It all works really well against zero pressure, an attack that's just left "hanging" out there, and no resistance at all.
I wonder how it'd work if the "attacker" was giving him this kind of pressure...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibGyGG3X4PI&feature=PlayList&p=1317DEFF4E5CB5A8
Great post Tex! This is a more realistic attack, demonstrating the "piston" action involved... who in the blue hell stabs once and leaves their arm out for you to grab and manipulate as you will? If they do...they weren't a threat in the first place. LOL
I have to agree with KenpoTex. Its interesting because yesterday, while I was teaching a Kenpo class, I brought this very subject up with the people that were there. I started off by saying that we have a ton of techniques, and some people get so blind-sided by them, thinking that those are there only option. When attacked, they have to do the tech. as written. We then went into some spontaneous reaction drills. We went quarter to half speed, with the 'attacker' throwing whatever they wanted. After doing this for a while, I commented that I didn't see 1 textbook technique done. Now, is this because they need more practice? Perhaps, but I was part of the drill too, and after 20+ yrs. I didn't do a textbook tech either.
This isn't to say that we don't know the techs., but I stressed that what was more important than anything, was to use the foundation that the techs. give us. I may not have done 5 Swords when the roundhouse punch came in, but perhaps I used an idea from that tech. That, IMHO, is more important.
From there, we picked 2 techniques. Again, it was a toned down drill, as it has the potential to turn into a sparring exercise and thats not what I wanted to do at the time. The defender began to perform the tech. as written, but somewhere during the defense, the badguy had to start to counter what the other person was doing.
This too was also interesting, because only a move or 2 of the original tech was able to be completed before the tech had to be abandoned for something else.
So yes, much like what I did yesterday in class, the same applies to this clip. Take note of the 2nd clip KT posted. The badguy is moving way too fast for any textbook tech to be done. In that type of attack, you better get the hell off line or work on some sort of control, because otherwise you're going to end up like a piece of swiss.
Great drill. I've done similarly in the past with my students. The idea isn't to complete any technique A-Z, by the book. The idea is to be able to apply the principles taught through the techniques at a spontaneous level to eliminate any hesitation as a result of concious thought on how to deal with the attack. In reality, no two people will react the same way to the same attack... that's the real beauty behind
tailoring and why it's essential to understand the
equation formula and to practice
grafting.
The bottom line with knife attacks VS empty hand defense is that you will get cut; period. Dan Inosanto has done extensive research and training with knives (as evidenced by his scarred up arms) and this is the position he holds; and I agree.
So...a few thoughts...
Avoid it. Escape. Get away... those are the preferable options. LOL
It's important to remember to utilize your environment. Whether it be positioning yourself so that there are obstacles between you and a knife-wielding attacker or finding something that you can use as a weapon, preferably something with a longer range than the knife; a stick, umbrella, broom, gas pump nozzle (private joke)....hell, throw your keys or purse at them! LOL ...sand in the eyes...etc, etc, etc...
Use the outside of your arms for defense, not the inside... you won't bleed as much when cut there as you will if cut on the inside of your forearms and/or wrists. If you start bleeding out quickly you'll find it's hard to defend yourself when unconcious.
"It's a poor set of feet that lets a body get beat"-Chuck Sullivan. Move! Try to create distance, but remember...there's more directions to chose from than just back and forth. Think 3 dimensionally as you attempt to get off the line of attack. When avoiding try to create
angles of obscurity, position yourself outside their direct line of sight...preferably to their rear.
If you are lucky enough catch and/or trap the attackers knife-wielding arm, then
destroy it! I doubt kneeing the elbow would work in many cases and I think that's a bad idea anyway because you sacrifice your base by doing so. It's bad enough to be attacked with a knife but do you want to try and defend against it while on your back? Not good.... Train joint breaks and locks from the wrist up...you're not looking for a submission...you're looking to do serious damage...remember that.
Most importantly, show them no mercy. They have a knife. As such, their intent is clear...so, no holds barred. Be nastier than nasty and meaner than mean...
