Unarmed Self Defense; Defense Against a Knife Attack

The following self defense methods are not designed to turn the beginner into a street smart fighter but rather to move the intended victim to a safety point. There will be several topics discussed in the future, today we will cover a frontal knife attack.

When confronted with an assailant, being armed or unarmed, the first and most important step in any self defense is to seek an avenue of escape. This has to happen immediately and continuously during the assault. It is better to leave the scene alive then to brag about how we " kicked butt ". So let's cover the steps on surviving a frontal knife attack.
Usually the assailant will not be a professional but we do not want to underestimate him or her. Some factors that may be involved are drug use, alcohol or other influences, even peer pressure. Try to keep yourself as small of a target as possible. Move as much as you can side to side. If your wearing any outer gear try to strip that down or off. This can be an outer shirt or jacket. With this you can try and block or even entangle the knife. Do not pull any thing over your head, reason is simple, your exposing vital organs and are blinded. If you have a purse, strike with it. Throw things into the assailants face, yes even your cell phone or case. If an opening is made for escape utilize it. Constantly call for help. Any noise you make will add to the confusion. Become extremely aware of your surroundings, especially those behind the assailant. Trash cans, boxes, light poles. These items can become your helper. You can maneuver the assailant into a light pole, push him into trash cans. Use the trash can lids as a shield or a weapon. Car antennas can be whipped into the assailants face. Car doors can be used as shields and or trap the knife wielding hand. Be brutal , after all it is your life your trying to safe. If you do strike, strike like you mean it. Once you are committed to move at the assailant do it forcefully. Again, once an opening is made , move to safety.

The overall concerns you will have when being confronted are these; Stay on your feet and if the assailant does cut you, as long as it is not a critical cut, keep fighting and moving.The adrenaline in your body will keep you going.Superficial cuts will burn and bleed but you will live. Prevent any cuts to the upper thighs, keep any Kung Fu spinning kicks for the movies.Short kicks or toe stomps on your assailant work just as affective. If during the encounter, the knife gets dislodged from the assailant , try and kick it away.Once disarmed the threat level has gone down one.This doesn't mean your even, just down one. Still move to the safety point if possible.

Violence has moved from the streets into an ordinary common place.Age and gender have no barring. A seven year old boy can cut you just as bad as a sixty year old woman. What ever the cause , whatever the reason, what matters most if you want to survive is to act, right then and right there. Be safe. Peace.