Defending knife attacks - Shotokan Kata examples

The knife attacks demonstrated here also form the basis for knife defense in other martial arts. However, if an attacker truly masters knife handling or in the case of concealed attacks, the chances of success are rather low. Therefore, dangerous situations should generally be avoided.
00:05 Defense against a knife attack using Jitte techniques (1)
With Gedan Barai, the blade is struck to disarm the opponent and take the knife out of
His hand
00:16 Defense against a knife attack using Jitte techniques (2)
With Gedan Barai, the blade is struck to disarm the opponent and take the knife out of
His hand
00:25 Defense agains a knife attack using Jion techniques (1)
The disarmament here is achieved by striking the vital points located at the wrist (Lung 9, Lung 8, Pericardium 7, Heart 7, Heart 6). A blow to these points loosens the wrist, causing the hand to open
00:37 Defense against a knife attack using Heian Sandan techniques
The disarmament here is achieved by striking the vital points located at the wrist (Lung 9, Lung 8, Pericardium 7, Heart 7, Heart 6). A blow to these points loosens the wrist, causing the hand to open
00:43 Defense against a knife attack using Jion techniques (2)
Using Juji Uke, the weapon-bearing arm must be pressed tightly against the opponent’s body to prevent him from executing another knife thrust. While the right Gedan Barai immobilizes the weapon-bearing hand, the left Gedan Barai strikes the blade to disarm the opponent.
00:50 Defense against a knife attack using Kanku Dai techniques (1)
Step to the left to avoid the direction of the attack. Redirect the energy of the opponent’s weapon arm downward and toward his body. The Haishu Uke strikes the blade of the knife, disarming the opponent.
00:59 Defense against a knife attack using Kanku Dai techniques (2)
When stepping to the left to avoid the attack, guide the energy of the opponent’s weapon arm downward and toward his body. The disarmament here is achieved by striking the vital points located at the wrist (Lung 9, Lung 8, Pericardium 7, Heart 7, Heart 6). A blow to these points loosens the wrist and opens the hand.
01:06 Defense against a knife attack using Kanku Dai techniques (3)
As you bring down the opponent’s weapon arm, press it toward his body; otherwise, he has the opportunity to cut. The disarmament is accomplished by striking the vital points on the wrist (Lung 9, Lung 8, Pericardium 7, Heart 7, Heart 6). This action loosens the wrist and opens the hand.
01:13 Defense against a knife attack using Chinte techniques
After the block, grab the opponent’s weapon hand and pull it downward. During this downward movement, the knife blade touches the defender’s forearm, forcing the knife out of the opponent’s hand.
The defensive techniques demonstrated here against knife attacks can also be used against attacks with short sticks - see the stick video

[@enkahaku]

Nice ideas to work with! I especially liked the one at ~1:03 👍 Self-defense is a topic for all of us, and those who pursue higher ranks should definitely look into this!

[@Georgios.G]

seriously?

[@JaybayJay]

Yes, seriously.. I used to teach Matsubayashi Ryu Shorin Ryu as Senpai to my Sensei for about 3 and a half years when I was 15, did tkd when I was 10 for years and my Sensei saw that. It becomes reflex. I've been attacked by someone with a knife, it's very fast and you don't even realize your being stabbed except for these little pinches that seem to hurt depending on where you're being stabbed. I looked down and saw him pulling a huge 8" bowie knife out of my leg and instinctively I immediately trapped his hand and slammed it down. I was in a bad way fast and I had to wrap my leg and stop the bleeding. He almost killed me, and I'm telling you now.. It was my 30 years of martial arts training that saved my life ultimately. We train all our lives, so that when that one day comes.. We're prepared and it comes out as instinct. Especially when that flight or fight kicks in.. And he does say that these situations should be avoided cause the outcome is always in doubt, especially if the attacker is good and knife handling as he says.. ie, advanced knife combat.