A real attack isn’t coordinated, refereed or fair.
You’re not going to get a minute to prepare, take off your jacket and assume some sort of fighting posture.
Life isn’t a movie, even though we take so many cues from our entertainment.
Real close quarters combat is dirty and unexpected.
More than 60% of violent crimes are aggravated assault. Also known as being attacked.
And the overwhelming majority of attacks in the wild of the city are stabbings — most often a surprise attack.
How do you survive in the moment to get away or win against your attacker?
First Deal with the Weapon
Knowing who may do the attacking helps.
If they’re bigger and in better shape, it could be best to get out before anything happens.
But if you can’t, continue being aware, looking at their hands to see potential weapons.
- Dodge and Push Down
If it’s a knife, your looking may provoke them to lunge.
Dodge their move by jumping backwards like you’re spilling a pot of boiling water.
Your natural instinct is to protect your core, follow it.
At the same time, put both hands together pushing down on the attackers wrist (to further mitigate stabbing risk).
- Grab and Get Behind
After you successfully avoid getting stabbed, the attacker is likely caught off guard.
It’s time to make a move. If you’re evenly-sized/matched, grab his wrist, by keeping one hand on it (while you’re still pushing down).
Then, push his other hand (if it’s on you) out of the way and quickly move behind him while getting him to the ground.
While behind the attacker, put one foot/leg in front of one of his (your right foot/leg directly in front of his right leg).
As you push down from his back and his leg runs into yours, it’s more likely you’ll bring him down.
Once on the ground, the attacker has less leverage and is trying to regain his positioning in the fight. Use this moment to get the knife away.
- Win the Fight (by Fleeing or Counter Attack)
He’s down and you have a choice to make.
Is it better to flee or attempt to wound your attacker enough to dissuade continued violence?
Your primary goal is to live. If you’re still close to crowds or people, it’s likely best to grab the knife and run as fast as possible toward them.
Although, if the aggression continues and help is nowhere to be found — you may need to use the weapon on your attacker.