Back when I was a brown belter we had knife defense as part of our curriculum. I've also read books and I have seen a lot of demonstrations showing techniques for knife defense. For defense in a fist fight we learn what techniques and strategies will work because we either experienced a real fight or simulate it through Kumite, with real fight intensity even as we keep our training safe. Although there maybe some Martial artists out there who have experienced a real knife attack and survived, I am sure that a lot of Karatekas like me have not experienced it; thank God. I had no idea how a real knife attack should be. I have seen a lot of fist fights growing up in all boys schools and walking the streets of ghetto Manila. But I have not seen an actual stabbing (Thank God again). Most of us have come up with knife defense techniques and strategies based on assumptions. Most knife defense skills being taught or demonstrated will get students or participants killed rather than increase their chances of surviving the attack. This is because we tried to deal with the threat of knife attack without truly learning or understanding it. While I greatly appreciate knife defense techniques that look good in demonstrations, defending against a real knife attack is messy but effective. Today there are lots of materials in the internet to help us learn. There are a lot of videos/vlogs about the realities or as they say “the truth about knife attack”. We can also see real knife attacks caught on cameras. I took some lessons in Kali to help my research in understanding the blade. Learn from the experts of knife fighting and adapt what you learned into your Karate. Okinawan karate always had the study of weapons known as “Kobudo”. Arnis systems start from weapons and progress to empty hands. Our Karate is empty hands and could progress to weapons/ Kobudo. We can apply our Karate in wielding a knife, carrying a gun or blunt objects. While empty hand defense is indeed a disadvantage against any weapon, it is still prudent to develop the skills for it. Here in the Philippines it is expensive and complicated to carry a gun unlike in the U.S. where they have a right to bear arms and civilians can easily buy and carry around pistols to automatic rifles depending on state laws. And if you are a law abiding citizen be advised that it is against the law to carry knives and blunt objects (Batas Pambansa bilang 6). Thus we should be able to rely on our
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| The characteristics of a real knife attack |
Empty Hands. I do not want to offend anyone but we should all be open minded and reconsider what we learn and teach, because unlike a fist fight, dealing with a knife is truly more fatal. The goal is to survive the attack, to come out of it alive and if you are truly good or lucky, maybe you escape without a scratch. If you have seen videos of real knife attacks, the energy of the attacks are very intense and violent, so it is better to accept that you might get cut as you fend off the attack. A knife attack is like a sewing machine because of continuous stabbing and slashing not just a single but with multiple stabs and slashes. The attacker will not leave his weapon arm hanging out for us to grab. The attacker does not wave the knife in front of the victim, he wants a surprise attack. He uses his empty hand to grab you and the attack is usually from close range. These are the things to consider when you are developing your techniques.
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| Block and Counter strike at the same time |
In order to prevent the "sewing machine" or the continuous stabbing and slashing, block and counter strike at the same time or immediately after you block and check the weapon arm. Continue to attack vital areas until there is a chance to escape. If you are unable to escape, keep the weapon arm in check at all times. Your hand or arm should stick to it like glue. If you are able to grab the fist that holds the knife you can "return the blade" meaning you redirect the blade to cut or stab the attacker as he tries to free or pull back his weapon arm. Apply arm or wrist locks and take downs to control the attacker but you should only do this if you are bound by duty (for police or security) or if its truly necessary, otherwise just escape. Do not attempt to disarm; only if it is
really necessary and that there is a clear opportunity to do so.
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| Keep the weapon arm in check |
In Kumite we hone our techniques by doing drills then we pressure test it through real fight intensity (free style) sparring. Our knife defense should undergo the same process. Drill the techniques then practice with real life intensity and with training knives that will hurt like a punch when you get hit so that there is at least a threat of getting a bruise if the defense failed. Just like in Jiyu kumite, we put parameters to keep the real life attack scenario as safe as possible and preferably wear protective gears like head gear and an armor for the attacker; an eye protector for the defender. There are always a lot of "what ifs" meaning there a lot of variables and possibilities in Kumite or in any fighting. You just have to understand the principles and learn to adapt to your opponent or the situation. This is also true in knife defense. There are a lot of ways the knife attacker can react to your defenses so when he moves, you move. Protect your vital areas while you attack his. Be aware of what you can use in your surroundings as a weapon, preferably something that can provide good distance from the attacker like a long stick or a chair. Put something between you and the attacker like going around a car or a table. I was asked by a participant in a seminar why I kept kicking the attacker in the groin several times before going for the escape because like him we are nice and good people. We do not want to be violent but we have to in this case. A knife attack is very personal and very violent. The attacker can be psychotic, high on drugs or full of rage and adrenaline. and to be able to escape you must be able to give the necessary force. We certainly would never want anything like this to happen to us but as Martial artists it is always better to be prepared for this type of situation.
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| Real Life Intensity Practice |
Peace be with You.
