MBC Instructional Column #10

Michael Janich · #1

To all forumites:

Thanks for your interest in the instructional columns. It's sometimes difficult to gauge from this end, but I'm now convinced that these columns are hitting the right audience out there. Based on the interest you've expressed in my Counter-Blade Craft program, I decided to take your suggestion and start there. I believe this is Column #10 and have titled it as such. If my numbering is off, I apologize.

Counter-Blade Craft Phase 1 – Deflect and Counter

Empty-hand defenses against knives are some of the most difficult and potentially dangerous self-defense techniques you could ever attempt. Given the seriousness of a empty hand versus knife situation, it would seem that only the most practical, efficient techniques would qualify. Yet amazingly, this category of tactics remains one of the most misunderstood and B.S.-filled areas of martial arts instruction.

During the more than 25 years I have been involved in the martial arts, I have seen numerous books, videos, and courses of live instruction that teach impractical, almost suicidal counter-knife techniques. I have also seen hundreds of misguided students wasting hours of practice on these contrived techniques (as well as the contrived attacks necessary to make them work) without substantially increasing their odds of survival in a real knife encounter.

The bottom line when it comes to defending against a knife is that you must first understand the capabilities and limitations of a knife. And the best way to do that is to actually train with knives. Even minimal training with a knife will convince you that the robotic, telegraphed attacks that are necessary to make most martial arts knife defenses work simply will not happen on the street. You will realize that real knife attacks will be fast, unpredictable, and consist of multiple angles and combinations. You will also realize that the only way to survive this type of attack is to beat the knifer at his own game.

The best counter-knife tactics come from blade-oriented cultures like the Philippines and Indonesia. And the best counter-knife techniques of these countries are actually based on the same body mechanics as their knife fighting methods. The only difference is that instead of using the knife to disable the attacker, you must use your natural body weapons and available improvised weapons. Defensively, however, very little changes.

Using this approach as a model, the first phase of my Counter-Blade Craft program is what I call “Deflect and Counter.” The deflections used in this phase are exactly the same as the live-hand motions that form the core of MBC knife technique. The only difference is that the hand that formerly held the knife now copies the live hand to provide even better bilateral defensive coverage. The primary movements used include blocking and redirecting with the back of the forearm (from meets and the pallasoot hooking action of reverse-grip fighting) and passing with the palm (from crossada tactics). No attempt is made to capture the attacker’s limb or disarm the weapon with a wristlock. The primary “disarm” is a finger strike to the eyes. This disrupts the attacker’s vision, causes great pain, and often prompts him to reflexively drop his weapon to protect his eyes from further damage. Eye strikes are immediately followed by low-line kicks to the shin and knee to create a “mobility kill” that leaves the attacker unable to follow you as you escape.

Deflect and Counter is a hit-and-run approach to empty-hand knife defense and the primary tactic in a realistic knife survival program. Future columns will describe the other phases of the CBC program and qualify the circumstances in which they are appropriate.

Stay safe,

mike j

Mr.Skin · #2

Hey Mike,

Let me be the first to say "Thanks". Great column. I look forward to the next one(s).

Gavin

TTrahan · #3

Thank you,Mr. Janich.
Terry

mr. v · #4

Good to see the columns back, Mr. J!

I can tell this topic in particular is gonna be a valuble series.

Keep up the good work,
Vince

Sirius · #5

Mike, thanks for another excellent column. As you know, I have collected all ten!
I realize that I have been incommunicado for some time - I apologize. I know you know my business and sadly, business is good... Regardless of my absence, I deeply respect your work and your craft and I appreciate all you have shared.

Sirius

Edited by - Sirius on 8/3/2002 5:10:21 AM

Rex G · #6

Thanks, and keep up the good work!

LIZARD · #7

Thanks Mike! Your columns and other posts are always an education.

Michael Janich · #8

To all:

Thank you for the positive feedback. #11 will follow soon and address the next phase of CBC.

Stay safe,

mike j