SELF DEFENSE SERIES (11/12/24) Once again, Knife Defense

NOTE: I originally posted this as a blog post, but decided to make this a permanent webpage.

Welcome to the Self Defense series, where we talk about it. The subject of Self-defense is very important, as it not only empowers individuals but also enhances their awareness of personal safety. In today’s world, being equipped with the knowledge and skills to protect oneself is essential, given the increasing concerns regarding safety in various environments. We will explore different techniques, strategies, and the mental aspects of self-defense, aiming to provide you with valuable insights that can be applied in real-life situations. Join us as we delve deeper into this vital topic, ensuring you feel confident and prepared to face any potential challenges.

 

Knife defense. Yes, we’re revisiting this topic because it holds significant relevance in today’s world. With incidents of knife attacks unfortunately becoming more common, understanding the techniques and strategies for self-defense is extremely important. Everyone should be equipped with the knowledge to protect themselves and their loved ones in potentially dangerous situations. Proper training can enhance awareness, improve reflexes, and provide the mental fortitude needed to react effectively under pressure. Additionally, exploring various defensive maneuvers and the psychology behind confrontations can empower individuals to respond wisely and safely.

 

I posted some videos to serve as resources for practical skills to handle a knife attack, covering self-defense techniques, situational awareness, and escape methods. By practicing these skills, you can enhance your confidence and preparedness for dangerous encounters, and I encourage sharing these resources with others to promote community safety awareness.

In this 1st video, special forces instructor Paulo GN Rubio of FUNKER TACTICAL, in a moment of reckless aggression, attempted to stab a United States Marine and 20-year Law Enforcement Officer with full intent and energy, wielding the knife like it was an extension of his own being. No warning! This was an impulsive action carried out with alarming fervor, full of intention and power! Each movement was raw, unrefined, and dangerously unrehearsed. Did he survive the attack? Watch and see as the events unfold!

 

After enduring this harrowing and humbling experience, he left Paul with 20 invaluable life-saving lessons about the complex nature of knife defense. It never looks as pretty as some would have you believe; the reality is often gritty and chaotic. Here is a no-nonsense approach to dealing with a bladed opponent, emphasizing the importance of preparation, awareness, and the mental fortitude required to endure such encounters.

These life-saving lesions are listed below:

  • DO NOT COLLECT FANCY TECHNIQUES!
  • SIMPLIFY KNIFE ATTACKS AS ABOVE OR BELOW 90 DEGREE ANGLES.
  • INCORPORATE “CONSEQUENCES” IN YOUR KNIFE TRAINING.
  • IN A FIGHT, EXPECT THAT YOU’RE GONNA GET HURT SOMEHOW.
  • GROSS MOTOR MOVEMENTS OVER FINE MOTOR MOVEMENTS.
  • BOTH THUMBS DOWN, CREATES INCIDENTAL DEFENSE FROM FOREARMS.
  • TECHNIQUES FAIL, FOCUS ON PRINCIPLES & KEEP GOING!
  • PUSHING FORWARD PREVENTS RECOIL AND RE-STAB!
  • WHAT IFS EXIST ONLY IN DEMOS. THEY DISAPPEAR WITH LIVE ENERGY.
  • FIGHTS MOVE, WE MOVE. REMEMBER THIS!
  • REMEMBER, YOU’RE GONNA GET CUT!
  • JUJITSU PRINCIPLE: STAY TIGHT!
  • IT’S NOT EASY TO SWITCH KNIFE HANDS! I’S JUST NOT.
  • SUPPORT HANDS KEEP WORKING! STRIKE OR ENFORCE CONTROL.
  • PROTECT YOUR VITALS.
  • RUN AWAY OR CRASH IN! ALL IN OR ALL OUT.
  • ISOLATE SOMETHING SMALL WITH SOMETHING BIG.
  • IMPACT WITH INTENT & AGGRESSION AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY.
  • USE ALL AVAILABLE TOOLS TO END THE FIGHT.

If you appreciated this free lesson, please say thanks to Sal by clicking on his Instagram account and giving him a follow. It means a lot to him to see support from learners like you, and by following his account, you’ll gain access to more valuable insights and resources that can enhance your knowledge even further. Here it is:   / ido_consulting

Now in this 2nd video, Paulo Rubio is himself being interviewed by Jesse Enkamp, aka THE KARATE NERD, as he shares some of his extensive experience and knowledge about this subject.

 

He emphasizes what truly works in self-defense scenarios and, just as importantly, what doesn’t work, helping you to avoid common pitfalls that many individuals face when confronted with threatening situations. By providing clear demonstrations, the training allows you to understand not only the actions to take but also the mindset needed for effective self-defense.

Thanks to FMJ Shooting Range, a hub for firearms training and self-defense courses: https://www.fmjskytte.se/english/, you have the opportunity to train in a supportive environment that prioritizes real-world self-defense. Train with Paulo GN Rubio: https://www.trainwithgn.com/, where you can refine your skills further and gain confidence in your ability to respond effectively in high-stress situations. Reinforce your knowledge through hands-on experience, supported by expert insights and drills that prepare you for the realities of knife encounters.

Knives, as well as other weapons, have been developed and used extensively by Capoeiristas for centuries, playing a significant role in various combat styles and self-defense techniques within the practice. These weapons are not merely tools of combat; they embody a rich cultural heritage and a deep understanding of strategy and movement that is central to the art of Capoeira. Over time, Capoeiristas have integrated different forms of weaponry into their training, allowing practitioners to enhance their agility and coordination. The use of knives often emphasizes the principles of evasion and deception, making every encounter a test of skill and intellect.

Moreover, the practice of weaponry in Capoeira serves as a means for practitioners to connect with their historical roots, as these martial arts were influenced by African traditions and the struggles of enslaved people in Brazil. This deep connection not only honors the heritage of those who came before but also enriches the overall experience of learning Capoeira. Although they may have fallen out of use in recent years due to the modern emphasis on unarmed techniques, some schools still place a strong focus on developing and refining these skills, recognizing their importance in preserving the traditional aspects of the art form. The unique fluidity and rhythm that weaponry brings to Capoeira can often enhance a practitioner’s agility and creativity in their movements. The evolution of weapon techniques continues to inspire Capoeiristas today, fostering a greater appreciation for the diverse history and cultural significance of Capoeira, and ensuring that the art remains dynamic and relevant in modern practices, capable of adapting while still honoring its roots.

 

Knife defense is more than just the simplistic notions of “run away” or “expect to get cut”; it involves a comprehensive understanding of situational awareness, risk assessment, and techniques to either de-escalate a confrontation or effectively protect oneself should an attack occur. It requires training in recognizing potential threats before they escalate, as well as developing reflexes and strategies to respond swiftly and efficiently to an assailant’s movements.

Furthermore, awareness of the environment, the use of improvised barriers, and maintaining a calm demeanor play crucial roles in surviving such confrontations, making knife defense a multifaceted discipline that goes well beyond mere survival instincts. It involves a deep understanding of the surroundings, allowing individuals to identify potential escape routes and obstacles that can be utilized to their advantage. Additionally, the ability to create improvised barriers—from everyday objects like chairs to more substantial obstacles—can provide essential protection during a potentially life-threatening encounter. Coupled with this, cultivating a calm demeanor can significantly enhance one’s decision-making process, enabling the individual to react with clarity instead of panic, ultimately transforming a desperate situation into a more manageable challenge. It is this blend of mental preparedness, environmental awareness, and tactical response that elevates knife defense into an art form, requiring both psychological fortitude and physical dexterity.