3 Defense Tips Against a Knife Attack
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Defence Against Knife SlashยทKevin Goat Self Defense
Self Defense with Kevin Goat - Sifu Kevin Goat will teach you real world self defence training and techniques using his โฆ
Translation: defence against knife slash
Range & classification
Category
Strike & defenceLocksClose rangeFighting multiple people
Distance
CloseMiddleLong
Overview
History & Origin
Effectiveness
Developed from real military and security experience; continuously refined based on actual incident reports. [1]
Lineage
Imi Lichtenfeld โ Krav Maga worldwide; Lichtenstein 9th Dan lineage. [1]
Competition Record
Self-defence system โ not used in sport competition
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action โ Defence Against Knife Slash-specific defensive mechanics
Simultaneous defence and counter-attack
Position & Entry
From natural stance โ Respond with defence against knife slash
Variants
Against right-handed attacker
Against left-handed attacker
Multiple attackers
Videos
how to defend against a knife slash...
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Defence Against Knife SlashยทThe Makeshift Dojo - Sensei Canon
Krav Maga Knife Slash to the Face Defence Tutorial
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Defence Against Knife SlashยทStuart Tomlinson
Tom Griffin, head instructor at Eastburn Krav Maga is here filmed by the Warrior Collective giving variations on knife dโฆ
Defense against a knife attack. #lasvegascombatacademy ense
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Defence Against Knife SlashยทCoach Britt - Las Vegas Combat Academy
Basic Knife Fighting Techniques - Self Defense Training
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Defence Against Knife SlashยทKali Center
Get the NEW Kali Apex training course here: https://www.kaliapex.com/ For 1 on 1 Kali Coaching go here: https://www.patโฆ
Best Knife Attack Defence Technique #selfdefensetechniques #kravmaga -#taekwondo #kungfu
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Defence Against Knife SlashยทPak Tigers Official
Best Knife Attack Defence Technique #selfdefensetechniques #kravmaga -#taekwondo #kungfu Martial arts are defence for bโฆ
Knife Slash Attack Self Defense
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Defence Against Knife SlashยทKevin Goat Self Defense
When Defending against an attacker with knife, protection is critical. This simple move can protect your vital organs anโฆ
Defense against knife - backhand knife slash
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Defence Against Knife SlashยทEndeavor Defense & Fitness
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8 videosWhat Instructors Say
Defence against knife slash emphasizes a hierarchical approach prioritizing avoidance before physical engagement. Kevin Goat Self Defense stresses the fundamental principle of escape when possible, and if trapped, establishing control via two-on-one grip techniques (catching and barring or double-catching) before attempting disarmament. The Makeshift DojoโSensei Canon addresses specific slash patterns, particularly to the neck, recommending an X-block followed by grabbing the attacker's arm, then breaking it using chest leverage, with options to control the weapon or force the attacker to self-inflict injury. Stuart Tomlinson (Warrior Collective) provides the most detailed tactical framework for face slashes: initial de-escalation through submissive body language and verbal negotiation, then upon attack, moving inside the weapon's arc while simultaneously blocking and striking the face. Control is achieved by grabbing the wrist and applying hand-to-neck pressure while kicking to the groin, creating a dominant clinch position from which multiple disabling techniques (knee strikes, continued groin kicks) can be applied before weapon removal. Tomlinson emphasizes post-disarmament safety: creating distance and avoiding re-weaponization. All instructors converge on weapon control as essential; disagreement centers on technique specificity, with Tomlinson offering the most comprehensive multi-step sequence while Goat and Canon emphasize foundational principles.
Synthesized from 4 instructors
- Kevin Goat Self Defense โ 3 Defense Tips Against a Knife Attack: Established foundational principles: escape priority, two-on-one grip control as prerequisite to disarmament, avoidance of simultaneous striking without guaranteed control.
- Pak Tigers Official โ Best Knife Attack Defence Technique #selfdefensetechniques #kravmaga -#taekwondo #kungfu: Minimal substantive content in transcript; repeated phrases without technical instruction.
- The Makeshift Dojo - Sensei Canon โ how to defend against a knife slash...: Detailed defence against neck slash: X-block, grab, arm-break via chest leverage, weapon control options including forced self-injury or wrist break.
- Stuart Tomlinson (Warrior Collective) โ Krav Maga Knife Slash to the Face Defence Tutorial: Comprehensive multi-phase response: de-escalation tactics, inside-the-arc entry with block-punch, wrist-and-neck clinch control, groin-kick softening, deliberate weapon removal mechanics, post-disarmament distance management.
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
3
Moderate3/10
Defensive technique
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
โ Unified MMA โ Legal defensive technique
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDFโ IBJJF โ Legal
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDFโ IJF โ Legal defensive action
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDFWBC/Boxing โ Legal {srcโ WBC Rules of Boxing}
โ WKF โ Legal
WKF Competition Rules 2024PDFโ WT โ Legal
WT Competition Rules 2024PDFTraining Notes
โPractise with progressive resistance (Lichtenstein, 2007)
โAlways train counter-attacks simultaneously
โStress inoculation training is essential
Common Mistakes
!Freezing instead of acting
!Insufficient aggression in counter-attacks
!Poor footwork
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Threat detected โ Defence Against Knife Slash โ Counter-attack โ Disengage or control
Sources & References
Primary Source
The Book of Krav-Maga: The Bible (Lichtenstein, 2007)
1Book[1] Lichtenstein, Y.A. (2007). The Book of Krav-Maga: The Bible. ISBN 978-85-907111-0-0.
description, historyOrigin: sourced from Lichtenstein, Y
2Citation[1] Lichtenstein, Y.A. (2007). The Book of Krav-Maga: The Bible. ISBN 978-85-907111-0-0.
description, historyOrigin: sourced from Lichtenstein, Y
Community
Athletics
Quick reactions
Aggression
Awareness
Notes
Knife slash defense appears in 4 passages across 3 books. Krav Maga's knife defense principle: redirect the weapon hand, control the wrist, deliver debilitating counter-strikes, then disarm. Against slashes, the defender must stay outside the arc of the blade. (3 books; Complete Krav Maga)
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do with my hands to defend against a knife slash to the face?
According to Stuart Tomlinson, put your hands up in a submissive posture and block the attack as it comes in, then use multiple strikes ("bam, bam, bam") to create distance from the attacker.
How do I protect my vital areas when facing a knife slash?
Kevin Goat Self Defense recommends using your wrist to protect your neck and your forearm to protect your vital organs while the attacker is slashing.
What should I do after I gain control of the knife?
Stuart Tomlinson advises getting distance between yourself and the attacker; if you don't have to use the weapon, it's better to disarm and move away rather than engage further.
Can I use an X block to defend against a knife slash?
The Makeshift Dojo's Sensei Canon teaches using an X block followed by grabbing the attacker's arm, then breaking it by leaning in with your chest.
How does the Defence Against Knife Slash work?
The Defence Against Knife Slash uses a two-handed forearm block to intercept the slashing arm while immediately moving to control the weapon hand.
Where does the Defence Against Knife Slash come from?
Krav Maga was developed by Imi Lichtenfeld for the Israeli Defence Forces and refined for civilian self-defence. Defence Against Knife Slash addresses real-world attack scenarios.
Is the Defence Against Knife Slash legal in competition?
Unified MMA: legal โ Legal defensive technique; IBJJF: legal โ Legal; IJF: legal โ Legal defensive action; WBC/Boxing: legal โ Legal; WKF: legal โ Legal; WT: legal โ Legal
How dangerous is the Defence Against Knife Slash?
Danger rating 3/10. Defensive technique
How do I set up the Defence Against Knife Slash?
The standard setup chain: Threat detected โ Defence Against Knife Slash โ Counter-attack โ Disengage or control.
How do I defend against the Defence Against Knife Slash?
Standard counters include: N/A โ these are defensive responses to attacks.
What are the variants of the Defence Against Knife Slash?
Common variants: Against right-handed attacker; Against left-handed attacker; Multiple attackers.
How effective is the Defence Against Knife Slash in competition?
Self-defence system โ not used in sport competition
What are common mistakes when doing the Defence Against Knife Slash?
Top errors to watch for: Freezing instead of acting / Insufficient aggression in counter-attacks / Poor footwork.
What are other names for the Defence Against Knife Slash?
The Defence Against Knife Slash is also known as Defence Against Knife Slash, Knife Slash Defence, Edged Weapon Block.