Imagine coming face to face with a robber, a furious ex of your girlfriend, or a killer etc. and they take out a knife. Here are some steps to learn how to defend yourself.
Steps
Step 1. Stay calm
If you panic, give the attacker a head start even before you start. Breath deeply. If you know the attacker, ask yourself if he could really use the knife or if he could just threaten you.
Step 2. Think of ways to minimize the situation
If it's a robber, give him what he wants. Your wallet or phone is not worth your life.
Step 3. Plan your next move
If you have no escape and your only chance is to fight, think hard. If it's a robber, just tell him you have nothing and be adamant. If the robber panics, he may even search you. Here you have your chance to hit it. But if it makes you empty your pockets, that won't work.
Step 4. Try to intimidate
Do your best to get him to leave you alone. This might make him nervous, but the attacker probably won't let you go. Put yourself in a guard position, preferably boxing. Wrestling positions are not recommended because they leave your chest exposed.
Step 5. Decide whether to attack or defend yourself
If you strike first, he can defend himself, but the surprise factor will be on your side. Waiting for him to be the first to strike takes away most of the ability to defend, but you have to be prepared for that.
Step 6. Attach it to your wrists
Grasping the wrist where the knife grips removes the danger of the knife. Be ready for a punch or a punch.
Step 7. Point the knife away
He will probably try to take the knife away with both hands. If you think you can't beat him by force to retrieve the knife, hit him with a head butt. Depending on the opponent, this will either end the fight or give you a couple of seconds to focus on the knife. If taking the knife is too difficult, try sweeping his legs while holding the knife at a distance, then as he falls you have a small moment where you can at least control the direction of the knife. Face it towards him and push. He will likely give in because you are on top of him and can exert the strength AND pressure of your body, while he can only harness his strength. Keep pushing. If he tries for a second to move his hand to hit you, you will have a chance to put pressure on his chest.
Step 8. Don't think about it
If he starts begging you to let go, that's your choice. Letting go puts you at risk of another attack. Pushing until he's injured and unable to fight can kill him, and that's always unpleasant.
Step 9. Honestly, in the event of a robbery, an article is unlikely to be able to prepare you for what might happen
In real life, people are unpredictable and situations other than those mentioned will occur. Enrollment in self-defense or martial arts courses is recommended.
Advice
- If the attacker is approaching you with a knife, raise your hands with palms facing the attacker. This may show the attacker that you are not going to fight, but it also allows you to hit or block the attacker.
- Study Krav Maga, a martial art based on self-defense by all possible means.
Warnings
- Hitting him with a knife can kill him and end up in jail, although sometimes it's the only option.
- Just give up. There is no reason to die for a wallet.
- Following this guide can lead to your death or someone else's death. Seriously, run and put your ego aside. Most knife attacks don't involve a single thrust or a single cut. They could get very violent and rambling. If you've ever seen a 'prison-style' attack (hold the grip with one hand and repeatedly strike with the other), you can already conclude that there is no perfect defense against it and you have no other options. "Grabbing the wrist" is not a good idea. It is not difficult to free yourself from a grip on the wrist, especially if you have a knife in your hand (anyone, even without experience with martial arts can try: take a marker and have the other person stop the 'attack' by squeezing your wrist and you will see how easy it is to get out of that situation). Plus, they can always change hands and continue the assault. The only thing to do is to deliver your items and try to escape.
