KNIFE DEFENSE AGAINST STRAIGHT STAB

Knife Defenses

Straight stabs are less common than upward or downward stabs. However, they can be done and must be defended. There is a hold specific to straight stab wherein the pommel (butt end) of the knife is pressed into the palm of the attacker’s hand. However, this hold is less secure and not always used by attackers. Most often, they will hold the knife in a regular grip (blade upward). In this case, the only indication the attacker may give you of his intention to make a straight stab is to stand with the knife-side leg forward.

STARTING POSITION: Left-leg-forward fighting stance as attacker makes right-handed stab.

1. Redirect the attack using your left hand, rotating your hand sharply (“chop”) against the back of the attacker’s hand to increase the movement away from your body.

2. Burst forward at a slight angle, sliding your arm forward and reaching down to catch the attacker’s arm. Be sure your elbow stays down to prevent the attacker from slashing, and be sure you keep weight forward on the arm to make the attacker feel jammed. At the same time, deliver a strong right punch.

3–6. As you recoil your punch, bring your right hand down and cover the attacker’s hand. Continue to put weight forward toward the attacker. Make a cavalier and strip the knife, kicking to the groin if necessary.

If you feel resistance, you can make another cavalier with a takedown.

TIPS

Since we are usually a little late in defending, a general guideline is: “If you aim for the knife you’ll get the hand.” Because this defense is slightly more difficult, we recommend that you begin training from a fighting stance. Once you have mastered the technique, train from a passive stance as well.