knife disarms & control

You must first learn to separate knife threats from knife attacks. 

An attacker who uses a knife rather than a gun is potentially more dangerous since a knife will never jam or run out of ammunition.

When an attacker threatens you with a blade he does not necessarily want to stab or cut you immediately. Instead he may want money, possessions, information or to move you to another location.

The blade may be placed against any part of your body, front, side or back.

The attacker will make demands. He may follow a script that he has rehearsed or used before.

You should avoid eye contact. Adopt a submissive posture and be compliant. Reassure your attacker..."OK man...I have money for you..." etc., avoid using phrases like "Please...don't hurt me man...don't stab me" etc., since, as strange as it may seem, he may not have actually thought of that!

You should be prepared to give him your mobile, wallet etc., since these items can be easily replaced and credit cards can be cancelled with a single telephone call.

If your attacker is still adopting a threatening posture after you given over your possessions you should seriously think about disarming him.

There are many knife disarms - do not attempt anything flashy - remember simplicity is genius.

Use a technique that you have confidently mastered and can use fluently under stress. This is why we stress test all the techniques with you.

Stress testing is an important and fundamental component of most ICS which allows you to determine which techniques you are capable of pulling off effectively.

With knife attacks you must always remember distance is your best friend. As soon as you see the blade you need to make distance. Use one arm to shield vital organs like heart and neck.

As attacker approaches redirect and control the wrist or arm holding the blade. Push away or disarm - depending on the circumstances.

Again - make sure you are confident by stress testing the various techniques in class.

Finally - in any knife confrontation you should always expect to get cut!