Knife Defense

Defenses Against a Right Hand Overhead Knife Attack

In any defense against a knife, the knife is only a part of the attack, the attacker is also going to be hitting, choking, clawing, biting, and gouging at you to get the weapon back.

Defense #1. Step backward with left foot out of range of knife. Swing right arm counterclockwise in a large circle front of your body so you may grab or push the attacking arm just behind the knife. Redirect knife into opponent’s body or leg. Follow-up with a left downward elbow strike to the base of the attacker's neck.

Defense #2. Step forward, toward the left outside the arc of the attacking arm. Swing right arm clockwise and grab attacking arm behind the knife. Swing attacker's arm down, around, back upward, and then forward while also grabbing it with your left hand. Attacker will bend forward. Continue pushing the arm forward while twisting the attacker's wrist until the knife drops. Follow-up with a left downward elbow strike to the base of the attacker's neck.

Defense #3. Step right foot forward inside the attacking arm with a high X block (left hand in front). Grab attacker's hand with your left hand (and then right hand) while turning left so your back is toward attacker and his elbow rests on your right shoulder, palm up. Apply a downward force on his hand until he releases the knife. Follow-up with a right elbow or turn right and sweep his legs.