Defense against a rapid thrust knife attack

[@karategogo]

If your attacker pulls a knife you pull a gun or a baseball bat or a long stick if you have none -----RUN ...... Truly there is no defense against a crazy person trying to stab you I've seen lots of videos of assassinations with knives when going to through bodyguard training , brother I tell you it's a hard defense

[@nikgeos]

Guru Ron you are right about one thing .... Awareness is the key factor to survive (win) any kind of attack on the streets !

[@raydelavega7457]

Excellent presentation, you are right!!! Nothing is full proof, Awareness is the key!! Thank you. 👍👍👍👌👌👌

[@Martial.Arts.Reseach.Systems]

Hi Everyone, I am not saying that you will grab the armpit and retain it. I am saying that you can temporarily jam in to the pit and then go forward. I agree with most of you on this thread. I am talking about when your back is against the wall and with nowhere to run. This is a possibility, nothing more. I will try and make a better video to explain my point. Thanks for keeping it classy on the posts.

[@emancampos]

+Ron Balicki ... i agree that somehow you can grab the armpit if your position only allows you to do just that. Better way is to grab the elbow and pin that elbow to his side. The area of your forearm just below the elbow. Try that. I am practicing TAPONDO and knife-defense is part of our routine. I've tested several maneuvers and found the elbow to be the best part of the arm to trap. More web.facebook.com/tapondopractitioner/?fref=ts

[@emancampos]

+Eman Campos ... il try to make a video soon and share it with you

[@joec.6780]

So, in my own experience having been stabbed in an attack similar to this I learned a couple of things. I have noticed that your video, like others don't touch on the most important point of a knife attack namely: "You're not going to encounter this unless you instigate the situation somehow." Even then you've got to also contribute to escalating it, otherwise at worst you're going to face a "stick and run" type scenario where you get hit once just to keep you from pursuing your assailant who flees. Secondly, the so-called "Philly Shell" Stance is your best friend, at least this is my opinion. I adopted that stance, just as a matter of habit when I was attacked and as a result was able to nail my attacker with a few jabs (escalating the situation), but more importantly I was able to twist in the opposite direction of the attack capturing his thrusts fairly reliably, only getting stuck, superficially at that, twice out of a dozen or so attempts. Each time he did that I was able to retaliate with two elbows from the clinch range. Now like I said, I definitely escalated the situation, but this has still caused me to feel pretty strongly that the Philly Shell is the right way to go, if you must, especially in training over the years when I've been able to reliable re-create the success in defending against the type of attack you're talking about and, with a cooler head transition it into a scissor leg takedown once I trap the hand holding the knife which puts me in position to win rear mount in the scramble. Thoughts?

[@00LTCharles00]

Grabbing the elbow or forearm is much more difficult than the shoulder. Greater speed, more articulation, more chances for a halfway competent opponent to slip the trap. I think you're mistaken. Possibly just below the shoulder is viable if you're concerned about control.

[@jessikapiche6097]

so more realistic than the rest out there... thanks a lot.

[@emoney9449]

I appreciate a real idea and some real testing. All the arm guiding/disarming that is shown in most knife defence would be extremely difficult in real life.

[@davereid-daly2205]

Great advice ! All the guys I saw trying to use kicks were cut to the bone and then were unable to run. Awareness is key. knifefighters never threaten or show. They cut to reveal they are carrying.

[@OnTheEdge5950]

I f you can create distance, especially if you can break away completely you would want to immediately run and flee the scene not try to kick to the groin. Besides a smart person with a blade isn't going to expose his groin to you he will stand sideways to limit your targets to attack i.e. the groin. this video is sound in its basic concepts but lets face it unless you have been attached by a real edge weapon in real life it's hard to say what's gonna work. Iv been in a few situations and am still alive. part is luck and lack of skill by thr attackers and part is based on years of aggressive training in modern arnis and sayoc kali. also size and physical advantages by either party play a big part. point is the video is sound in it's basic concepts if trapped. REMEMBER These attacks only last seconds most times.

[@juliustirazona6119]

There are different techniques. This is one good technique in a surprise knife attack. Meaning you are most likely engaged in a fist fight with your opponent and suddenly pulled out a knife while he is already a feet away from you. As I always say, a technique is only effective on the situation it is intended for. There will not be a perfect technique because of so many factors in a fight. Factors can be size of the fighter, strength, speed, agility, body position, environment, etc... As long as you practice techniques that is best for you then your chances of surviving the fight is good. -Kali Warrior here from the Philippines.

[@JackShen]

in practicing scenarios like this, I live by the quote that Tom Sotis uses a lot. "Tenderization (or softening) is the currency in which we buy compliance"

[@willyrosales8551]

lol there's no way this instructor will survive a knife attack

[@hairanable]

According to my opinion, preventing move is best self defense. Just don't let your situation getting worse. When he just tries to draw his knife, you can seize his wrist and then disarm him. Or you can push him before he does a move, as hard as you can. Then you can escape. Simple, but it may save your life.

[@mofogie]

my research with this scenario is : quickly deal with the grappling hand first. As soon as the wielder attempts to grab you, immediately elbow strike and pivot it off from the outside. Sidestepping or pivoting backwards is a bonus too. This throws the attacker off balance and crosses his trapping arm blocking his own knife hand. We've had great success with this tactic, have gone hard in sparring and it's been shown to avoid getting trapped in general.

[@kaliguy8150]

As always great information and training video . Thanks for sharing Ron.

[@OnTheEdge5950]

good video good points made. I think that people make the mistake of thinking your recommendation is to get in this position where you are basically trapped without many options. they miss the point of worst case scenario which is a position that you may find yourself in not one that you are trying to put yourself in. the truth is we get ambushed and what then? that is what you gentlemen are addressing. I feel that you guys gave some valuable and sound advice. great job guys ! I'm no expert but I do have years of weapons training especially edged weapons. I will be looking forward to more of your videos. thanks for sharing. Regards Frank.

[@bushwacker2048]

here's my thoughts- you can watch a 100 knife attack compilations on KZbin, and you'll see slashers and fencers for sure- but 9 times out of 10, just like y'all said, there's the sewing machine attack WITH A GRAB. Lapel grab, arm grab, neck grab, in SOME WAY there's almost ALWAYS a grab. Does it not make more sense to attack their static grabbing/gauging arm? Especially if your technique involves turning your body away from their knife arm? You never see that in knife defense videos, ever. I don't understand it.

[@Las_Vegas_Combat_Academy]

At Combat speed I am skeptical. Catching the wrist? No. The emphasis on the disarm is too great in my opinion. That is the last thing I have thought about when people have tried to cut me. Control the delivery system for the weapon and destroy the attacker. I love FMA I think many of the drills are fantastic, however that does not mean that they are practical. Simple and brutal this is how you survive a knife attack. Disarms are luxuries not necessities.

[@OnTheEdge5950]

Disarms are the last thing you should be trying imo. This stuff happens so fast in real situations that you need to do something to shock the attacker like a hard blow or a projectile of some sort ,it could be throwing your baseball cap in their face. as soon as you break free run run run!

[@OnTheEdge5950]

I never leave home without a weapon.

[@wanderjahre]

I was about to post my wariness of any defence that doesn't trap or block the attacking arm but I noted the comments about this as an option and that's the key, it's simply another technique in the arsenal to be use if the occasion demands. So Kudos to Mr B.

[@BlueForceSabers]

Best defense, create distance and draw your firearm.

[@chaos_omega]

+soundwave809 This is a good strategy, but there are techniques for creating that distance that won't come naturally.

[@zoltanveres1754]

+soundwave809 knife attack is faster than your drawing your gun and while creating distance you ll probably die. there is a vid on the tube where dan inosanto participated in this experiment and his knife won against the officers with guns.

[@bobsmithers1987]

not sure if i'd agree 100%, but like most things, try it, use it, if you think it works keep it, if not throw it away, not everything works for everyone, some people are big, small, strong weak, etc.....................as with most things, it's a starting point..........

[@mws027]

The moral of the story is, do not attack Ron Balicki because he is Awesome, and you will lose

[@DonTHEhandsome1]

Trying to stop his forward progess I understand. Try for his armpit or shoulder I understand. Why not just go for a low kick or sweep to keep distance then run. No one will be able to catch a knife hand without taking substantial damage to your arm or hand.

[@limangkalasag3427]

In this demo you can Target the EYES of the attacker in easy way...you can use the right or left hand to poke the EYES.

[@markccruz]

Thank you for sharing. Good info. Respect.

[@cjs610]

Great insight, thank you for posting

[@eapc44]

excellent just a very short clip of all the many skills set u are good in,thanks

[@anthonyallen3328]

I respectfully disagree. I noticed in the beginning the guy was fast with the demo then he slowed it down and it became a technique fest. Again I know the popular answer to most of the guys is you must do it in slow speed to teach. On the other hand why not teach the technique then train it with progessive resistance ? Again I fully understand that you must teach it slow to see the details but with all due respect who will remember that in live speed? You must have progressive restiance . I train in resistance myself and if you do the same you will truly see that those techniques are going to be entirely hard to use . Its a different game with demo speed then resistance speed.I do respect your aproach but thats my opinion. Unto I see a video with some one tech the technique then go back and show some one to use that same technique with progessive resistance, then I will not agree . Progressive restiance training does not represent any theory its a method for everyone to do. So with this method we do not have to take a person's theory of there name or status in the martial arts its about being functional not artistic. Im not trying to be objective but the difference between Japanese jj and Brazilian jj is there methodology aproach. Brazilian jj is a functional methodology and it works with full restiance.

[@steveocvirek6671]

Thank-you for trying to demonstrate a knife defense technique. Knifes are the hardest weapons to defend against. However, the problem with this particular technique is that even a person with very short arms can freely target the brachial artery, ulnar nerve & radial nerve - - not to mention bicep, tricep, and with a longer arm the anterior deltoid. A 90° forearm block while clearing space for the body would be a better technique.

[@curtisgiesbrecht8325]

Making the best of a bad situation. I know this is a technique in isolation but couldn't fail to think a pekiti side step would help augment the hit and the shoulder jam. Can't argue the fact you should never try to grab a knife in motion.

[@KennedyWingChun]

Sir, you and your family as well as Sifu Dan are an inspiration to all. Try not to let the trolls on here get you down. Although I am known for Wing Chun, it was my introduction to Sifu Dan in the nineties that changed my life and training. Keep inspiring the next generation and simply ignore the negative people on here, as difficult as that may be. Thank you for your time.

[@Cuda9969]

Does the technique change for a smaller defender?

[@BigStickCombat]

Outstanding. This is the most solid counter for this I've seen.

[@dragoon6551]

could you just try to ignore the knife for a few seconds and pummel there head? it would hurt of course, but it might be possible to disorient them or possibly knock them out? if you can hit the temple or nose?

[@teflon_dom3295]

The knife is a tough weapon to play against. The concept he is showing is similar to passing on the elbow and also the pinching that is also shown in some kali. I think once the bridge is made and the knife weilder gains thw contact its possible to pull this off. All has to do with timing and reflexes. Tested, not theory

[@steelty]

Makes more sense to me to grab for the inside of the attackers attacking elbow. It seems to me that would completely take away their attack, and you could keep them from thrusting forward, then you could go from there. You claimed you couldn't grab their hand, but why wouldn't you be able to grab the upper arm near the lower bicep, and that would seemingly prevent them from any attack with that arm, especially if you used both of your hands to control the arm. I'd be curious to know what others think of this.

[@alexpelletier2300]

thank you from France!

[@gearbarrel6237]

I like how you actually cross parried with the right arm and grabbed his fatty part of his thumb for control. You might want to work a "Butterfly lock " from that position. Over all good info. It also was good you talked through digging your thumb into his armpit so he couldn't "wipe your hand off" and ride the line of your arm into your vitals" Keep it up!!!

[@JeetkunedoSgJohnlow]

Left hand. Thrust into his eyes. Finished.

[@MartialMasculine]

You are a legend and inspiration, Guro Ron. Thank you for sharing this with us!

[@SilatMotion]

Agreed, very good explanation, thanks

[@nicholaswildman2782]

Thanks for this Ron, some interesting techniques! Do you teach any defenses that don't depend on a block first? In the techniques you demonstrated, the disarm depended on anticipating and intercepting the opponent's thrust, I prefer techniques that don't depend on your opponent doing what you expect them to do. Thanks!

[@dehlerausrustungoutdoorulr997]

Great, thank you for the movie! Regards from your Fans in Germany!

[@chbu7081]

Can't say I would be a fan of this particular technique, it looks too problematic. I would rather move to his outside (on the side of the arm that grabbed you) and smash it away with my right forearm whilst, at the same time, creating distance. You would still have your left arm to deflect the stabs away and the right arm , if in reach, will be in prime position for a back fist and maybe side kick to the knee. Not trying to tell you what to do or anything, just a suggestion.

[@MrEMT4466]

Very informative!!!!!! Thanks!!!!!!!

[@LimitlessWorldMedia]

What about the other 2 holds like the back hold of the neck- and the choke

[@ERprepper]

Inosanto doesn't teach a student to stay static nor linear. Footwork and OUTSIDE!

[@schaelakhan]

Thank you for sharing. This is scary subject matter. The best defense is just as you described....being aware. I will use as a base and take it to the lab(the dojo)and see how it works for me. Sifu I got your Jun fan jkd instructor series, just wanted to know if you thought about making a shoot fight series. God bless

[@teflon_dom3295]

I also want to say that Guro Ron is being a gentlemen by showing somethinga here and no one should judge it clear cut. It should be tested and not just camera theory

[@karategogo]

Your right am a bodyguard I've seen crazy shit and a knife wielding fuck is scary

[@edwardalmaguer8177]

Thanx for the info guru Ron its something we can learn from everything helps, I also refuse to be a victim , god bless brother. from guru Edward of Estallila kabaroan eskrima.

[@zoltanveres1754]

all defenses against weapon attacks where the defender stands his ground is just, to put it very mildly, BAD technique and BAD education. the idea presented here is very good, but execution-wise it is poorly done because the primary defense in any danger is your MOVING away from where the attack is aimed at.

[@dayanarias1037]

think armpit whole is smart as a last minute manuever,but still very vulnerable,,i think if you still should manuever to the outside gate of holding arm asap

[@abejarkoh7655]

Yes, Filipino called it saksak!

[@alexfresel6198]

nice, thanks!

[@hunterpowers317]

there are quite videos on youtube of real knife attacks, or, there were when i looked for them

[@ThunderousWrath]

Balicki's thinning hair is making him start to look like Dan Inosanto Jr...

[@MaiaCoimbra]

i like your real life approach, the technique not so much but i understand the concept and i will not criticise your style because i respect any master / instructor. even i don't like so much the technique it is only my taste ;) , not the technique that seems to be practical and functional nevertheless , congratulations for you video Oss !

[@MikeS24-v4s]

Good Job!

[@karategogo]

But with much respect to everyone be safe out there!

[@sanekabc]

Awesome!

[@EzioAuditore1500]

What martial art is this?

[@ethangilliland9922]

Nice

[@eapc44]

thank you Ron,we are all shown some very silly knife defense,simple is always better.and of course you said how it is, awhearness at all time.systema has some great knife work too. many thanks for showing us this,and love to all your family,.it was great to meet you all them years ago...stay safe, richard uk

[@chaos_omega]

This technique ain't got nothin' on the Dog Catcher defence!

[@johnduncan7484]

First, hit the eye...

[@theundead1600]

ron thanks for a great video. its real close to we just did in out bjj class. and our instructor feels the same if theres a knife get away if you have to fight do what we've been training. its better then letting then stab ya.

[@spartacusantipas4580]

I disagree Ron. The strongest part of your body is your legs. No offense with your legs and no evasion with them. It is the most difficult martial art scenario. Thanks for trying to find a way but it won't work!

[@masajhn]

the best defense against a nice is to kick in the balls , period

[@rovinprincehao6499]

theres alot of triangles

[@az475776]

Seriously.

[@Martial.Arts.Reseach.Systems]

Ian Hogan Yes, seriously

[@Trig0r]

+Ian Hogan Srsly?!

[@Jericho11894]

+Ron Balicki You just saved me alot.....alot of time. Thank you sooooo much and I respect commend you for what you are providing publicly. Again, I thank you Guro Balicki, your wife Diana, and your mentor Guro Inosanto. I wish I could meet and train with you guys. Hopefully by some miracle, I can in the future. Thank you and God Bless.

[@joeygonzo]

Pinoys call it saksak.

[@monroekelly9064]

Decent video but the techniques presented are advanced techniques, virtually useless for beginners and intermediate level combatives practitioners.