disconnected from how knives are used in violent situations. Much of what is taught is based on dueling, similar to how ‘kumite’ is practiced, and many of these instructors lack real-life experience.
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So, if you have an interest in this type of self-protection, seek out people who have the real-life experience, not those that attach a few techniques to the end of a martial arts class. And remember, your possessions can be replaced, your life cannot.
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