How to Defend Against a Knife Slash using Chopsticks as a Weapon in Hapkido

Chopsticks are not part of any martial arts routines to date, however, they have been used as impromptu weapons over the years. The majority of this use was in Korea before the beginning of the 20th century. In Korea, most personal chopsticks are made of metal, not wood, and are therefore much more durable and formidable weapons. As a result, several masters of Hapkido have since devised a defensive routine focused around the use of chopsticks. This routine has not yet been officially recognized by the World Hapkido Association. So here’s a sneak peek at a method of defending against a knife slash using chopsticks before it becomes an official part of the Hapkido training regimen.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Chopsticks
• Cushioned practice mats

1. Begin by facing your opponent in a casual standing position. He should have a knife in his right hand. The chopsticks should be in your right hand, held down by your side to stay out of your attacker’s sight. Hold them loosely form the top of the fist, wrapping your index finger around their circumference and placing your thumb against them, pointing up the length of the shafts.

2. Wait for your opponent to commit to an attack. He should step forward with his right foot and swing the knife in a horizontal arc in an attempt to slash you across the throat. Before your opponent has the opportunity to bring the knife forward between his and your body, step inward on your right foot, raising your left hand sharply to catch your opponent’s wrist.

3. Pull your opponent’s knife-hand to full extension from his body and keep it off to your left. Lean in and drive the points of your chopsticks at an upward angle into your opponent’s exposed right armpit. The flesh of this area is very sensitive and you will cause your opponent great pain.

4. Pivot on your right foot clockwise, pulling your opponent’s left arm in an underhanded half circle from off to your left so that it is in front of you at chest level. Grab hold of the wrist with your right hand as well, the chopsticks should be pressed against his skin down the length of his forearm. Continue to pivot so that your opponent is now closer to your right side, bringing his arm up over your head and back down to chest level. This has the effect of twisting your opponent’s left arm inward in almost a complete 360 degrees. All you need do is lean forward and bring your opponent’s arm down to knee level and he will be forced into a forward flip to land on his back with his head closest to you. At this point, you can pry the knife from his hand or kick him while he’s down until he relinquishes the weapon.

Resources

• Video Demonstration

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