Polarizing Perspectives

One of the most polarizing perspectives in self-protection, self-defense and combatives training: “knife defense”. (It’s in quotes on purpose.)

Running isn’t a bad idea, but so can the assailant in many cases.

Sometimes you can’t run due to environment, state of readiness or injury, or timing and deception of the attack. You also may have loved ones you need to protect. So, running is not always an option.

And there’s the “You’re gonna get cut” adage, which is usually proposed as an absolute with little to no additional advice. Don’t let that determine your mindset or fate. Yeah, you might get cut… so what? Then what?

Move, protect yourself, strike when the window of opportunity presents itself or you create the opportunity.

Awareness. Yes, an informed awareness, will increase your odds dramatically. So will perception and fighting ability.

“Well, I’ll just shoot’em.” Yet, many that use that phrase fail to acquire the skillset (and agility), or opportunity to evade a running attack or a close-quarter surprise. Perception of range, angle, timing and skill have a lot to do with all combatives. This applies to countermeasures against a weapon of any sort.

Develop your senses and inform your awareness. Develop dynamic footwork maneuvering skill. Use your environment. Develop contextual striking and grappling skills. Make the attack realistic when training. Make your evasion dynamic and realistic. Get fit. Get skilled at using equalizers and tactics.

Practice, practice, practice.