Five Knife Fighting Lies in and the Martial Arts

By Al Case

There is a lot of misinformation out there about knife fighting. Most of this can be handled with a little common sense. Some of the truths and lies are going to take a bit of study in a martial arts system that teaches bona fide knife self defense techniques.

One major concern people have is whether they are going to be able to get their knives out in a combat situation. This one, like so many other potential problems, depends on what is actually happening. The fact is that there are several good solutions.

Learn to be aware, see the knife attack coming, and you'll have time to get out a folder, especially if you have practiced. A better solution would be to carry your knife in a sheath so it can be pulled out fast. The key here is to avoid darkened areas, choose your setting carefully, and just generally be aware of what is going on around you.

A big falsehood is that when you practice a knife defense your attacker will slow down after the first strike so that you can do your defense. This is so silly it is absurd. In a real fight everything is in a constant flow of motion, so you'd better practice in a martial arts system that, in addition to any beginning self defense moves, has drills in which motion is really happening.

One of the biggest concerns people come up with in this matter of fighting with sharpened steel is that they are going to get sliced. Well, maybe, but then again...it doesn't have to be. You can lessen the chance of getting your body cut up if you practice, practice, practice--in any fight, in life itself, the first principle is to always be prepared.

One of the things you have to be careful of is these systems that show people grabbing the knife out of somebody's hand. This is only after years of experience, and even then, the martial arts master will probably do something more damaging or careful. Simply, you don't have time to be fancy when somebody attacks you with a blade.

Don't think somebody is going to attack you in a set way. Yes, he will probably attack you with the cutter in his mitt, but that is no promise. If he's carrying sharpened steel in the first place, he's probably got a tricky sort of mind that will set up with a distraction, and then do something you don't expect.

You know, one of the strangest things I do in teaching, if students want to learn how to handle knife attacks, is make them understand that using the knife must be as natural as picking up a spoon. I have them fasten a knife to the back of their hand, blade extended in front of the knuckles, and then I have them do common things like brushing their teeth, tying their shoes,and that sort of thing. It's educational, they might actually poke their own flesh, but the awareness process will start up.

About the Author:

The Blinding Steel Program at Monster Martial Arts is on of the best knife fighting methods in the world. Mouse on over over to the Monster and see if there is a FREE knife offer going on.