Knives

It is interesting that when something is brought into the light by some event you tend to perceive a lot of the same kind of thing. This week focus seems to be on knives. In a nutshell knives are second only to guns in avoidance, i.e. avoid any conflict where a gun or knife are involved. This is my first line of defense regarding these two dangerous weapons.

I was indirectly exposed to an incident that resulted in a death and trial for murder. My wife was a juror in a trial where a former lover got really pissed and attacked his lover with two knives that resulted in many slashes and stab wounds. This was so ferocious he actually broke off the first knife leaving the blade protruding from a wound to go to the kitchen for a larger sturdier knife to resume the attack. He was hell bent on killing this guy.

The coroner, forensic scientists and police all testified over three weeks as to the minutest details of this knifing with video's (oh how neat those video phones are), 911 recordings, witnesses and photo's at the scene and in the morgue. It was well documented and presented to the juror's.

Now, a lot of blogs are discussing knives and knife fighting. Why now after this indirect exposure, wife describes in detail all she witnessed, does it suddenly appear that everyone is discussing knives.

Don't really know the answer but it is like the first time I say a "Smart Car" where now they appear everywhere. I believe the only defense against a knife is to avoid any conflict. You never know if the guy or gal you are arguing with has a knife in their belt, back pocket, or even in the hand if your anger and adrenaline dump disallows your awareness of this guys hands. Too late.

I have no real experience with knives other than the bayonet in the Marines. That was simple and direct for those who would use it in a combat environment but often most Marines would never have to resort to a knife except for the special forces or Recon. In the martial arts nothing I was taught or trained was reality, all of it is "fiction" as Marc MacYoung has said in his knife video's and books. I recommend you really listen to his stuff, it could save your life.

Realistically, what are the chances you or anyone you know having an encounter with a knife or even a gun? Like fighting, most of us who train and practice this stuff in all likelihood will never, never encounter a fight let alone a knife fight but then again it depends on your lifestyle, your attitude, your mind-set and in some cases the work you do be it police, jail officer, fireman or EMT not to forget those who enter the military.

If your dojo teaches self defense for the gun and knife you really do need to find out the facts about such attacks especially the ones that would be instant, surprise and predatory in nature. You can avoid it all but if you don't does the training really have meaning and is it really going to be there for you when it hits you?

I am not advocating any one method but I do say you really should take it seriously as to knives and even guns. The tactics and strategies you use will really be a life and death decision in my perceptions. Don't assume just because I wear a black belt or have done martial arts since god was born, it is your life and not mine in the a real live knife attack - then it is too late.

Read also HERE and HERE.