Defense Against Armed Attackers

Inside Close

The inside close is somewhat more risky than the outside close but it is much more intimidating. To execute it, when the attacker steps toward you and thrusts the knife at you, step to your right and toward the centerline of the attacker's body while holding onto the attacking arm with your left hand. You should end up in front of your partner's chest and face, while holding his or her right arm at your side with your left hand.

This is clearly an intimidating position for the attacker because you have cut the weapon off from his or her line of vision and you have placed your body between him or her and the knife, making it impossible for him or her to attack you with it. You have also exposed key targets on the opponent's body to attack, including the critical targets on the centerline of his or her head and body.

However, you have also presented the attacker with the same opportunities, which makes the inside close a risky move. Once you use the inside close, you must have a specific plan to finish your attacker quickly. You must also be acutely aware of your opponent's actions and be prepared to defend against a counterattack.