Defensive Tactics Against Edged Weapons

Defensive Tactics Against Edged Weapons

• Lesson Goal: Demonstrate defense against an attacker using an edged weapon.
• Knife Fighting: A sophisticated technique, this lesson provides basic knowledge.
• Deadly Force Response: Defense against edged weapons, bottles, clubs, or blunt instruments may require a deadly force response. Use empty-hand techniques only when no other options exist.
• Distance and Time: An attack involving distance or imminent threat gives time to plan, respond, and possibly disengage. A sudden, close-range attack limits options, and empty-hand techniques may be the best defense.
• Early Identification: Identifying a threat early improves the defensive response. Less time to react reduces options. Awareness helps recognize cues and warning signs.
• Redirection Techniques: Use redirecting tactics to avoid or redirect an attack to create time for disengagement or escape.
• Safe Distance: The minimum safe distance for officers to react to an edged-weapon attack without injury is about 25 feet.

Knife Attack Patterns

• Straight Thrust: Attack using a forward motion.
• Overhead Attack: Attack from above, using one or two hands.
• Forehand Slash: Attack with the blade moving forward and downward.

Defensive Movements

• Evasion: Moving away from the attacker to avoid the attack.
• Secure Weapon Arm: Controlling or capturing the attacker's weapon arm.
• Redirect Weapon Arm: Changing the direction of the attacker's weapon using techniques.

Redirection Techniques (1)

• Verbal Commands: Loud and clear verbal commands throughout the technique.
• Pivot Backward: Pivoting backward to evade the attacker's initial movement.
• Protect Vital Areas: Protecting face and vital areas with hands.
• Create Distance: Pushing, slapping, or striking attacker's arm to create distance from the weapon.
• Move Away: Moving away from the attacker in an angled or circular motion.
• Follow Up: Following up with appropriate actions.

Redirection Technique (2)

• Blocking Techniques: Blocking the attacker's lower right arm with your left arm.
• Grasping Weapon Arm: Grasping the attacker's right arm just above the elbow.
• Pulling Action: Slightly pulling the attacker off-balance, straightening the attacker's arm, and pulling their right wrist downwards to the right hip.
• Downward Pressure: Applying downward pressure to the attacker's elbow while maintaining control of the wrist.
• Strikes/Diversions: Using strikes or diversions as necessary.
• Rotating Hips: Rotating hips clockwise by moving the right leg backward.
• Prone Position: Dropping to the left knee and placing the attacker in a prone position.
• Follow Up: Following up with appropriate actions.

Defense Against Overhead Stab/Forehand Slash

• Palm Strike: Using both hands to palm-strike the attacker's upper right arm near the shoulder to stop weapon movement.
• Capture and Secure: Capturing and securing the attacker's right arm by circling with your left arm.
• Deliver Strikes: Delivering multiple disabling strikes simultaneously.
• Follow Up: Following up with appropriate/additional actions.