Grab and Stab: How to practice defenses for when it’s too late for good options.
First, about learning
Every technique has key phases that make it or break it. To speed up learning any technique, learn these key phases one after another, beginning with each phase’s end in mind. This method applies to practically all physical techniques. Here is an outline of the method:
First, view (or demonstrate, if you are a teacher) a full technique at its normal speed. Then, learn each key phase from its end, that is, its end position. When in that end position, realize how does it feel being in it, exerting force where and when it needs to be exerted, directing gaze where it is to be directed, etc., to make it work well. Then your (or your student’s) neural motor control centers will quickly figure out how to get to that position and to those actions from the initial position. Teachers should note that any instructions, corrections, and explanations of the end position has to be done while the student is in that position.
For example, to learn a grappling takedown, start with the end of its entry phase — the end stance and the hold. In that position feel what makes the stance stable and the hold strong. Tell yourself how does that feel. Practice entering, until you get the stance and the hold perfect. Then, to learn the takedown’s final phase, from the entry to a landing on the ground, start in a final position on the ground, and make it so it gives you good control of the training partner. When you have a good feel of that final position, practice the takedown’s final phase, until you consistently land with good control. Finally practice the whole technique of the takedown, from entry to the landing.
Now, how to practice defenses against grab and stab attacks, common and most dangerous close-quarters knife attacks.
Grab and Stab: How to practice defenses for when it’s too late for good options
The above video, shows two options of stopping the threat: strikes, and armlocks (because in the scenarios shown, the defender aims to control the attacker’s knife-holding arm).
About strikes
The strikes shown, the elbow strike, the hammer-fist strike, and the cupped-palm strike need to be practiced until they land every time where needed and as powerfully as needed. The cupped-palm strike, for messing up vestibular apparatus by pushing air into the inner ear, requires speed and precision rather than great power. People who know this strike, have seen its effects, know its fully disabling yet usually nonpermanent effect (it passes in a few minutes). When needed, why not mix the hammer-fist and the cupped-palm strikes?
About armlocks
Joints may be dislocated and bones broken with armlocks, but not all dislocations and breaks will pacify an attacker. In a knife fight, a break of an elbow won’t do if the other arm is still good. To render a knifer harmless it takes a complete break of an arm, a complete fracture, preferably with a total dislocation of a shoulder. Ask an orthopedic surgeon.
Conclusion:
Do an armlock that is possible in a given situation, to its full potential, then take advantage of the knifer’s reduced fighting ability, and follow with whatever it takes to make you safe. If you prefer to stick to armlocks, change your grip to allow a greater range of motion, at the greatest possible speed. For an example, see the video below.
Brutal shoulder lock ends in shoulder injury
Dislocations and breaks done slowly do not cause as much damage to bones, muscles, ligaments, and joint cartilage, as do the same dislocations and breaks done fast. The faster you move, the more kinetic energy you impart to the assailant’s body. The more kinetic energy, the greater the damage, the greater the physiological shock. So, move the enemy’s arm through the greatest possible range of motion, at the greatest possible speed.
Recommended knife control tactics, training methods, and instructors
Knife Control Concepts
Examples:
Knife Control Concepts: Drilling Knife Defense by Budo Brothers
Knife Control Concepts: Knife Ground Control by Budo Brothers
Phil Norman Martial Arts
An example:
Realistic Knife Defense JKD Kali Combatives Phil Norman
Red Zone Knife Defense Program
An example:
Red Zone Knife Defense – you’re doing it wrong 1
Recommended reading on defense against knife attacks:
Self-Defense Tip #88 — Empty hands vs. knife
Self-Defense Tip #134 — Homemade Weapons, Improvised Weapons, and Weapons of Opportunity
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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