Targets

• Eyes - use fingers - like flicking water or jabbing

• Nose - use palm, back of wrist, backfist or punch

• Throat - use finger thrust or bear paw

• Ears – a hard clap to the ears

• Groin - use a kick or knee when the opportunity arises

• Hand holding the knife - strikes that can cause the attacker to release the knife

• Biceps – can make it difficult for attacker to use the arm

Defend then Counter Strike

One then two

Pass or stop then strike one of the targets.

At the same time

Stop and strike one of the targets at the same time.

Baseball movement

Use the baseball movement to stop the attack and at the same time strike the head, neck, shoulder, solar plexus or groin.

Stripping the knife

After you have executed one of these defensive moves and momentarily neutralised the attack it is best (if possible) to strip the knife from the attacker’s hand. Two simple methods of stripping the knife are to:

• Hit the back of their hand very hard with a punch or a hammer fist.

• Push the knife towards the thumb using the side or back of the blade

Knife Drill 3 – Pass or Stop and Counter-Strike

Purpose

To develop the habit of dealing with the attack and counter-striking to effectively stop further attacks. The habit of delivering a counter-strike should become automatic and happen instinctively.

How to do it?

• Attacker has the knife in one hand and a focus mitt in the other.

• Can attack with any technique (keep it simple to start with).

• Hold the focus mitt so the defender can apply their counter strike at the correct distance.

• The defender will deal with the attack (pass, stop, disengage) and then deliver a counter strike,

• The counter strikes should initially be to the focus mitt but then the defender should progress to other targets (eyes, shoulder, solar plexus, groin, knees, etc.) with control of course.

• Attacker repeats 10-20 times then swap.

• Move around as you attack.

• If the defender has difficulty with an attack, repeat the attack slowly until the attacker can deal with it, then move to the next variation.

• Do not watch the snake.

• No need to counter-strike with full power start with – just get used to judging the correct time and distance and footwork – add power last when all other elements are correct.

• Do the drill left-handed as well.

Knife Drill 4 – Pass or Stop and Strip the Knife

Purpose

To develop the skill required to remove the knife from the situation. The habit of stripping the knife should become automatic and happen instinctively when the opportunity presents itself.

How to do it?

• Attacker has the knife in one hand.

• Can attack with any technique (keep it simple to start with).

• The defender will deal with the attack (pass, stop, disengage) and then deliver attempt to strip the knife. Opportunities to strip the knife are better the you are on the outside of the attack.

• Attacker repeats 10-20 times then swap.

• Move around as you attack.

• If the defender has difficulty with an attack, repeat the attack slowly until the attacker can deal with it, then move to the next variation.

• Do not watch the snake.

• Do the drill left-handed as well.