If someone with a knife attempted to mug you what would you do?

[Infesticon #1]

I've thought about this several times, I don't know any defense against a knife that I'd be willing to risk my life for. I'd give the person what they asked for, unless I was drunk in which case I'd probably get stabbed to death.


What do you think you'd do?

[Bouk Teef]

I've thought about this several times, I don't know any defense against a knife that I'd be willing to risk my life for. I'd give the person what they asked for, unless I was drunk in which case I'd probably get stabbed to death.


What do you think you'd do?

It's not worth getting cut / stabbed for £20, a few credit cards (which can be cancelled) and a nice watch. Get a good look at them and then phone the police (assuming your phone wasn't stolen!).

[englishpremier]

If it was on guy and i'm on my own, they definatly would not get anything from me. Being a poor student i'm not sure i could spare the £20 beer money. Depening on how big they are and whether i think i can take them, i would either run or or attempt to kick their ass.

[Bouk Teef]

If it was on guy and i'm on my own, they definatly would not get anything from me. Being a poor student i'm not sure i could spare the £20 beer money. Depening on how big they are and whether i think i can take them, i would either run or or attempt to kick their ass.

When you put it that way, £20 does get you alot of pasta or Strongbow! Bring on the knife weilding muggers!!!! :)

[dragon_bunny]

if it was just being mugged i'd happily give them my maxed out credit cards and student overdraft which is also maxed oh and the 70p in pennies i keep in my wallet. :D
but if they seemed like they wanted more like to rape me or just sexual assualt i'd be all kicking and punch and generally ninjutsuing them to get away. :) depends on the person with the knife

[macoda]

if it was just being mugged i'd happily give them my maxed out credit cards and student overdraft which is also maxed oh and the 70p in pennies i keep in my wallet. :D
but if they seemed like they wanted more like to rape me or just sexual assualt i'd be all kicking and punch and generally ninjutsuing them to get away. :) depends on the person with the knife

not that I have a big change of getting raped (me=male):D, but kicking and punching does not work much, usualy attackers on the street especially the ones who trying to sexually assault you attack you in a way that you fall down on the floor, before noticing.... to my opinion, best defence is at such a moment using pressurepoints in grappling. Or start kicking before they have a chance to think about pulling there knife out of their pocket :woo:

[Bruce_Wee]

hell nooooo!!!!
i got a **** load of uni debt to pay already, ain't no way i would let them take that 4 bucks away from meh!!! no way!!!!! :D
*flexes biceps*

[Vanir]

Here's the likelihoods of the situation to my mind:
1. If you acquiesce, where will the demands end? Does one hand over control of their lives so easily and get away with it?
2. In a knife-fight, you're going to get cut. That simple.

As for what we actually do, the answer is simple: we do the best we can.

[qbushido]

in my thinking it really depends on the situation, if I feel that this individual is going to harm me or someone else I am with, I'm going to take him out. If I think its someone who is robbing me for the simple sake of robbery I'll give him/her what they want, with the exception of my car keys :).

The thing that most people may or may not know, but should be aware of is that during a knife fight, you are probably going to get cut, the big questions are where and how badly.

[wcrevdonner]

My first option would be to take your 3rd option; then try to talk them out of it, second option if that didn't work and first if all else fails - which means at least getting cut, lets hope not anything else...

(NB Vanir, I know Im contrvening a law of some kind but I like my guts where they are thank you!)

[toothpaste100]

If I'm not backed into a corner and I'm pretty close to a lot of people I'm going to run for it (assuming he isn't close enough to just stab me in the back). I'd never try to fight someone for my wallet, I don't carry much around with me anyways. If I give him a good run all over the neighbourhood, a security camera might pick him up somewhere.

[dragon_bunny]

not that I have a big change of getting raped (me=male):D,
never know.. it's not as rare as people think..

but kicking and punching does not work much, usualy attackers on the street especially the ones who trying to sexually assault you attack you in a way that you fall down on the floor, before noticing.... to my opinion, best defence is at such a moment using pressurepoints in grappling. [QUOTE]

i ment kickin an punching in a a general way ie thats not what i'd be doing but you get the idea, i'd be doing anything i could to get them off me and let me run very fast away.
my grapping skills are terrible so i'd rather stay on my feet but if they had me pinned down then all bets are off and i'd be biting and spitting and generally trying to cause as much pain and disgust as possible.. plus making it obvious that they'd been in a fight and preferable taking a few chunks of hair and skin for the DNA Labs. :woo:

[Scarlet Mist]

Most times all I have in my walled besides my credit card, library card, and ID is five dollars. I would give him the wallet if I was backed into a corner. Or if I'm far away and out of reach of his knive I would just RUN!
RUN like the wind! RUN! RUN! RUN! There is no way a dude with a knife is going to catch me when I'm scared as hell.

RUN! Hop over fences, jump over benches, when he's seen coming get the hell out the entrance. RUN!

[oldshadow]

If it’s money they want give it to them. Run after you give them the money if you think you can. Do run toward people always. Do not ever go with them anywhere. You chance of survival drop drastically if you go anywhere with them no mater what they say about just cooperating and you won’t get hurt. It’s a lie. Even if they have a gun or knife or what ever do not go anywhere with them. If you are going to get cut or shot it’s better for it to happen somewhere you might get help. Not in the wood, alley or abandoned building somewhere. This is especially true for females. If they just want money they will take it there and leave.

[Jackie Li]

I would give him all my stuff, but once he turns his back I would probably kick him in the head and knock him out, or injure him enough to disarm him.

[Mind Aflame]

never know.. it's not as rare as people think..

Infact 17% of rapes in the UK are now on men... watch your backs

[Orcrist]

Mostly guys that rob people on the street for 20 dollars are cowards, and weaklings. They might stab you, but they don't know **** about attacking.
I do not know how to fight, but if I hate a bottle in my hand (which is possible if I'm out at night) I would throw it at him, and else I would run :)

[Pika]

Wouldnt have a clue. Never been confronted by a guy with a knife.

Unless you have, every post made here is based on what you would do in your imagination.

Me, I would take him down and slap a choke on him.... lol

Would like to get some input from someone who has been training and found themself actually in this position, about the only realistic scenario you will get.

[BryanX]

Me, I would take him down and slap a choke on him.... lol

For a second there, I thought you said you'd take him down and slap him.

[LilBunnyRabbit]

From recent experience, I'd distract someone threatening a friend, get stabbed, get bitten, and then pin them until they calmed down, and I had company, then let them get up and run away.

[Tomanak]

What would I do? I'd throw my wallet in one direction and run in the other.

If he wanted more than my money, I hope my training will get me out alive. There's no use speculating whether you can disarm a knife wielding attacker or not -- you can't. There's also no use speculating whether you will be cut or not -- you will. What I do hope is that my training can limit the cuts to HS (Human Shell) areas such as the forearms, thighs, shoulders and hopefully pin his arms in a bodylock. From there, maybe a headbutt or a bite on the nose/neck area.

We try our best to get used to the psychological and physical aspects of blade confrontation in our training, and I have been (unfortunately) attacked with a knife before. I can honestly say that I did control the situation for a few seconds (getting several cuts along the way), but if my friends and the cops had not arrived, I don't think I would be posting right now.

[aikiMac]

Infact 17% of rapes in the UK are now on men.

Hey, that's not very nice.

Original question: "If someone with a knife attempted to mug you what would you do?"

What would I do? I'd mostly do nothing. I'd stare blankly at him. Ask him to repeat his question. Act like I don't understand and ask him again. Stare at him somemore. Ask him to repeat his question again.

That's the same as doing nothing, and doing nothing always works for Winnie-the-Pooh.

[Bellator Manus]

Well, if your really white looking, like me. Than you could pretend that your really panicked and stuff, (because all white people are cowards when it comes to violence and can't throw a punch worth a crap). Then, when he wants your wallet. Take it out with shaky hands and then drop it before it gets to his hand. His gaze will follow the wallet and when he breaks eye contact, go for the or run, depending on what the situation calls for. I wish I could try this without really getting in danger.

[shootodog]

if i were being held by knife point? i'd take my pistol out and try to make him run.

rule#1: in a knife fight, never be the one without the knife.

What would I do? I'd throw my wallet in one direction and run in the other.

If he wanted more than my money, I hope my training will get me out alive. There's no use speculating whether you can disarm a knife wielding attacker or not -- you can't. There's also no use speculating whether you will be cut or not -- you will. What I do hope is that my training can limit the cuts to HS (Human Shell) areas such as the forearms, thighs, shoulders and hopefully pin his arms in a bodylock. From there, maybe a headbutt or a bite on the nose/neck area.

We try our best to get used to the psychological and physical aspects of blade confrontation in our training, and I have been (unfortunately) attacked with a knife before. I can honestly say that I did control the situation for a few seconds (getting several cuts along the way), but if my friends and the cops had not arrived, I don't think I would be posting right now.

spoken like a true follower of the prophet! i concur with this, epecially about getting cut. if you are unarmed and you tussle with a knife weilder, you will get cut!

[d33pthought]

Hell, I'm broke anyway. But to snag an idea from a webcomic I read (Something Positve), I'm thinking about carrying a decoy wallet in my back pocket with a chain letter in it and 5 bucks or so for the mugger's trouble. If I get mugged, I'll give the guy the decoy and hope he's satisfied. If not, well, I hope my reflexes are good...

[hwardo]

I would give over everything I could to prevent violence. If he seemed like he was going to attack, I would give it everything I had in every dirty place I could find, hopefully enough so that I could control the knife.

Mostly, though, I just avoid bad areas at night. I've only been mugged once (*knock on wood*) and I only had 5 bucks on me. They had a piece of wood with a nail in it. I gave them the fiver. They went away. Easy choice.

Harder if I had my wife with me.

[Alex_JHH]

Depends on the person with the knife. If they were drunk I'd try the "Look! A distraction!", because everyone falls for that one. If it ended up violent, then it doesn't matter. Kick em everywhere that hurts until they are on the floor, kick em again, and run.

[macoda]

i ment kickin an punching in a a general way ie thats not what i'd be doing but you get the idea, i'd be doing anything i could to get them off me and let me run very fast away.
my grapping skills are terrible so i'd rather stay on my feet but if they had me pinned down then all bets are off and i'd be biting and spitting and generally trying to cause as much pain and disgust as possible.. plus making it obvious that they'd been in a fight and preferable taking a few chunks of hair and skin for the DNA Labs. :woo:

Alright, understood.... quite a nasty bunny you are :D

//marinus

[Infesticon #1]

Yeah so you can't plan what you'd do exactly, but you could formalise plans of response.

You'd probably end up winging it but I can't see the problem with thinking about things like this.

The alternative is being unprepared.


I'm not too sure about biting, you don't know where they've been.

[booksie_girl]

I'd give it to them. If all they want is money, they can have it, and it's easy to cancel a credit card. Those of you who are saying they can't afford to loose 20 pounds, can you afford the medical bills if you come off worse? That's if you survive.

[englishpremier]

I'd give it to them. If all they want is money, they can have it, and it's easy to cancel a credit card. Those of you who are saying they can't afford to loose 20 pounds, can you afford the medical bills if you come off worse? That's if you survive.

I'm in the Uk and so have the wonderfull NHS. No medical bills for me. and no matter what the situation i would rather die fighting (if can't run away) than hand over my money or phone (unless it was someone elses life at risk). quite interesting really as right no i'm one campus with £407.50 on me in cash ready to take to the eastate agents.

[Infesticon #1]

I'm in the Uk and so have the wonderfull NHS. No medical bills for me. and no matter what the situation i would rather die fighting than hand over my money or phone (unless it was someone elses life at risk). quite interesting really as right no i'm one campus with £407.50 on me in cash ready to take to the eastate agents.
why on earth are you carrying that much money in cash?

[englishpremier]

they only do cash or bank transfer and i'm in a hurry and need this sorted today hence the cash. anyway its all been paid now and i didn't even get som much as a glance from anyone, let alone a mugger.

[oldshadow]

Ok How many have been cut. I have, not in a vital area. I was stuck in the leg when I was younger. It wasn’t a mugging it was a bar fight with general mayhem. It hurt, but the fighting continued due to the fact it was a small knife and no big damage was done. There was blood everywhere and once you got it on your hands it was hard to hold on to anything. If you fight with anyone that has a knife the chances of getting cut is almost 100%. I had an acutance that was killed. He was being robed and fought the guy. He was cut on the inside of the upper thigh. He bleed out before medical help could arrive. The people on the seen tried to stop the bleeding but the cut was deep so the arty was cut through. My solution if I need to fight. Clear with the front hand start lateral moment. Draw the weapon and double tap. If you want to fight for the money go for it. Just do not have any allusions on what can happen. You might not die. I have a guy I worked with that tried to kick at a knife that was drawn on him and he walks with a limp now and forever. He was not a martial artist but was a good fighter. If you need to fight know you will get cut minimize the damage and fight with everything you have and every weapon you can grab. As I said make the fight where you are, never let them take you anywhere.

[Matt_Bernius]

My complex answer:

1. I wouldn't get into the situation. When ever I'm out I'm always payinbg attention to what's around me and my gut reaction to it. If I have a bad feeling about someone I'll cross the street. If he crosses then I know I have a problem (or if She crosses for that matters).

2. I'd then verbally confront them before they're close. This would hopefully deter things, as nobody wants a victim to give them problems.

3. Of lets say that I get into a conversation with said person. Very few people carry a knife out right. So he's going to have to draw. If a stranger makes a hand move into his clothes and I've got a bad feeling, I'm sucker punching him right there. Sounds terrible, but if he's gotten that close to me and my gut is telling me not to trust him and he's reaching for something, he's getting a fist in the face. I'll deal with what ever charges come from that if he's an innocent person.

4. So lets say all of that fails and he has a knife out and approaches me, if he's within kicking range, I'll give him the wallet. No use fighting for it if the weapon is out and he can run at me faster than I can run away. But I'm not messing with someone who has a weapon if I don't have one immediately available. Shooto put it best in his earlier post:

rule#1: in a knife fight, never be the one without the knife.

And as Oldwarrior pointed out, just give over the wallet. It's far easier and less painful than the alternatives.

5. If he orders me to go somewhere the fight is on. And as far as I'm concerned he's threatened to take my life so I will have no issue using what ever force is necessary to ensure I make it home in one piece.

Old Shadow is completely right:

If it’s money they want give it to them. Run after you give them the money if you think you can. Do run toward people always. Do not ever go with them anywhere. You chance of survival drop drastically if you go anywhere with them no mater what they say about just cooperating and you won’t get hurt. It’s a lie. Even if they have a gun or knife or what ever do not go anywhere with them. If you are going to get cut or shot it’s better for it to happen somewhere you might get help. Not in the wood, alley or abandoned building somewhere. This is especially true for females. If they just want money they will take it there and leave.

If they are ordering you to go somewhere, they want to be in a place where then can comfortably do something to you. While they may have the weapon, they are not necessarily comfortable hurting someone where people can see them. And that hesitation can save your life.

- Matt

[shootodog]

matt, good post. was monkeying around with a knife in class earlier (in preparation for a local tv station's show that will feature the brotherhood) and we put the scenario through it's paces. all in all, should the money bit fail, the only two things that work were hybrid knife tapping (with the mandatory eye gouging and knee/ groin kick) and the sagasa run (you will get cut but that's acceptable damage considering the fact that you've "runover" your attacker and it'll take some time for him to get up and chase you). but then again, we've been training for some time with knives so i wouldn't know if anyone isn't used to the stuff can try it.

what works is best.

oldshadow, yes, i know what you mean. i too have been cut up as well. good post.

[Lame Leopard]

I've practiced knife defenses a lot with X-blocks, locks and throws, but, truth be told, I'm not anxious to try any of them in a real situation. I'd rather take on a gun than a knife.

One possible approach would be to take out a one or five dollar bill, toss it in the air as I yell that its a free gift, and run like hades. I'm pretty darn good with a cane and a walking stick. If I had one, I would be confident in taking on the perp, and I think I could mess him up pretty good.

I think Matt Bernius' comments are right on. :D

[hongkongfuey]

I'd find the URL of the attackers website, and 'take it down'

Or am I in the wrong section? :D

[Guerilla Fists]

I bought a new wallet recently. I always have it in front.

Keep your old wallets as a "fake wallet"

Mine has seven bucks, expired ID, and a couple of numbers of old girlfriends. Just hand it over.

[xubis]

When I was in London I could tell I was going to get mugged, by the general posture and way these two kids were walking towards me, I just hopped up a wall of a stairwell, underbarred under the rail/banister thing, went over the bridge :P. The advantages of parkour :P. They didn't follow, Xmas eve last year, some drunk tried to mug me, I was down a little quite lane after walking one of my mates home, I was wearing my brothers jacket which had a knife in it, just ran, he didn't follow. I would always run if they were out of range, if I was in a corner or unable to run, depending on the position they are I would either fight or give up the wallet. As people have said, NEVER, EVER, go with someone, I was watching a programme, real, and some guy broke into 3 girls house, he told them he was going to rob them but said he would tie them up so they didn't try and stop them, after they were all tied, carried them to his car, raped them, beat one to death, strangled the other, and the final girl was begging for him to shoot her with the gun he threatened them with... which was never loaded in the first place.

[Sin]

I would kick the knife out of his hand and then grab his stuned hand and brake is arm in a twi-te.......Muahahahahaha Manipulation of the hand is my specialty.

[shootodog]

I bought a new wallet recently. I always have it in front.

Keep your old wallets as a "fake wallet"

Mine has seven bucks, expired ID, and a couple of numbers of old girlfriends. Just hand it over.

LOL! that would work too!

[Albert]

I would probably kill any man who pulled a knife on me. Someone pulling a weapon like that would enrage me. I wouldnt give them anything. I would be so angry that i wouldnt be thinking about the consequence of being stabbed. id take my chance. And im very confident in my ability to disarm a knife attacker. And i think the idea guerilla fists put up with the fake wallet, was a very good idea.

[Nevada_MO_Guy]

I voted on beating feet and running. I don't bring fists to a knife fight if I can help it.

What to you all think about the chance of sustaining a serious injury...worst case.

I think that cuts, for the most part, are inconvienet but not life threatening...in the short turn. (as in getting cut while blocking)
Where, lethal attacks mostly involve a thrust with the blade.

[Albert]

Anything could happen, even a cut while blocking, or while struggling, you could bleed to unconciousness or death quickly. Lose a finger, an eye, who knows.

[bcullen]

Shoot him ...for being stupid enough to bring a knife to a gun fight. :p

[Guerilla Fists]

Shoot him ...for being stupid enough to bring a knife to a gun fight. :p

LOL!

Unless you're the Punisher, anyone seen that movie?

[shootodog]

I would probably kill any man who pulled a knife on me. Someone pulling a weapon like that would enrage me. I wouldnt give them anything. I would be so angry that i wouldnt be thinking about the consequence of being stabbed. id take my chance. And im very confident in my ability to disarm a knife attacker.

good joke! hahaha!

[Albert]

good joke! hahaha!

..Shutup.. :yeleyes:


I saw the punisher! Awesome movie.

[shootodog]

have you ever tried beating someone with a knife who is intenton cutting you? i have. i had that same reaction as you did. at that time i had some years on me already. i got cut. i got cut bad.

[Albert]

Yes, i have as well, and got cut too. Well, stabbed is more like it, wasnt life threatening, but was a bit deep. Didnt stop me from stopping them, and im greatly more skilled at handling a knife attack now than when that happened.

[tai-gip]

hmmmmm

One guy pulled a knife on me once when i was waiting to get picked up from Ringwood station one night after class over a cigarette, luckily i had my nunchucks in my bag so i gave him a nunchuck demo and for some reason he ran away .

If you can run run. If you cant run give them what they want. If they want your ife or to have fun with you put them down without serious damage. if you outnumbered grab the first guy and show the others you can own them. Hurting someone is easy and nothing to be proud about. If you can avoid or walk away from issue then your good.

Id have to say people who say theyd smack this or break that are usualy scared and need to fight to prove to themselves they can. The best ive met are those that will avoid any issue with complete calm. People who want to fight generaly arnt coming from a solid base and the wanting to fight is their weakeness that inhibits the fullness of their skills.

[dazzassj6]

once wen i just finished tutor and bout to walk to the train station not even 20 m from my skool i got surrounded by these 3 korean dudes, one strangled me in a head lock, on talking to me to give them my fone and the other was just about to punched me, well i actually didnt believe they'll hit me at first ahha i was laughing cuz i said why u want my 3210 nokia fone wen its a brick, ahwellz they kicked me a few times, but yeh, wat i notice is that they always ask u nicely and calmly wen they want sumfin and say the same thing "i wont hurt u, just gimme the fone" well yeh, its scary wen u're by urself cuz u dunno if they have a knife or not, but if someone was wif me, i'll get pissed if they try to rob us both, prob go take them on, cuz its different wen u're by urself than we u are wif someone, cuz i feel as though i gotta do sumfin

[Andy Cap]

I usually don't carry anything of value on me. I can cancel my plastic and I don't wear a watch.

What I would do relies on teh situation. I am not afraid of a person with a knife for the most part. I understrand thatchances are I will get cut and maybe even cut badly. I wouldn't waste any time grappling or punching or kicking. I would stick my thumb in the assailant's eye and then crush their windpipe. Of course this is if I saw the opportunity to do this. My personal viewis that if this person is willing to attack me - 6'3" male 34 years old with athletic build - there is a very good likelihood they would attack elderly and infirmed as well. I won't let that happen if I can help it.

[oldshadow]

There are basically two types of knife attacks. 1- The knife is used as a threat to get something. 2- The person just wants to mess you up or kill you. In the case of 1 you have a chance to fight if you can move fast enough and your training is developed to the point of being able to handle it. In the case of 2 in are in big trouble. You will probably never see the knife coming. You may be stabbed 3 or 4 times before you realize you are being stabbed. If they are slashing you will most likely be cut once or twice before you recover enough to start fighting. One of the ways you will get a “unskilled” attack is a very rapid downward “ice pick” attack. When I say very rapid think of a sowing machine. Some of the time the knife bade brakes or bends during this attack which then ends the attack. If the person is street skilled the attack will come faster and more deadly. One example I was told of a case by a very reliable source of the following. The attacker was a street skilled I was told he was a “Angle” I do now too much about the other but was suppose to have been a good fighter and bigger then the attacker. The fight, they had words, then blows, the attacker moved back feinted something pulled a boot knife can in 1 step in a palm out circular movement stuck the other guy at the base of the Keck. Then the stabbed guy fell, bleed out and died. I have studied knife work for a few years. I can tell you if you ever face a skilled knife person you have very little chance if you do not arm yourself. That is carrier a weapon and know how to use it or find one quick where you are. I do not believe that if I am armed with a knife you are going to disarm me and I will cut you to pieces if you do not arm yourself. This all being said there might be a time when you must fight if they have a knife. Just do yourself a big favor learn realistic skills to counter a knife and test them in the most realistic way you can.

[Nrv4evr]

give up the wallet. i cannot be raped, unless the person had, ahem, problems with their lifestyle... in that case, i would do my best to keep the knife away from vital organs, and try and get a shot to the groin. upper body hits would be too risky.

[Yukimushu]

Give him everything he wanted, even my boxers if he so desired... unless of course i thought whatever i done i was gunna end up on the back of a milk carton.

[englishpremier]

I do agree that you are likely to get cutt trying to disarm an attacker with a knife, so as this is the case a weapon in the hands of an unskilled person is likely to be more deadly than a skilled person with no weapon. Baring this in mind why do almost all MA's treat weapon work as an extention to the hand techniques, and only teach weapon work late on in learning. surely its easier to win a fight with a weapon such as a knife or sword than it is empty handed, therefore shouldn't beginners learn weapons and more advanced people learn empty handed techniques?

[BryanX]

This thread makes me want to watch Bruce Lee's 'The Big Boss'. Lots of knife fights in that movie. :D

[Adam]

Some of the posts in this thread makes me want to stab myself...

[shootodog]

Some of the posts in this thread makes me want to stab myself...
which ones? :D

if you try, at least you know you could go disarm yourself without getting cut.

[Kagebushi]

well, i have been in a fight involving a fight once, and i managed to disarm him before he could open it. (thank god it was a pocketknife) anyway, if i HAD to fight, i would try to arm myself ASAP, and if i couldnt, i would use dodges the best that i could, and use as many tricks as i could(coins in the eyes, blocking with the cardoor, if you have your hand on it) if i could get away, i would.

[booksie_girl]

well, i have been in a fight involving a fight once..... Did you mean

well, i have been in a fight involving a knife once..... ;)

[Ceicei]

A lot depends on what the situation is with the knife wielder and where I am as well as what he/she wants.

If he isn't too close, I'll just run. If he is already too close as in a surprise attack, then he probably wants more than just my stuff. I'll go for a disarm if possible and do some damage then hightail out. Anyone who will use a weapon to attack is already creating a dangerous situation and likely I may sustain some injuries in the process of getting out. In today's world, compliance doesn't always equal safety.

- Ceicei

[Judderman]

It is often noted that "A shower never stabs and a stabber never shows". This is indeed true. The knife, or any other weapon, is used as a barrier or intimidation when produced in robberies. As the first statement suggests, if the intent was to do you damage then the weapon would be employed imeadiately, giving you little or no chance to defend against it.

This said there is something to be said about the level of agitation in your attacker, if they become frustrated or further aggitated, then this would increase the risk of the weapon being used. Another point to consider is how the weapon is introduced as criminals tend to have a set attack, dependant on the sort of prey they are after. If you look like you can handle yourself then if you are attacked it is more likely that a "blitz" attack may be used. If you are uncompliant during an attack, a minor injury may be inflicted to re-focus your attention.

The final point would be that criminals, particularly those involved in street crime, rarely work alone. It is a pretty good guess that an attacker will either do so either with "mates" or will have these "mates" pretty close by.

Thus it is incomplete advice to consider an encounter with a weapon as simply a knife fight. There are many more factors that need to be considered before deciding on a course of action. Remember that there is always an aftermath of some descibtion, being cut is the least of your worries.

[MiyamotoMusashi]

I have a friend whose female cousin came out recently for a visit. She and a friend went to Adams Morgan in DC to go clubbing and on the way back to their car a man walked up and started talking to them while his friend ran by and tried to steal his cousins purse. Well, she tried to hold onto the purse and as a result the man turned around, punched her in the face, and then stomped on her head repeatedly. Meanwhile, his partner beat the stuffing out of her friend and left them both for dead. Her friend is ok but his cousin is in the hospital with brain swelling. Based on the description given to the police, these guys do this pretty regularly and have never been that violent before. The police think the difference is that most women have just let them take the purse. Just an FYI.

[Solomon]

i'd be like man "you don't know who your messing with, give it your best shot"

then let him entertain me for a little bit with his, haha, mediocore knife tricks. After thats done, i'd just throw an energy ball at him and fly away....

lol

seriously, i'd probably give him/her the wallet, not worth gettin stabbed over, and regardless of how good you think your chances are that you can take said attacker, based on looks and how hes handling the weapon, you never know, nah mean?

peace

[Tittan]

I have been in this situation, and here is what I did:

After a night out at my favourite club, I decided to go home and went to find my bicycle. I had just unlocked my bike, and was about to mount it when this guy walks out from an alley. He's got a serious-looking knife, and an attitude that tells me he's in it for the money (quite literally...). "Give me your cash, or I'll stab you!" he said, and me with no money on me. I don't know how I managed, but the next couple of minutes, I held my bike in the air on straight arms to make some sort of a fence or shield, all the while walking slowly backwards. It was with great relief I was spotted by the bouncers outside the club. They came at the knife-guy with baseball bats and chairs, and he quickly was disarmed and sat upon. Then the police came and brought him in, claiming they knew all about him.

My point is this: In such a situation, you'd do better if you manage to keep your calms. You don't have to die for $20, nor for $2000. It's just not worth it... And about trying to get the knife? Sure, you can try, but you will be cut and if you've only been training knife-disarm with friends, you might get cut bad... I think my solution was a sane one ;)

[Nrv4evr]

luckily you went there on bike, not in a car. :D

[teacher]

"A shower never stabs and a stabber never shows".
A good rule but not infallible. A shower wants to intimidate you to do what they want. If you dont they will often use it. Often a slashing attack to cut you. Even sometimes after you have done what they wanted they will want to cut you to intimidate you.
This is from the streets of Glasgow that have a reputation for violence.
Too many of the kids I know have been slashed or stabbed to treat this lightly. Too many of the lowlifes want a violent reputation.
If they have a knife and ask for something you can give and walk away without then give it. I will not risk my life for the change in my pocket but I should be aware that if they have a knife I will get cut.

[shotokanwarrior]

Disarm him, using Mikazuki geri to kick the blade from his hand. Then dislocate one of his legs with a side kick.

[RichieRich]

Disarm him, using Mikazuki geri to kick the blade from his hand. Then dislocate one of his legs with a side kick.

I hope you're kidding.


shoot him, maybe? :woo:

[Dr NinjaBellydance]

"A shower never stabs and a stabber never shows".
A good rule but not infallible. A shower wants to intimidate you to do what they want. If you dont they will often use it. Often a slashing attack to cut you. Even sometimes after you have done what they wanted they will want to cut you to intimidate you.
This is from the streets of Glasgow that have a reputation for violence.
Too many of the kids I know have been slashed or stabbed to treat this lightly. Too many of the lowlifes want a violent reputation.
If they have a knife and ask for something you can give and walk away without then give it. I will not risk my life for the change in my pocket but I should be aware that if they have a knife I will get cut.

Totally agree. An ex-boyfriend of mine was slashed in the neck (just a flesh wound fortunately) in Glasgow. The guy was argumentative and obviously brewing for a fight. I dont think there was anything my ex could have said that could have defused the situation. He just gets right into this argument and at the end of it he slashes him. No intimidation, no surprise, just someone out for a fight. On a slightly different tack, another friend of mine was stabbed on the underground in Glasgow during an old firm match at Ibrox, because he was wearing a green shirt (for non-scots, green = Celtic, most of the train was filled with Rangers supporters). Thing is, my pal hates football, and got on the train thinking 'Sh!£e, wrong shirt, I'm gonna get the crap beaten out of me', and someone sneakily stabbed him in the back! Think he must have had a razorblade between each knuckle, train was that busy, getting knocked about a lot, my mate didnt even notice until he got out. Missed his lungs by not a lot.....
Although after all that, I'd just like to say that Glasgow is a lovely place where I lived for many years and didnt have the slightest bit of bother in the street! :D

[Tittan]

Mikazuki geri

Um... Geri = kick, right?
Mikazuki? Cresent? Roundhouse? Front?

Sorry, I don't speek Japanese :o

[Judderman]

Cresent Kick (http://www.shotokankata.com/Techniques/mikazuki_geri.htm)

It's ok as long as you have the element of surprise and your opponent has the reaction time of a senile donkey. The risk of of cuts to the legs are high. Not entirely impossible to pull off though.

[Nrv4evr]

i agree, crescent kicks are terrific surprise attacks, especially the inside curling one. most knifers tend to either stab or slash from right to left if right handed (vice versa), so a good curling crescent kick would catch them off guard. it does leave the artery in your thigh relatively vulnerable, though.

[Silver_no2]

Run away!!!!

[Saz]

Well well, looky who's back :D

Hello :)

[JohnnyX]

Well well, looky who's back :D

Hello :)

Who? Where? When? Why? What? :confused:

[YODA]

Who? Where? When? Why? What? :confused:
Silver No2
Right here
Just then
Dunno
Shrug?

[JohnnyX]

Run away!!!!
Well it looks like he's run away again! :D :eek: :D

[Tittan]

Cresent Kick (http://www.shotokankata.com/Techniques/mikazuki_geri.htm)

It's ok as long as you have the element of surprise and your opponent has the reaction time of a senile donkey. The risk of of cuts to the legs are high. Not entirely impossible to pull off though.
(Thanks for the link Judderman)

If you really need to kick the knife, you should at least use a kick that travel in a circular motion outwards. This way, if you get cut, you'll get cut on the outside of your leg, not on the inside where you find the arteries and other interesting places... If you do, and you time it right, you might manage to disarm the guy, but as the risk still is high I'd save this untill I really need it. (i.e. not when someone just want your wallet...)

[Silver_no2]

Who? Where? When? Why? What? :confused:

Me
Here
Earlier this evening
Because I had a bit of time and thought that I'd drop in and see how things were going.
Just saying what I would do if someone came at me with a knife, as the thread title should make evident. :)

Hi KGirl!! xxx

[Solomon]

I have been in this situation, and here is what I did:

After a night out at my favourite club, I decided to go home and went to find my bicycle. I had just unlocked my bike, and was about to mount it when this guy walks out from an alley. He's got a serious-looking knife, and an attitude that tells me he's in it for the money (quite literally...). "Give me your cash, or I'll stab you!" he said, and me with no money on me. I don't know how I managed, but the next couple of minutes, I held my bike in the air on straight arms to make some sort of a fence or shield, all the while walking slowly backwards. It was with great relief I was spotted by the bouncers outside the club. They came at the knife-guy with baseball bats and chairs, and he quickly was disarmed and sat upon. Then the police came and brought him in, claiming they knew all about him.

My point is this: In such a situation, you'd do better if you manage to keep your calms. You don't have to die for $20, nor for $2000. It's just not worth it... And about trying to get the knife? Sure, you can try, but you will be cut and if you've only been training knife-disarm with friends, you might get cut bad... I think my solution was a sane one ;)

dude, if i rolled up on someguy with a knife, and they picked up their mountain bike (i'm asuming it was a mountain bike) with their hands straight out i'd drop it and run, lol, that some serious muscle strength.

thank God, those bouncers came,people with guns and knifes annoy me so much "oh i'm bad, i can pull a trigger" thats such a punk move.

[Tittan]

dude, if i rolled up on someguy with a knife, and they picked up their mountain bike (i'm asuming it was a mountain bike) with their hands straight out i'd drop it and run, lol, that some serious muscle strength.
Yes, it was a mountain bike, but if you ask me to hold it like that now, I won't be able to. Not for several minutes at least... I think it was adrenaline holding the bike up, not me... ;)

[Akuma]

I've thought about this several times, I don't know any defense against a knife that I'd be willing to risk my life for. I'd give the person what they asked for, unless I was drunk in which case I'd probably get stabbed to death.


What do you think you'd do?

Hand over shirt, wallet and car keys!

[shotokanwarrior]

I hope you're kidding.


shoot him, maybe? :woo:
Just what's your problem, Messrs. 'Let's all slag off Shotokan Warrior'???

Guys, I didn't mean kick the blade, I meant kick his hand or forearm so he drops it.

[Matt_Bernius]

i agree, crescent kicks are terrific surprise attacks, especially the inside curling one. most knifers tend to either stab or slash from right to left if right handed (vice versa), so a good curling crescent kick would catch them off guard. it does leave the artery in your thigh relatively vulnerable, though.
Cresent kicks for knife defenses make the baby Jesus cry.

Please, please, please for your good. For the good of your friends. For your family's good. For the good of your family jewels, don't try this at home, at the school, or on the str33t.

And if you are going to try this at the school, give your friend a marker, instead of a kinfe, put on some safety glasses, and have the person try to stab and slash you with all they have. It's a marker, you'll be fine. But you're going to find out quick how rediculous this is. And guess what, there's going to be little or no adrenaline going through your system at that point. Just wait until you're surprised and see what happens.

- Matt

[SoKKlab]

Hand (Holding Knife) fast moving thing.
Leg (Ie Crescent Kick, Any kick) slower moving thing.
Knife (in fast moving hand) sharp pointy thing.

People who say 'Kick Blade out of hand'-Either lacking real world experience or Internet warrior reading too many 'Karuuuuty' books.

Least case scenario of Attempting to Kick Blade out of hand-New Orifice in Foot/ Leg.
Worst case Scenario-Use Imagination GLassHopper...

[Nrv4evr]

Cresent kicks for knife defenses make the baby Jesus cry.

Please, please, please for your good. For the good of your friends. For your family's good. For the good of your family jewels, don't try this at home, at the school, or on the str33t.

And if you are going to try this at the school, give your friend a marker, instead of a kinfe, put on some safety glasses, and have the person try to stab and slash you with all they have. It's a marker, you'll be fine. But you're going to find out quick how rediculous this is. And guess what, there's going to be little or no adrenaline going through your system at that point. Just wait until you're surprised and see what happens.

- Matt

i never said it was to kick the knife out, it was meant as a way to hit the other man. if he was inexperienced, and he was slashing away from your leg, then it may work. i'm not stupid enough to try to kick the knife out, i would try and hit something on their body hard enough to make them drop their guard, perhaps a crescent kick to the upper thigh or something.

[Cudgel]

I would reachinto my pocket and hurla a big handfull of change at him and the run like a b**** the other way. Just cuase I know how to knife fight doenst mean I wanna in real life. its messy.

[Matt_Bernius]

i never said it was to kick the knife out, it was meant as a way to hit the other man. if he was inexperienced, and he was slashing away from your leg, then it may work. i'm not stupid enough to try to kick the knife out, i would try and hit something on their body hard enough to make them drop their guard, perhaps a crescent kick to the upper thigh or something.
If you think that a crescent kick to anything but the head will generate enough power to make a person stop an attack or drop a knife, you need to experiement more. The kick isn't geared to creating that type of power.

And crescent kicking the head of someone attacking you with a knife is going to move you right into to the path of the return slash/stab.

If you are going to go after the person your defense should focus on:
1. Movement that takes you out of the path of the knife.
2. Isolate the weapon
3. Strike to create opportunity for disarm or control
4. Control.

- Matt

[shootodog]

any kick above the knee= slashed thighs or worse sliced femural artery.

[Nameless]

To risk your life over a wallet hardly seems worth it but if you are a person of principle then it may mean everything. There is also a good chance that they will stab you wether you give them your wallet or not. For me it all depends on the situation, most of the times I think that as soon as they move give them everything that you've got.
You must remember that just because you get stabbed does not mean you are going to die. A friend of mine knew someone that was stabbed several times and he survived (took them down too) on the other hand a person can get stabbed once and die.
If you are going to attack I think that the best places to attack are soft spots such as the eyes and joints. A person can not stab you if they can not stand or see.Kicking a knife out of someones hand is not always good,I knew a person that said that and ended up with a blade stabing through his leg.
Another important thing is to never let them see that your are scared because as soon as you do they have gained the upper hand, you can lose 50% of you energies just out of fear.
If death is path then you are better of taking them down with you.
You can not decide when you will die, you can make the decision how you die.

[Twimyo Jirugi]

I'd risk it and send my forefingers into his eyes as fast as possible while moving in with a knee the crotch and my hand going for his wrist. Maybe add in a rising elbow strike to his chin. Step out and twist his knife arm. But, it's highly unlikely that a plan like this would work. But, hey, just gotta train harder and practise striking the 'ol punching bag faster. But there's something my instructer says from time to time, that I take to heart "Always have a lifesaver" by this, he means effective technique, one that you're comfortable with. For me, it's side piercing kick aimed at the head. Also, for close quarters, I have the rising/vertical elbow strike, can never be too careful :D

[TigerAn1]

Throw some cash one way, run like hell the other way. Which way will the "goof" probably go?


http://defence4u.com/index.html

[Sandy]

Cresent kicks for knife defenses make the baby Jesus cry ... And if you are going to try this at the school, give your friend a marker, instead of a kinfe, put on some safety glasses, and have the person try to stab and slash you with all they have. It's a marker, you'll be fine. But you're going to find out quick how rediculous this is. And guess what, there's going to be little or no adrenaline going through your system at that point. Just wait until you're surprised and see what happens.


I agree with Matt about avoiding kicks to disarm. However, I used to train a lot in knife defence with the old marker pen and white T-shirt stuff. Yes, you do get 'marker pen stabbed' a lot at first, but it does eventually become possible to get skilled at disarms. So ... if you get skilled at knife disarms, why hesitate about using them? Is it solely the high risk if it goes wrong? What do you think? What do all the ju jitsu and other folks think who train in disarms regularly?

Personally, I don't know what I would do. Hopefully, I'll never be faced by a knife in the first place! I've been faced by weapons twice in the past. Once involved some guys with bottles and an unavoidable fight (I got injured but fought them off). The other involved a syringe filled with blood ... and I let the junkie have the pound coin rather than fight.

[SoKKlab]

So ... if you get skilled at knife disarms, why hesitate about using them? Is it solely the high risk if it goes wrong? What do you think? What do all the ju jitsu and other folks think who train in disarms regularly?
Most Knife disarms in pretty much everything I've seen to date, are Optimistic in the extreme. But then you've got to be either in a totally Desperate situation and/or an out and out Optimist to even consider attempting to disarm a Knife-Wielding Assailant anyways...Train for them is one thing, actually doing it for real is another.

Have been looking into various Filipino systems and will look into the much touted S.T.A.B system for perhaps a different scope on the whole affair.

[shotokanwarrior]

I'm definitely a person of principle - surrendering is anathema to me

[makato]

I take precautions i always carry *mugging money* for example 5 quid in my front pocket and then my wallet in my back pocket or in my coat etc. does anyone else do this or am i just paranoid

[shotokanwarrior]

I take precautions i always carry *mugging money* for example 5 quid in my front pocket and then my wallet in my back pocket or in my coat etc. does anyone else do this or am i just paranoid
I don't carry money to give muggers, but I always wear flat shoes (so I can run and/or fight) and 'utilitarian' clothes - nothing like a long skirt or extremely tight pants which would restrict movement.

So no - I don't think you are paranoid.

This is off topic, but the syllable 'oid' in 'paranoid' is a morpheme. Does the 'paran' part mean anything on its own?

[Zerocool]

I am some what amazed over many of the reactions I have had do to my training.
I could only hope that I could remain calm enough to cooperate with my assailant. I dread that a rush of fear, adrenaline, and practice come together at the wrong moment and someone gets seriously injured, either myself or the attacker.
We train for ourselves, out of enjoyment, physical fitness, or to better ourselves both mentally and physically. I feel just as much sorrow for the person who attacks a practitioner as I do for the artest.

[ninjas-r-us]

well first i waould try to give the guy some cash and if the dude whants more. give it its not worth getting stabbed (unless ou have the winning lato ticket) But if the trys to attack you and you manage to get him on the ground STOMP HiM tiLL HE DOSNT MOVE! if he gets back up after you kicked him a few times he will be pissed off. If you can stomp him to death or KO thats good.....then rob his ass and see how he likes it.

[Bouk Teef]

i never said it was to kick the knife out, it was meant as a way to hit the other man. if he was inexperienced, and he was slashing away from your leg, then it may work. i'm not stupid enough to try to kick the knife out, i would try and hit something on their body hard enough to make them drop their guard, perhaps a crescent kick to the upper thigh or something.
If you do decide to fight back then kicking above the level of the knee would be very silly indeed. My advice would be try and talk your out/give money. Once you make the decision to attack then try and cover the major arteries (sp?) by not flailing with your arms and defineately no fancy kicks. Accept you are going to get cut and do your best to drop the opponent as fast and as hard as you can. Limit the damage done by his cuts to the outside of the arms by closing the distance between you and the opponent. Take a serious cut on the leg and you loose the ability walk/run/move efficiently.
Thankfully I have never faced a knife weilding attacker (touch wood) but I am well aware that making the decision to attack (rather than being forced to defend) may be the hardest decision I ever have to make. If the situation arises then do what you can to survive. At the end of the day thats whats its all about. Just hope the attacker isn't trained in using a knife!!

[Sandy]

I am well aware that making the decision to attack (rather than being forced to defend) may be the hardest decision I ever have to make.

Ah, but you need to have made the decision beforehand about what you would do in that situation. If you have to decide when the situation actually arises, then you are unlikely to decide quickly enough to have time to act.

SoKKlab, how did you find the Filipino systems for knife defence? Any luck with STAB? I'd be interested to know where it's taught in the UK.

[Sobukwe-Biko]

If there is any doubt as to how messy a knife fight is, get some of your friends together, put on white shirts, grab some big red magic markers and have fun, you will all walk away "Dead". I dont care how badass you think your Kicks, disarms etc are, you're gunna get cut. So the anwser is Give him the Money and run. Unless they tell you to get in the car, or the ally or trunk, B/C all those instances cause death for the victim in most cases in the end. For me unless They are threating my Sisters moms or aunt, I'm going to RUN, no need to prove my skill. Boys in Oakland will hold you up with a gun, but guns are are actully easiar to disarm, so I'm good but I heard all them Thugs in the UK carry Shanks. Correct?

[Bouk Teef]

Ah, but you need to have made the decision beforehand about what you would do in that situation. If you have to decide when the situation actually arises, then you are unlikely to decide quickly enough to have time to act.

Not true (IMO). Nobody knows how they will react until they are in that situation. You may fight back; you may curl up into a ball and accept your fate. It doesn't matter whether you would "like" to think you would fight back. Until the situation is presented to you, any decisions you make beforehand are completely meaningless.

[Talyn]

Shoot him, if he has a knife, I have a gun. If he has a gun, I have a bigger gun :D

Seriously though, try to run first off, and get any friends or other civilians nearby to run as well. Failing that I would give them what they wanted. If they continued to threaten me I would attempt to disarm them and throw the knife away. If I was then uninjured I would proceed to give him one swift strike (either to the face or the groin, depending on how nice I'm feeling). My first concern is my safe and the safety of my friends, then comes the safety of other people, and finally justice. Nowhere in there would I include attemping to show off by disarming them with some flashy technique.

[shotokanwarrior]

I don't advocate fighting back because it is 'badass', I advocate it because I believe it's better to die severely lacerated knowing you are a fearless warrior than be safe knowing you are someone who runs away.

[Bouk Teef]

I don't advocate fighting back because it is 'badass', I advocate it because I believe it's better to die severely lacerated knowing you are a fearless warrior than be safe knowing you are someone who runs away.
But isn't that your ego / bravado talking. What good is being fearless / a coward / rich / poor / great fighter / poor fighter if you are dead? Knowing when to run is a healthy survival tool.
Analogy time:
1. I think we would all agree that a lion is a fearsome animal. Not to be messed with. Does a lion fight every animal it comes up during it's travels. Off course it doesn't. It picks its fights. If it is out numbered / out muscled it runs. Is this cowardly or sensible. After all, we still consider it the king of the jungle.
2. You are an army general. You have 1000 men with pistols. The enemy have 2000 men with rifles. Do you attack them directly? Probably not, you and your men would be slaughter. What good would that do? Instead you retreat until you are in a position to fight and have a chance of winning.
3. You are on walking down the street and get involved in a conflict. You are on your own; you have fists. The enemy are two in number and have knifes. Do you stand fight or attempt to run?
Fighting (defending yourself) is not about being a hero. It is about survival and strategy. I would much rather look like a "coward" and run (therefore survive) than be dead.

[NeonxBurst]

Here's what I'd do:
1) wish I was old enough to carry a pistol
2) wish I was in a state that allowed me to carry a pistol.

Course then there's always the idea of looking for a cop while they're mugging you, but then you realize it's only 9:00 AM and they're still on doughnut and coffee break... Oh isn't the law so useful?

[Matt_Bernius]

I don't advocate fighting back because it is 'badass', I advocate it because I believe it's better to die severely lacerated knowing you are a fearless warrior than be safe knowing you are someone who runs away.I'm sure Custer felt the same way.

[Matt_Bernius]

Here's what I'd do:
1) wish I was old enough to carry a pistol
2) wish I was in a state that allowed me to carry a pistol.
Ahh the assumption that a gun is a panacea. The problem is that gun is holstered, and we'll assume it's some place concealed. And that means that you need to draw it, release the saftey (unless you're craze enough to carry it with the safety disengage), aim and fire (all of the above under duress) while the person has a knife out in front of you. How do you like being a pin cushion?

There are a number of reasons why police can shoot a person weilding a knife at 10 yards. Because it's very easy for that person to close those ten yards and start slashing before the cop can drawn and discharge their weapon.

Guns are a BAD self defense weapon at close ranges. And I've talked with different police officers and trainers who have stated this over and over.

- Matt

[Hidden_Dragon]

What i would do, being a dragon


1)If i was cornered, and the attacker was going to attack me, My sixth martial arts sense would come into play and tell me this. I would then pretend to be scared and helpless putting my wallet and phone or w.e. onto the floor infront of me . And saying take it please dont hurt me repeatedly and when they go to pick it up ( this is a good idea and my friend did the same and it worked for him) KICK HIM or KNEE him in the face as hard as you can so they are knocked out you. If you don't knock them out your pretty much screwed.

2) Look for a wall, Point Wrist , Flick middle finders down , WEB ON TO the wall and get out of there.

3) RUN LIKE A MO FO Whos on fire

[kiaiki]

Glad to see everyone in this thread is so experienced in street defence that they won't be shaking with fear. I assume everyone who has said they will win must train in a martial art that teaches unarmed defence against random attacks with live (sharp) steel blades. No? Then don't be so cocky. Put 10 years of live weapons training behind you and then you might get away with being cut rather than killed. Anyone who thinks otherwise needs to get familiar with a few stabbing and slashing lessons!

[shotokanwarrior]

But isn't that your ego / bravado talking.
Actually no, I should have made my meaning clearer. I don't care what others think of me, it's proving myself to MYSELF that I care about.

[teacher]

Shotokanwarrior sorry you feel you need to prove it to yourself but I feel you may be making a mistake.
If you are overmatched and can avoid the fight then avoid the fight.
I've payed with weapons a fair bit. After a while I got to thinking I was pretty good. Then I played a little more realistically and I learned how big a leap it is from cooperative training to real life risk.
I'm not saying this to put you down in any way. I've seen enough of your posts to repect your strenght of character and independence.

You seem to suggest it would damage you mentally to run from a fight.
That's not always a fatal injury.

[Uriel]

I'd kick his arse :woo: :woo: :D :woo: :woo: .... he he he, or give him my stuff, then chase him down & stab the F**ker! lol we do alot of these scenarios in my "self-defence" (cough Mauy Thai cough) class. But no amount of training or practice can prepare yo for the moment

[Uriel]

What i would do, being a dragon


1)If i was cornered, and the attacker was going to attack me, My sixth martial arts sense would come into play and tell me this. I would then pretend to be scared and helpless putting my wallet and phone or w.e. onto the floor infront of me . And saying take it please dont hurt me repeatedly and when they go to pick it up ( this is a good idea and my friend did the same and it worked for him) KICK HIM or KNEE him in the face as hard as you can so they are knocked out you. If you don't knock them out your pretty much screwed.

2) Look for a wall, Point Wrist , Flick middle finders down , WEB ON TO the wall and get out of there.

3) RUN LIKE A MO FO Whos on fire

I like this idea

[Fallacio]

Those who break before bending are not strong or noble, they're just brittle.

I agree with everything Matt Bernius has said in this thread.

Anyone here ever had to deal with mental patients? People that have become somewhat unhinged? You learn a certain way to deal with them: composed and in control, but visibly taking them seriously. It's one of the most important factors of defusing any potentially dangerous situation.

A human being is not just going to walk around stabbing people for fun. By the time a person is at the point where they're ready to go start attacking people, they're not in their normal state of mind. They're psyched up, and you want them psyched -down-. If you don't give him any reason to attack, the chance that he will begins to decrease pretty drastically. Give him the *darn* money. He wouldn't be rattling bladed weaponry at you if he didn't need money, and you wouldn't feel half as bad if someone politely asked you for it. If he just came up looking pathetic, you might even feel sorry for him. But someone in an equally *rootin'-tootin' unhappy* state evokes a completely different reaction.

It seems like some of the posts in this thread have been concerned about ego more than anything else. Seems like a couple people are more concerned about feeling dominated by another human being than their own health. That's a personal issue. You can remain "on top" while complying.

Good points have been made though: stay with people, be aware, etc. The best way to survive a knife attack is not to be attacked with a knife.

I'd do everything I just said, personally. I'd take out my wallet, ask if he wants my wallet or just the money. If I didn't have any money I'd offer to go the ATM. Ask him how much he needs. Take control, but never make it a challenge for dominance. Keep your crescent kicks in the closet and use your mind. I thought a lot of martial artists were supposed to philosophical, merciful and compassionate types. Or does that go out the window when you feel unsafe?

Edit: Hunter S Thompson made a point of stating that you can turn your back on a person, but never on a drug. If he's REALLY amped up and ready to go, just give him the wallet, say nothing, and move on as quickly as possible. Sometimes it's best just to cut all losses.

Pun intended.

[Nevada_MO_Guy]

If this technique was good enough for this former world champion black belt....well....

http://www.martialartsplanet.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18601

[shotokanwarrior]

But someone in an equally ****** state evokes a completely different reaction.

Are we finally allowed to swear on this forum? If we are, I'm having a party to celebrate.

[teacher]

No I dont think so. Busy morning I guess it got slipped you could call a MOD if you want.

[shotokanwarrior]

No way - I would never betray anyone.

[Fallacio]

Here, I'll edit it. Guess I'm just used to not censoring my hot, controversial and steamingly outrageous diatribes.

[Eddy67]

I'd run like hell!

[pchurcher87]

always try to run becauses its the best self defence, maby meaning nockin them over first. but only fight if u have to, its better to loose all you own if u keep your life.if u have to remember vital parts eg, keep unger side of wrists away due to vital vessals

[shotokanwarrior]

Give him the *darn* money. He wouldn't be rattling bladed weaponry at you if he didn't need money, and you wouldn't feel half as bad if someone politely asked you for it. If he just came up looking pathetic, you might even feel sorry for him.

You're saying a victim should hand over the money out of pity for the attacker? Dude, he's pulling a goddamned blade on you!!!!!

[Alexander]

I would pity an attacker but if I was threatened I'd start to hand over my wallet, as he took it, I'd let go of the wallet, grab his wrist which held the blade and then do one of three things (placed in order of personal preferance):
1) Punch him in the throat/Drive my thumb into his throat.
2) Front Kick up into his groin.
3) Break his arm.

Then I would pick up my wallet, and then run like hell.

[Ling Kuo]

"A shower never stabs and a stabber never shows".
A good rule but not infallible. A shower wants to intimidate you to do what they want. If you dont they will often use it. Often a slashing attack to cut you. Even sometimes after you have done what they wanted they will want to cut you to intimidate you.
This is from the streets of Glasgow that have a reputation for violence.
Too many of the kids I know have been slashed or stabbed to treat this lightly. Too many of the lowlifes want a violent reputation.
If they have a knife and ask for something you can give and walk away without then give it. I will not risk my life for the change in my pocket but I should be aware that if they have a knife I will get cut.Yep. Glasgows not as safe as is made out to be. There are knife-weilding maniacs around every corner. All I can do is either walk in a group or cycle so they can't chase me. (Come to think of it I could just kick them away if I was on a bike):D

[kiaiki]

Every man has two vital organs that he can't toughen and may forget to protect. Even a light tap will disable him. Yes, of course, I mean his EYES. Go for them, then run......

[snailfist]

I'd hand over the wallet.
If i'm carrying large amounts of cash i never keep more than a tenner in my wallet anyway for that very reason- if mugged I just hand it over, lose £10 rather than my life, and walk off with whatever else I have in my inside zip pocket. :cool:

[qbushido]

Every man has two vital organs that he can't toughen and may forget to protect. Even a light tap will disable him. Yes, of course, I mean his EYES. Go for them, then run......


but......


you brian is wired to protect your head and moreso your eyes more then anything else. also, the eyes are small targets.

[Havoc]

Getting hit in the eye..no matter how hard always throws me. My eye starts to water and I lose balance... I hate it! lol
I dont think I would lunge in for the eyes against a knife though. Probably use kicks to keep them at bay.

[Matt_Bernius]

but......

you brian is wired to protect your head and moreso your eyes more then anything else. also, the eyes are small targets.I think that was supposed to be "brain", unless you have a body guard named Brian. More importantly, in order to reach the eyes you need to extend past the knife. Depending how far it is held from the body and how fast you are able to move they can stab you as fast as you can go for the eyes. My point is that in that defense, you are doing nothing to move off the line of the weapon.

- Matt

[Gyaku]

think that was supposed to be "brain", unless you have a body guard named Brian. More importantly, in order to reach the eyes you need to extend past the knife. Depending how far it is held from the body and how fast you are able to move they can stab you as fast as you can go for the eyes. My point is that in that defense, you are doing nothing to move off the line of the weapon.

- Matt

Hmm, I'm going to try some of this out. I'll have my class attempt an eye attack in response to the knife, I'll see how difficult it is. Any partculars as to whether some kind of control is applied before an eye attack, or are you saying 'go straight in'?

[SpeedDemon28]

Run, find something heavy, and throw it at his face. :D :D :D :woo:

[Cudgel]

the nose is always good too. but htere is still that piece of shapr pointy metal to contend with.

[OBCT]

I've worked before in a job where shoplifters have threatened me with a knife, not the same as being mugged i know, but still, it is a scary thing. I know that through those experiences that dispite my training i wouldn't attempt to disarm them, they are usually a lot more unpredictible in personality/state of mind and in their movements, realistically i would spit toward their face (natural reaction to anything coming at the face is to cover it) and use that split second to run, besides you're probably pumping a lot more adrenaline than they are, and they don't want to be caught, so as soon as you're near other people you'd be relatively safer.

[eonwei]

If someone attempted to mug me armed with a weapon, i would look at the situation in a few different ways. If the person was a huge big guy, i might surrender my wallet, if it was a little guy, i would attempt to disarm him and run.

[Aldarion]

If someone attempted to mug me armed with a weapon, i would look at the situation in a few different ways. If the person was a huge big guy, i might surrender my wallet, if it was a little guy, i would attempt to disarm him and run.

I think you would run either way. haha just kidding. But not really.. but seriously, i got 'em

[eonwei]

I think you would run either way. haha just kidding. But not really.. but seriously, i got 'em
i think most people would run haha. your right i probably would.

[ANVIL]

i've been in the unfortunate situation of having a knife pulled on me on two seperate occasions, once in my mid teens and once in my late teens. on the first occassion, i encountered some older boys from a rival school who as i remember it, tried to unsettle me verbally - as soon as one pulled a knife i ran faster than i imagined i could ever run (amazing what adrenalin can do) and i didn't look round. in all honesty i think they were just trying to frighten me, and they succeeded.

the second occassion was actually on the top floor of a double decker bus! on my way to college i got caught up in a fight between some school kids and some 1st year students at the college i was attending. being at the back of the bus, i had to make my way through them, which i managed without taking too many blows, but as i got to the steps someone flashed a stanley knife at me. again i was less than composed (ok, i panicked) and i threw a punch. it created just enough time/space for me to able to almost literally throw myself down the stairs, and i was away. i think i caught my attacker by surprise, but my success (if you can call it that) was certainly more luck than judgement. it's difficult to go from being switched off to having a knife pulled on you - my reactions were spontaneous and i wasn't all that in to ma at the time, but if it happened again, even with ma training, i'm not sure i'd be any different!

[shotokanwarrior]

My older sister, grandmother and niece came over to Ireland to visit last week. My niece is a mischievous, Minnie the Minx type of person (she is aged 8) and enjoys causing feelings of revulsion. She loves scatological humour and during one conversation declared that she could pass wind at will.' She actually can - she had us all laughing about it. I reckon if someone with a knife attempted to mug her she would turn around and do a superhumanly noxious fart in their direction :D :D :D .

[Mike Harris]

What price for your life, if any would be attacker only wanted material goods from you is it really worth risking everything you hold so dear, i.e. family, friends etc.
Pride can be a terrible thing, i'd rather have mine dented in the short term and live another day

[shotokanwarrior]

Who says it's definite that you're going to die?

[shotokanwarrior]

Hey there guys,
not sure about using that Mikazuki geri actually. I have been doing a load of agility/evasion exercises lately and I think it would be better to do what Matt Bernius advocates and move off the line of the weapon. I'm not forming a premeditated plan of action or anything, but I'd like to dodge to one side, seize the knife hand, manipulate into a straight elbow lock then kick him in the face.

*sits back and waits to be told 'You're mad'*

[kcatcher]

Sorry, haven't read all the replies so I might be repeating someone.

The risks of being stabbed after giving over a wallet are quite high too apparently. It's a judgement call and if I did have to try to take him out, I'd sooner take the initiative than wait for the attack.

I'd hope to do a pre-emptive counter -not a strike in this case but some sort of clinch to control the knife arm (by the elbow). I'd hopefully have the presence of mind to engage his brain first -like asking him an irrelevant question so as to catch him off-guard. Then clash, clinch and bite his ear/nose off. Take him down for knee-head pin and dissarm. Then do him a bit more damage (head to pavement grind etc) so that he can't chase me and be off.

Sounds cocky but that's all just me being optomistic. Hope that it never happens to any of us.

[shotokanwarrior]

The risks of being stabbed after giving over a wallet are quite high too apparently.

That's the logical thing to do - why leave someone alive who could get you thrown in jail?

Hey, all you people who believe in handing over possessions rather than fighting. You're wasting your time. Take them out!!!!!!!

[kcatcher]

That's the logical thing to do - why leave someone alive who could get you thrown in jail?I don't think that logic and morality are high on the mugger's agenda. I'm merely quoting people who quote crime studies.

If I thought that handing stuff over would help then cool. But it's a gamble. Same with running away -can you out-run them and if they chase you, will you be fit enough to fight after a run (remember the difference adrenaline will make, your legs will probably feel like lead after 50 meters).

[Judderman]

shotokanwarrior Killing someone does not preclude going to jail. Nor is it as easy a task as you think. Thinking such is nieve in the extreme.

kcatcher I'm unsure of where you get your statistics from, however it is a risk. I have found no statistics that allude to why homocide is committed during a robbery, especially after the event, but one possibility is the mixture of nerves and victim reaction. The attacker becomes impatient or too nervous and decides that the victim would be more compliant if they were dead or seriously injured.

One must look at the mentality of a criminal who commits robbery. Essentially they are interested in your property, not you. They are lazy, so they want to get it with the least amount of risk to themselves as possible. They also want it done as quickly as possible, not only so they can move onto the next victim (robbery doesn't pay as well as other crimes), but they definately don't want to get caught.

Fighting as a matter of course is a dangerous judgement call. In some occasions it might work, given that usually the production of a weapon is used as a shield to psychologically over power the victim. As I've said, no criminal wants to be caught, so by you threatening this by fighting with them can turn them very desperate. One should also look at the different methods employed by street robbers. These tend to differ dependant on the level of risk. Not all of them will walk upto you and shove a weapon in your face and demand your wallet.

If I thought I had no other option then I would probably fight. Other than that, if I can't talk my way out, then my life is not worth the contents of my wallet.

[kcatcher]

Good points mate.

I would expect, based on anecdotal evidence alone, that most muggings are likely to be 2 against 1. Even if it's only one person who challenges you, look around for the others (Adrenaline induced tunnel vision will affect your peripheral vision).

I'm pretty sure that I was approached to be mugged by two guys in a deserted street a few years back -the whole sett-up they used was 'classic'. But I (instinctively, only since heard actual methods) employed 'hard targetting' -returning their 'inocent' request for the time with hostility.... and they didn't draw anything, just left shouting racist abuse.

I've voted going for a 'disarm' but there are massive and complex qualifiers here.