I just watched an interesting video on pressure testing knife defenses: https://youtu.be/dsZt2FyTqvk
These two are very high level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners. Despite their world class fighting skills, they were both cut up a lot!
A few things that I’ve learned over the years when pressure testing knife defenses:
Striking from the defender is very important! If I was only allowed to learn and use one knife defense from Krav Maga or any other martial art I’ve learned it would be the Hand Defenses against Knife Attack (360 Degree and Inside Defenses). These are the exact same defenses taught in Level 1 and with counterattacks in Level 2. This is an example of how important your basics are for more advanced weapons defenses!
Do not attempt to tie-up or clinch with the attacker unless you have no choice due to lack of space.
If you do clinch you must have one hand controlling the attacker’s wrist and your other hand capping the attacker’s fist to prevent the weapon from being switched to the attacker’s other hand.
Use a weapon or improvised weapon if possible to make it a fair fight.
Run away if it’s an option. You do not always have to disarm or defeat the attacker. You don’t have to “win” a knife fight. Just “survive” it.
-Randall