How to Defend Against a Knife Attack

A knife attack can pose a serious threat to your physical safety. However, there are methods to avoid and disarm a potential attacker so that you have a chance to exit the area of conflict with minimal physical injuries.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Step to the outside of your attacker's thrusting arm. Remaining in place only makes you an easier target for your adversary.
2. Grab the attacker's knife-holding wrist so that you are able to gain control of the blade's direction. This movement not only helps you defend yourself, it allows you to take an aggressive counterattacking role.
3. Twist down on the attacker's wrist with the hand that is already clasped firmly to the attacker. With your free hand you should now be able to pry the knife from the attacker's grasp.
4. Strike the opponent with the handle of the knife or pitch it clear of the area so that it will no longer be a threat to you or anyone in the immediate area.
5. Overlap your hands face down in a V shape to defend against a reverse held knife. Raise your hands to block the attacker under her to prevent him from slicing down.
6. Step immediately to the side and knee the opponent in the crotch in order to distract him from the attack. Remember that the best way to defend against a knife attack is to take the threat to your attacker.