Rolled-up magazine, a weapon of opportunity against a knife attack
This self-defense tip continues the subject of defending against a knife attack using everyday objects, which began with tip number 69, Everyday Objects as Improvised Weapons of Self-Defense: Rolled-up Magazine vs. Knife, Part I.
In tip number 69 you can see that a strong whack with a rolled-up magazine at even the serrated edge of a knife still leaves you with a usable weapon. The video in this tip is about tactics for using a rolled-up magazine to defend yourself against a knife.
With a rolled-up magazine, you should aim for the nearest target, striking a blow that will interrupt the attacker’s “program.” If the face is safe to hit with the magazine (the knife is just being drawn, your position permits it), then hit the face. If the knife-holding hand is closer, hit the hand. If you miss the target, aim for the face or that hand again. Use the rolled-up magazine to distract the attacker and/or deflect the knife so you can disarm the attacker.
Distract, deflect, and disarm.
Now if, when attacked by a knife fighter, you had your Unbreakable® Umbrella with you, then your defense would be simpler and safer. Every whack with your Unbreakable® Umbrella has a good chance to be both disarming and disabling. It does not matter whether you strike the armed hand or the unarmed hand, a kneecap, a throat, or an eye orbit, or whether you stab the trunk. The Unbreakable® Umbrella powerfully applied to any hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, or knee, even to the meat of the limbs or the trunk, leaves a “strong and lasting impression.” In good hands, it leaves a bone-crunching, bloody strong impression. . . . For examples, see Self-Defense Tip #75 — Everyday Objects as Weapons of Self-Defense: Why Unbreakable® Umbrella? and Self-Defense Tip #107 — Self-Defense with the Unbreakable® Telescopic Umbrella.
By the way, recently our Unbreakable® Umbrella was featured on Operation Freedom, a show of radio station WAAM Talk 1600.
Listen to what Dr. Dave Janda of Operation Freedom has to say about the Unbreakable® Umbrella:
Operation Freedom—Dr. Dave Janda talks about the Unbreakable® Umbrella with its inventor, Thomas Kurz
Attention:
Applying any of the techniques mentioned above is your sole responsibility.
Neither Never-Thought-of-It LLC nor the author of this self-defense tip, nor persons pictured in this self-defense tip, make any representation, warranty, or guarantee that the techniques described or shown in this tip will be safe, effective, or legal in any self-defense situation or otherwise.
The reader or viewer assumes all risks and hazards of injury or death to herself, himself, or others, as well as any resultant liability for the use of the techniques and methods contained in this self-defense tip.
Specific self-defense responses demonstrated or described in this self-defense tip may not be justified in certain situations in light of all the circumstances or under the applicable federal, state, or local law. Neither Never-Thought-of-It LLC nor the author of this self-defense tip makes any representation or warranty regarding the legality or appropriateness of any techniques described or demonstrated in this self-defense tip.
Self-defense tip from Thomas Kurz, co-author of Basic Instincts of Self-Defense and author of Science of Sports Training, Stretching Scientifically, and Flexibility Express.
Self-Defense Moves
To learn how your natural reactions can instantly defeat any unarmed attack, see the video Basic Instincts of Self-Defense.
Defend Against Weapons
To learn how the typical street weapons (club, knife, razor) are used by an experienced streetfighter and how to practice with them, see the video Self-Defense: Tools of Attack — Club, Hatchet, Blackjack, Knife, Straight Razor.
Mental Toughness
To learn mental techniques that let you calmly face any threat and act rationally in the heat of a fight, click here.
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When I fly on any airline, I always carry a magazine for that purpose. It
is very effective even a hardback book is effective also.
Thanks
Ward
One thing that concerns me is that these techniques assume that one is either just as strong and just as fast or stronger and faster than one’s attacker. If he or she is stronger and faster, then what is demonstrated will not work. One will not be fast enough to catch the arm or one will not be strong enough to hold the arm.
I am not saying that these techniques are invalid; anything is better than freezing in fear. I am only saying that one should expect that one’s attacker will be stronger, faster, more skilled, armed, be pain resistant (from drugs or alcohol), have accomplices nearby ready to join the attack, ruthless, and determined to maim, disable, or kill his or her victim. The attack will usually be by surprise and one will not see the knife coming until after the first stab has landed. Basically, one must train for the worst case possible.
I agree wholeheartedly with the conclusion, that if one carries an unbreakable umbrella, then one is much better prepared to fight off any attacker, including a knife wielding one. I have one of the metal versions of this umbrella, and it is GREAT! It is as good as they say it is and I highly and without any reservation recommend it. I gives one incredible self confidence and it arouses no suspicion.
I think the issue is more about whether the attack is a surprise attack or not, than actual speed or strength of the attacker.
If you don’t see an attack coming (fast or slow), you will not be able to avoid it.
On the other hand, if you maintain your awareness AND pick up on the fact an attack is about to come your way in time then I think speed and strength of the opponnent are no longer such an issue as you will have given yourself time to either flee or fight.
Another issue, as with all real fighting scenarios, is how many friends your attacker has that you may not have noticed that can walk up behind you and stab you while you focus on the main attacker.
In short, I think the techniques demonstrated here, need to be taken within the two truths I have outlined above – Being able to see an attack before it comes (awareness) and extending this awareness to the possibility of multiple or ‘hidding’ additional aggressors.
It is important to remember that all self-defense techniques such as these are simply that – your LAST line of defense. Awareness, avoiding trouble, bad areas, de-escalation, fleeing etc are all your first lines of defense.