Knife defence

Joined : 30 Aug 2007 Posts : 47

Hi John.

I remember reading somewhere that you managed to confiscate lots of knives during your time on the door. I was just wondering what approach you recommend if you´re facing someone with a knife.

Best regards,
Rupert

Joined : 01 Sep 2007 Posts : 113

You really need to be more specific when asking a question about knife defence. Do you mean being threatened with a knife or someone actually pulls one out in front of you and attacks you with it? or do you mean Someone walks upto you and for whatever reason plunges it into you? I have a real problem coming to terms with any sort of knife defence other than knocking out the person before they present the knife to you. And that requires a lot of awareness about knives how they can be presented to you.
I'm not going to avoid this question as i think it is a massive area that is still being adressed and has been for century's. You see if you are a trained knife fighter and come against someone who is not then uness you know how to combat the unorthodox attacker your still in deep dung! Facing an armed assailent when your unarmed is frightening. You have to use whatever is at your disposal to counter nay attack on you. Use whatever you can and do whatever you can to defeat your attacker including sprinting like a world class sprinter to get distance between you and your attacker. If you can't run then you have to outmaouver your attacker with whatever you have at your disposal?
Massive question this one.
And i shall come back to it with more detail as soon as i have the time it deserves. thanks for the question I would like to hear others comments so jump in guys and girls
Take care
John

Joined : 30 Aug 2007 Posts : 47

Cheers John.

The reason I was asking is because knives are so common in Spain. I think the most common way they are used over here is for intimidation to get the wallet off someone in "code white." But because knives are so common, there´s always the risk that someone will use one to end an argument...

Joined : 01 Sep 2007 Posts : 113

Hi Rupert I have moved Dave's post to the self protection forum the topic you started derserves wider and serious discussion.
I visit spain three or four times a year to see relatives, and my awareness is always higher when out and about albeit in a relaxed fashion. Knives are common throughout the world i recently watched a program on Tv following the police and the paramedics in glasgow scotland the horrendous attacks that take place are extremely frightening.

Joined : 30 Aug 2007 Posts : 47

John: Do you ever go anywhere near Barcelona?
Rupert

Joined : 01 Sep 2007 Posts : 113

No usually costa calida on the south east coast. As for knives in spain as anywhere. Your awareness skills should be practised to a high degree. Walking commentries will help greatly, also simple aviodance skills, awareness is a fantastic tool which of course aids avoidance; the next best tool. Most poeple that carry knives are either involved in some form of dodgy dealings, or are fearful and carry for self defence. You can encounter during confrontation (bar,club) or happen upon them (wrong place at the wrong time) or if involved in Job. And of course during a street attack upon the person where something is wanted from that person, money phone.
So getting back to awareness learn everything you can about method of attack, types of edge weapons being used and by who; this is a higher awareness which will enable you to prepare for or avoid being slashed or stabbed. I don't know your personel circumstances ie job, etc, ! What I can tell you is to use your common sense, knives have to be concealed in some way; reverse palm, held at side of leg, inside clothing either held ready for use or planted ready for use. Enclosed inside a folded newspaper, bag, etc. Think where and how would you conceal a weapon you wanted to access in a hurry in your defence or if you were to attack someone. There are only so many hiding places on your person. People do stash weapons in cars in nearby areas for pssible use later. If you can't see the hands where are they? When I worked the clubs and pubs we searched regularly. People were known to hide edged weapons before they came into the venue so they could gain access then retreive the weapon aftewards. Look around you when you walk about the streets bars shops look at how many incidental weapons are availible to you for your defence, Even a tin of beans can be used to KO someone.

The greatest weapon you have against the blade is your awareness use it, practise it so it is with you wherever you go! if your involved in a confrontation keep your distance.

If a blade is presented against you then if you have the gall strike immediatly go for the KO. If not talk your way out or give them what they want(unthinkableif its you they want, possessions? yes! why not! if it preserves your life). Trickery and deception on your part is a must if its something they want and you can live without it toss it away whilst backing off and run!

Restuarants, cafe's, bars, hotels, shops, houses all contain edged weapons but it is not blades that kill people it is people. They are what you have to worry about they are what have the intent! The most important thing to remember in all of this is that there are far more good people than bad. you can assume everyone is armed and then you won't underestimate a threat.
Stay aware mate and take good care.
John

Joined : 30 Aug 2007 Posts : 47

That´s very interesting, John, thanks a lot.