The Basic Guide to Surviving in a Knife Fight
Introduction:
I’m 16 year old blue belt in Shotokan karate, and have been training under the guidance of my father since I was a kid. A couple of months ago I believe that there was a knife fight at my high school. I was worried, so I came to my father with questions about how I would defend myself if this ever happened to me. He took me outside and with brandishing a pen as someone would a knife, he taught me the basics to surviving in a knife fight. I’ve compiled his lessons, and what I have read in several books into this ‘guide’ that if you keep in mind, should keep you alive.
The basic rules:
Rule 1: If at all possible, avoid this fight.
There is no reason to risk your life in a fight like this. If someone wants something from you, give it to them, it can be replaced. But, if someone is intent on taking your life or the life of someone you love, don’t hesitate to fight back.
Rule 2: Your survival takes dominance over all else.
If you see an opportunity for an attack, such as a punch to the neck, or a knee to the groin (something you wouldn’t do in a regular fight), take it. If the person is intent on killing you, do whatever it takes to survive.
Rule 3: Be aware of your surroundings.
Try to even the odds. Look around you. If there is anything around that can be used to your advantage, use it. A belt or even a coat can be used to your advantage.
Rule 4: If you get cut, you can’t let it stop you.
If you get into a fight with a knife fighter, you probably ARE going to get cut. You cannot let it stop you. You must keep fighting or you will die. The only thing you can do is try to make sure it doesn’t hit anything vital. I’d much rather be stabbed in the arm than in the head or chest.
Rule 5: Think ahead.
When you attack, you can’t leave yourself open. Always leave a way out when you plan on attacking.
Rule 6: Get control of the weapon.
If you can get control of the attacker’s arm and get the weapon away from him, you can end the fight and walk away with your life.
The types of attacks/attackers to watch out
for:
1: The Overhead Stabber.
Probably picked this up in the movies, the overhead stabber is very vulnerable after he attacks. The attack itself is usually very easy to read and dodge, but will most likely be fatal if it connects.
Best Strategy: Either dodge his attack and take him out, or block the attack with a head block and get control of the arm.
2. The Slicer.
A more experience knife fighter, the Slicer will hold the knife out away from his body, limp wrested. As his name implies, he will try to slice at you, making it very difficult to get an attack in.
Best Strategy: Keep your distance, and go for the legs.
3. The Shiv
Probably the most dangerous one, the Shiv will hold the knife like a Slicer would, but instead of slicing he will try to stab you. DO NOT GET TOO CLOSE TO THE SHIV. One stab and you could go into shock and die.
Best Strategy: Keep your distance and try to
get control of his arm.
