Lateral Close

The lateral close is the most commonly taught method of defending against a thrusting, lunging, or cutting attack. There are two methods to use the lateral close. The first is to side step your opponent's forward movement. When the opponent attacks, you step either to the side of the attack so you end up very close to the side of the opponent's body.

The second method is to move diagonally inward toward your opponent before your opponent moves forward to attack. You move into your attacker's space and end up very close to the front of his or her body. Both ways allow you to close the distance effectively while avoiding the attacker's weapon.

By holding a knife, the attacker extends his or her range of attack and thereby shortens your range. Once you pass by the outer reach of the attacker's range, the blade of the knife, you lessen the attacker's options for attack and take away his or her advantage. When you get very close, you force the attacker to resort to grabbing or blocking your attack, which distracts his or her attention from the knife.

There are two types of lateral closes: the outside close and the inside close. Each type describes the direction of your movement relative to your opponent's body and may be executed using either of the above methods to close. In the following examples, assume you are defending against an attacker who is stepping or lunging forward in an attack with a knife held in the right hand.

Outside Close

The outside close is the safer of the two types. To execute it, when the attacker steps toward you and thrusts the knife at you, you should step outward toward your left just far enough to let the knife pass by. Use your hands to guide the attacker's arm as it passes by you while getting a firm grip on his or her wrist or forearm with your right hand. You should find yourself standing very close to the attacker's upper arm or shoulder with your right hand holding the attacking hand firmly at your side.

When performed correctly, the outside close puts you outside of the line of attack and reduces your chances of getting cut. It puts you in the position of being almost behind your attacker and makes your opponent feel vulnerable. Once you complete the close, you may apply your choice of finishing techniques.

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